Science Foundation Arizona (SFAz) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization initiated in 2006 by the Greater Phoenix Leadership Inc., Southern Arizona Leadership Council and the Flagstaff Forty.

The goal of SFAz is to build and strengthen scientific, engineering and medical research programs and infrastructure in areas of greatest strategic value to Arizona’s competitiveness in the global economy. SFAz is investing in partnerships between nonprofit research institutions and industry; other science, engineering and math programs; and in the education pipeline to help Arizona create a knowledge-driven economy.

In June 2006, the state appropriated the first $35 million through the Arizona 21st Century Competitive Initiative Fund, which was contracted in November 2006 to Science Foundation Arizona from the Arizona Department of Commerce. The 60 grants made through year-one, leveraged $43.8M. The executive leadership groups are funding operating costs for SFAz through 2012, enabling public and philanthropic funds to be directly applied to foundation initiatives.

For more information, visit sfaz.org.