The Grossman Catalyst Fund will support a new catalyst grant program, a competitive seed funding program designed to advance cutting-edge science and technology projects and provide vital support for researchers at all career stages. The grant program is designed to advance innovative ideas and position them for additional federal or philanthropic funds. WHOI principal investigators, including both the scientific and technical staff, will be eligible to compete for Catalyst Grants.
“This extraordinary gift from the Grossman Family Foundation will drive discovery and empower WHOI to push the boundaries of ocean science,” said Peter de Menocal, President and Director of WHOI. “By supporting the early stages of scientific discovery and providing urgently needed resources to explore new ideas, the Grossman Catalyst Fund will enable our researchers to tackle some of the most pressing concerns affecting our oceans today and to do so in a way that helps WHOI build momentum and advance the institution’s long-term financial health.”
The Grossman Catalyst Grant Program will focus on science and engineering initiatives at WHOI that have strong prospects for future development and growth and demonstrate significant potential to attract additional funding from diverse sources. This may include support from philanthropic foundations, individual gifts, and federal agencies such as the National Science Foundation, NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the US Office of Naval Research, as well as opportunities for commercialization.
“We are thrilled to support WHOI in its mission to advance ocean science,” said Steven M. Grossman, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Grossman Family Foundation. “Our family is passionate about the ocean and the potential for innovation in oceanographic research to unlock new possibilities and new sources of support. We hope the Grossman Catalyst Fund will have a transformative impact on the field and at WHOI.”
To maximize the impact of the Fund, the Grossman Family Foundation has structured half their $10 million commitment gift as a challenge grant. The first $5 million of the gift will be paid over the first two years. The remaining $5 million will be paid as a dollar-for-dollar match as WHOI secures support for a companion fund sharing the same purpose. This will bring the endowment for the Catalyst Program to a total of $15 million once the challenge has been fully met, establishing an enduring legacy of discovery and innovation for generations to come.
