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About SFAz

Science Foundation Arizona (SFAz) was initiated in the spring of 2006 by the three statewide CEO groups: Flagstaff 40, Greater Phoenix Leadership, and Southern Arizona Leadership Council. This effort builds on the pioneering work done by the Flinn Foundation and their consultants, the Battelle Memorial Institute, in creating the Arizona Bioscience Roadmap.

SFAz was created as a 501(C)(3) non profit and is a unique public/private partnership. CEO groups will fund the first five years of operating costs. Public and philanthropic funds will be used for grants that are investments in Arizona's future.  These grants are intended to deepen scientific, engineering, and medical infrastructure that will result in transforming Arizona into a state that is even more innovative and enterprising.

SFAz will be governed by a 12-member Board of Directors consisting of accomplished and respected individuals across Arizona, along with highly talented R&D leaders from outside the state to ensure the perspective is essential to develop a more competitive knowledge driven society. The Board will set investment policy and performance expectations, and empower the President and CEO to operate the Foundation. Donald V. Budinger serves as Chairman of the Board, and William C. Harris, Ph.D., has been recruited as the President and CEO.

In June 2006, the Arizona Governor and State Legislature appropriated $35 million in HB2477 through the Department of Commerce and its Commerce and Economic Development Commission to invest in SFAz. SFAz will make grants in educational and strategic research opportunities that intend to create a competitive advantage for innovation and a knowledge driven society across Arizona. SFAz intends to encourage academic-industry strategic research partnerships in areas with greatest potential.

The goal is for Arizona to become the friendliest state for the development and utilization of knowledge. SFAz will focus primarily on use-inspired research and will be performance based.