We pursue our mission through grantmaking and programs in four areas:
Bioscience

Building Arizona as a global center for research and commercialization in the biosciences.
Flinn Scholars

Providing world-class undergraduate education in partnership with Arizona’s public universities.
A privately-endowed philanthropic foundation benefiting Arizona.
The Flinn Foundation was established in 1965 by Dr. Robert S. and Irene P. Flinn. Its mission is to improve the quality of life in Arizona to benefit future generations.
To achieve this mission, the Foundation aims to: advance Arizona’s bioscience sector; enhance undergraduate education for high-achieving students at the state’s public universities; elevate the fiscal and creative capacity of the state’s arts and culture organizations; and strengthen civic life and state-level civic leadership in Arizona.
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Providing no-cost meeting space to Arizona nonprofits.
The Flinn Foundation Educational Conference Center features two meeting rooms available to nonprofit member organizations closely aligned with the Foundation’s specific areas of interest in the biosciences, health care, education, civic leadership, and the arts. More about the Conference Center
NEWS AND UPDATES

Bioscience
Application opens for $100,000 Flinn translational seed grants
The application for the 11th cohort of the Flinn Foundation Translational Seed Grants Program is now open. Arizona-based researchers can apply through Oct. 31 to compete for a $100,000 grant plus an opportunity for follow-on funding. The program seeks teams of Arizona scientists and clinicians pursuing innovative solutions to well-defined clinical needs. The 10 selected […]

Flinn Scholars
Flinn Scholarship opens 2026 application
The application is now open for the 2026 Flinn Scholarship, which will provide a full ride to an Arizona public university for about 20 Arizona students. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m., Monday, Oct. 20. Apply Arizona high-school seniors are eligible to apply for the merit-based scholarship, which is valued at more than $135,000. […]

Flinn Scholars
Alumni Voices: Arielle Silverman
I direct the research team at the American Foundation for the Blind, a national nonprofit working to create equal opportunities and expand possibilities for blind people like me. I get to lead a team of smart, motivated, mission-oriented researchers and student fellows, most of whom are also blind. Our research directly influences policies protecting the rights of blind and low-vision Americans and ensuring equal access to technology.

Flinn Scholars
Alumni Voices: Jonathan Gandomi
Until July 1, I was serving as a senior advisor for policy and acting chief of staff to the coordinator of Prosper Africa, a U.S. Presidential-level initiative to increase trade and investment between the United States and African countries. Since mid-2022 I have been based in South Africa.