Discovery Society
Discovery Society is the Salk Institute’s premier loyalty program, celebrating individuals who support the power of science to transform our world. Members are essential partners in our mission to confront humanity’s greatest challenges—from cancer and Alzheimer’s disease to crop resilience and healthy aging. Through their generosity, Discovery Society members empower Salk’s world-renowned scientists to pursue bold ideas, accelerate discoveries, and inspire solutions that improve lives.
Giving Circles
Laureates Circle
Lifetime Giving to Any Fund
The Laureates Circle is the pinnacle of philanthropic leadership at Salk. These visionary donors share an unshakable belief in the potential of science to change the world and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
Jonas Salk Circle
Giving to Areas of Greatest Need
Named for our visionary founder, the Jonas Salk Circle recognizes transformational gifts that offer maximum impact through unrestricted giving. These investments drive innovation, equity, and institutional growth.
Chairman’s Circle
Annual Giving to Any Fund
Members of the Chairman’s Circle are generous leaders who fuel Salk’s pursuit of transformative science year after year. Their support builds a foundation for innovation and long-term impact.
Pioneer’s Circle
Annual Giving to Any Fund
The Pioneer’s Circle brings together forwardthinking supporters who help launch bold ideas and sustain groundbreaking science.
Ambassador’s Circle
Annual Giving to Any Fund
Members of the Ambassador’s Circle are vital advocates for Salk’s mission. Their annual contributions support critical research and demonstrate broad-based commitment to scientific discovery.
By joining the Discovery Society, you become part of a passionate community dedicated to advancing knowledge and making a lasting difference. Members may choose to support one or more of the following high-impact areas:
Areas of Greatest Need
Unrestricted support is one of the most powerful ways to fuel discovery. These funds allow Salk leadership to respond swiftly to emerging challenges, invest in high-potential opportunities, and provide essential resources that sustain a competitive research environment. From critical equipment and new technologies to gap funding between grants and seed support for transformative projects, flexible funding drives progress where and when it matters most.
Research
Supporting specific areas of research helps attract and retain top talent, foster collaboration across disciplines, and accelerate innovations that shape the future of science and medicine in cancer biology, healthy aging, neuroscience, and plant science.
Technology
Salk’s cutting-edge Scientific Core Facilities offer shared access to sophisticated instruments and expert staff in genomics, stem cells, imaging, and more. These resources ensure that every lab—no matter its discipline or size—can leverage world-class tools. Additionally, Salk is investing heavily in biocomputation technologies, including AI and machine learning, to empower data-driven discovery and unlock new dimensions of analysis.
Architecture
Designed by founder Jonas Salk and architectural icon Louis Kahn, the Salk Institute is a globally recognized masterpiece—a place where form inspires function. Gifts to this area preserve the Institute’s architectural legacy and support the enhancement of campus spaces to foster creativity, collaboration, and innovation.
Join the Discovery Society Today
Become part of an inspiring community dedicated to the power of science. Your support helps transform bold ideas into real-world solutions.