© 2012 by Maxwell MacKenzie
Because of you, we are able to respond to emerging challenges, cultivate the next generation of leaders, and strengthen the scientific enterprise for the future. Thank you.
The generosity of supporters like you helps make the work of the National Academies possible.
The stories that follow highlight just a few of the ways philanthropic support translated into meaningful impact in 2025.
Read the Stories
By the Numbers
Your generosity in 2025 translated into measurable impact across the scientific and policy landscape.
2025 Stats
$71.7M Total raised from private philanthropic partners across the National Academies
2,361 Total individual donors
291 First-time donors
25% NAS members gave
24% NAE members gave
29% NAM members gave
$558,727 Amount raised from the 1,523 donors who contributed $1,000 or less
40 Congressional Briefings
151,231 National Academies’ Event Registrations
996,838 Publication Downloads
Meet our Donors
“He taught us to be bold, be generous, and let our knowledge serve something larger than ourselves.”
— Children of Dr. Philip Needleman
Philip & Sima Needleman
Dr. Philip Needleman was a pioneering scientist, mentor, and advocate whose career spanned leadership roles in academia, industry, and public science. In 2025, his family established the Philip and Sima Needleman Family Legacy Fund to support both the NAS Frontiers of Science program and a new initiative for rapid, expert response to urgent scientific challenges — carrying forward his passion for interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world impact.
“I truly believe in the power of education.”
— Dianne Chong (NAE '17)
Dianne Chong and David Squiers
A longtime supporter of NAE’s leadership in engineering education and workforce development, Dianne’s philanthropic support focuses on expanding access and opportunity across the engineering pipeline — from early exposure programs to networks that help emerging engineers thrive. Her dedication reflects a deep confidence in building the next generation of innovators.
“Strengthening trusted, evidence-driven organizations like the NAM is one of the most meaningful ways to contribute to society.”
— Peter Lee (NAM ’19)
Peter and Susan Lee
For Peter Lee (NAM ’19), innovation is not just about technological progress—it’s about possibility. As head of Microsoft Science, he works at the intersection of artificial intelligence and discovery, but his perspective is shaped just as much by collaboration and human insight as by data and systems. Together with his wife, Susan—an artist whose perspective emphasizes experience and storytelling—they believe innovation flourishes when disciplines come together.
Leadership, Legacy, and the Future
Strong institutions endure not because leadership remains constant, but because each generation of leaders builds upon the work of those who came before.
Across the National Academies, this moment reflects both transition and continuity. With the conclusion of NAE President John L. Anderson’s tenure in 2025, and as we prepare for the completion of NAS President Marcia McNutt’s and NAM President Victor J. Dzau’s terms in June 2026, the community is reflecting on years of leadership that strengthened the Academies and positioned them for the future.
At the NAE, Tsu-Jae Liu assumed the presidency in July 2025, beginning a new chapter focused on strengthening engineering leadership, advancing innovation, and expanding public understanding of the profession. Her leadership builds on the foundation established by her predecessor, John L. Anderson, who helped expand the Academy’s engagement with industry, academia, and policymakers while reinforcing engineering’s importance to society. In recognition of his lasting contributions, supporters came together to name a boardroom at the Arnold and Mable Beckman Center in his honor. The Beckman Center, long a hub for dialogue and discovery on the West Coast, reflects Anderson’s belief in the power of convening great minds to advance engineering and innovation.
Across the National Academies, similar efforts are taking shape to honor the leadership and lasting contributions of NAS President Marcia McNutt and NAM President Victor J. Dzau as their terms approach completion.
At the NAS, supporters are honoring Marcia McNutt’s decade of leadership through the Breaking Barriers Fund, which will sustain existing and new programs that strengthen the National Academies’ impact on the scientific community and forge new pathways for scientific innovation. This fund will also provide incoming leadership with flexible resources to support new and emerging priorities.
At the NAM, donors are recognizing Victor J. Dzau’s extraordinary leadership in health and medicine through the Victor J. Dzau Emerging Leaders in Health and Medicine Fund and the Victor J. Dzau Transformation Fund. These funds are designed to cultivate future leadership through the Emerging Leaders in Health and Medicine Program and ensure future NAM leadership can act decisively and without delay to emerging challenges.
Leadership evolves, but the mission endures
Together, these moments reflect a shared belief across the National Academies that leadership evolves, but the mission endures. Philanthropy plays a vital role in that continuity—ensuring that each generation of leaders has the resources, flexibility, and community support needed to advance science, engineering, and medicine in service of the public good.
Because of you, the National Academies continue to provide independent advice, cultivate new leaders, and strengthen the nation’s scientific future.
Your generosity fuels the work of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine—ensuring that the ideas, expertise, and leadership needed to address society’s most pressing challenges continue to grow and evolve
Together, we are not only building on a legacy of discovery and service, but we are also strengthening the foundation that will support the next generation of leaders and innovations.
Thank you for your partnership, your vision, and your belief in the mission.
Together, we are building what comes next.
