Philanthropy - Sanford Burnham Prebys

Philanthropy

Through philanthropy, we translate science into health.

Our researchers, faculty and trainees rely on people like you, who believe that advanced science will lead to new frontiers of human well being. 

Nine out of every 10 dollars invested at Sanford Burnham Prebys goes directly to support research, from developing new technologies and inspiring innovative thought to continuing a legacy of expertise that leads to real-world cures and a healthier future for all.

With Sanford Burnham Prebys, a better world begins with you.


From our Board Chair

“The purpose of Medicine is to improve patients’ lives and well-being. As a physician, it  means using the most effective treatments and cures. Places like Sanford Burnham Prebys are where it begins, with brilliant scientists making foundational discoveries that translate into new drugs and therapies. Your investment drives that process. It’s an investment in change, hope, lives improved and saved and a healthier future for all of us.”

Donald Kearns profile photo
Donald Kearns, MD Sanford Burnham Prebys Board Chair
President Emeritus, Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego

You Can Help Fund the Next Breakthrough

Your contribution to this effort can be life-changing, moving forward our collective journey toward conquering diseases that touch everyone. The opportunities to forge a lasting impact are limitless, with giving options that will resonate with your personal passions and hope for a better tomorrow. Every gift is more than a donation; it invests in a healthier future.

Ways to Give

Charity Navigator logo - 4 star recognition

Charity Navigator analyzes nonprofit performance based on four key indicators, referred to as beacons. Currently, nonprofits can earn scores for the Impact & Results, Accountability & Finance, Culture & Community, and Leadership & Adaptability beacons. This rating designates the Alliance as an official “Give with Confidence” charity, indicating that our organization is using its donations effectively based on Charity Navigator’s criteria.

The Hearst Foundations seek research projects that address the most challenging health care problems. Executive Director Paul “Dino” Dinovitz shared, “We partner with leading institutions to support the work of researchers who pursue innovations to detect and eradicate disease earlier, faster and more efficiently.”

The Hearst Foundations awarded Sanford Burnham Prebys a grant to purchase equipment that will allow scientists like Sanju Sinha, Ph.D. to bolster next-generation translational research. Sinha, who is part of the Institute’s Cancer Molecular Therapeutics Program, uses and develops computational tools to analyze large quantities of biomedical data to identify the mechanisms of cancer initiation and potential therapeutic interventions. “We are developing tools that turn large amounts of disease data into large-scale insights into the disease,” explains Sinha.

Dinovitz went on to share that while the Foundations receive many requests for funding, the staff is diligent about selecting those visionary projects that can lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life for people today and for generations to come. 

Sinha has already made significant progress in this project, developing with colleagues an AI tool called “Deep Target” that determines how medicines interact with different parts of the cell, and can predict the likely efficacy of investigational drugs. Thanks to the generosity of the Hearst Foundations, he will have the computing power to significantly scale his project.


Contact Philanthropy

Sandy Liarakos, CFRE, CSPG
Vice President, Philanthropy
(858) 795-5035
sliarakos@sbpdiscovery.org

Janelle Nelson
Senior Major Gifts Officer, Special Initiatives
(858) 353-7600
jnelson@sbpdiscovery.org

Melissa R. Wells
Director, Philanthropy Operations
(858) 795-5108
mwells@sbpdiscovery.org

Monika Wert-Parkinson
Senior Officer, Stewardship and Donor Relations
(858) 795-5018
mwert@sbpdiscovery.org

Paulina Lee
Philanthropy Coordinator
(858) 795-5070
plee@sbpdiscovery.org