The James S. McDonnell Foundation is a St. Louis, Missouri, based private philanthropic institution established in 1950 by aerospace pioneer James S. McDonnell to “improve the quality of life.” The foundation has contributed to this aim by supporting the generation of new knowledge through research and scholarship, and by encouraging knowledge-based solutions to important societal issues, especially in the St. Louis region. The Foundation has supported scholarly pursuits in fields such as human cognition and complex systems in years past.

JSMF is shifting its worldwide focus of research in behavioral and biomedical sciences to improve shared prosperity and quality of life in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area with contributions in economic development and mobility, life sciences, PK-12 STEM education, and workforce development. The foundation has a legacy of driving innovation through rigorous inquiry, data research, collaborative investment and thoughtful risk-taking. Building from this history, the foundation seeks to serve as a partner in the region to meaningfully build a more prosperous and equitable St. Louis and enhance the quality of life, especially for those facing the starkest disparities.