National Stem Cell Foundation

What National Stem Cell Foundation does

The National Stem Cell Foundation (NSCF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, that operates three interconnected programs: research funding, STEM education, and patient advocacy. The research program co-funds adult stem cell and regenerative medicine projects — including induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) therapies, myelin repair, Parkinson's neuron replacement, and orthopaedic regenerative repair — through partnerships with MD Anderson, Stanford, Harvard/McLean Hospital, Duke, Scripps, UCSF, Northwestern, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, the National MS Society, and the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation, among others. The education program, the National STEM Scholar Program, selects 10 middle school science teachers annually for advanced training at the Gatton Academy on Western Kentucky University's campus, supplemented by a free global STEM Scholar Library of curriculum launched in beta in October 2021. The advocacy program covers insurance copays and deductibles for children in rare disease clinical trials through the Pediatric Promise Fund at Duke, and supports bone marrow donor registration via Be The Match and the Sharing America's Marrow (S.A.M.) campaign.

The foundation's business model is donation-funded: it raises revenue from individual donors (one-time, recurring, planned giving, securities, donor-advised funds, charitable IRAs), corporate sponsorships (Samtec Cares, Caesars Foundation of Floyd County, Old National Bank Foundation), foundation grants, and — as of March 2025 — a $3.1M grant from NASA supporting microgravity research collaborations with Space Tango on the International Space Station. NSCF does not sell products or services; its operating cost base is small (1-10 employees), with Paula P. Grisanti, D.M.D. as CEO and founder, Bruce S. Wolff as Chairman, and a recently expanded executive team including CFO Heather Russell-Simmons (announced October 2025).

Name

National Stem Cell Foundation

Legal name

National Stem Cell Foundation

Website

https://nationalstemcellfoundation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The National Stem Cell Foundation is a Louisville-based 501(c)3 nonprofit that co-funds adult stem cell and regenerative medicine research with Tier-1 institutions, operates the National STEM Scholar Program training 10 middle school science teachers annually, and connects children with rare diseases to clinical trials via Duke's Pediatric Promise Fund.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Stem Cell Research Foundation

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Voluntary Health Organizations (813212), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Health & Medical Research Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Education Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAK), Disease-Specific Research & Support (e.g., Cancer, Diabetes, ALS) (BPAGACAA), STEM Research & Inquiry Programs (Research Mentorship, Science Fair Prep) (EDAMABAC), STEM, Digital Literacy & Maker Education Nonprofits (BPAGADAG)

Keywords

• Stem cell research funding
• Regenerative medicine grants
• STEM education programs
• Patient advocacy services
• Rare disease clinical trials

Headquarters

HQ city

Louisville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: The foundation receives gifts from individual donors who support the mission to fund adult stem cell research, invest in STEM education, and connect children in need to clinical trials for rare diseases. Multiple giving mechanisms are available including online donations, check/mail, recurring gifts, and tribute gifts.
2. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate entities can become sponsors of foundation programs and initiatives, providing financial support for research, education, and advocacy activities.
3. Foundation Grants: The foundation receives funding from other foundations and occasionally government grants to support research collaborations and education programs.
4. Planned Giving and Legacy Gifts: Donors can include the foundation in their estate planning through planned gifts and charitable bequests.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The National Stem Cell Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that operates three integrated program areas: (1) co-funding adult stem cell and regenerative medicine research and clinical trials in neurodegenerative disease, autoimmune disease, rare childhood disorders, and regenerative repair via partnerships with research institutions and peer foundations; (2) underwriting the National STEM Scholar Program, an annual professional development experience selecting 10 middle school science teachers for advanced training, Challenge Project support, and yearlong mentorship; and (3) connecting children with limited resources to rare-disease clinical trials through the NSCF Pediatric Promise Fund and advocating for bone marrow donor registration.

Product overview

The National Stem Cell Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that operates three interconnected programs: (1) National STEM Scholar Program - a professional development initiative for middle school science teachers featuring advanced STEM training, Challenge Project support, and the STEM Scholar Library of educational resources; (2) Stem Cell Research Funding - co-funding research and clinical trials in partnership with leading institutions for adult stem cell and regenerative medicine in areas including neurodegenerative disease, autoimmune disease, and rare childhood disorders; and (3) Pediatric Patient Advocacy - connecting children with limited resources to clinical trials and supporting bone marrow donor registration efforts.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• National STEM Scholar Program: Professional development program for middle school science teachers providing advanced STEM training, network building, and project support. Ten teachers selected annually based on proposed 'big idea' Challenge Projects.
• NSCF Pediatric Promise Fund
• Laura Frazier Research & Advocacy Fund
• Mary Nixon National STEM Scholar Program Speaker Series
• STEM Scholar Library

Products and services

• National STEM Scholar Program Annual professional development program for full-time middle school science teachers (grades 6–9) that provides advanced STEM training, national network building, support for teacher-designed 'big idea' Challenge Projects, yearlong mentorship, and recognition at NSTA National Conferences. Ten teachers are competitively selected each year through an application process (Nov–Feb, announced May) and attend a week of intensive training at The Gatton Academy on Western Kentucky University's campus, receiving a laptop/tablet, technology stipend, and continued program benefits.
• Stem Cell Research Funding Co-funding of adult stem cell and regenerative medicine research and clinical trials delivered through partnerships with foundations and research institutions. Funding targets neurodegenerative disease (Parkinson's, MS, ALS, demyelinating disorders), autoimmune disease, rare childhood disorders, and regenerative repair (rotator cuff, ligament, cartilage). Includes support for patient-specific iPS cell–derived therapies, microgravity research on the International Space Station, and 'mini' bone marrow transplant platforms.
• Pediatric Patient Advocacy (NSCF Pediatric Promise Fund) Patient advocacy program, executed primarily through the NSCF Pediatric Promise Fund at Duke University's Pediatric Transplant and Cellular Therapy (PTCT) program, that covers insurance copays and deductibles for children participating in clinical trials for rare diseases when out-of-pocket costs exceed a family's means. Connects children with limited resources to clinical trials for rare, disabling, and fatal diseases.
• STEM Scholar Library Online digital library of project-based science lessons and custom curriculum developed specifically for the National STEM Scholar Program and adapted for maximum impact in middle school classrooms. Available free of charge to parents, students, and teachers in traditional and virtual classrooms worldwide. Beta launch supported by Samtec Cares, Caesars Foundation of Floyd County, and Old National Bank Foundation.
• Bone Marrow Donor Advocacy Advocacy initiative to expand the national bone marrow donor registry and reduce barriers to life-saving bone marrow transplants, particularly for patients from ethnically diverse backgrounds who face critical donor shortages. Includes partnership-driven donor registration drives, online registration links, and co-funding of nationwide campaigns such as Sharing America's Marrow (S.A.M.) in collaboration with Be The Match and DKMS.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100 STEM Scholars trained representing middle schools in 37 states from 2017-2026
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• MD Anderson Cancer CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of the world's most respected cancer centers devoted exclusively to cancer treatment, research, education, and prevention. NSCF partnered with MD Anderson to fund a 12-person clinical trial conducted by Dr. Michelle Fanale to test a multi-drug therapy option for patients with resistant lymphoma.
• The Michael J. Fox FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA nonprofit foundation dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson's Disease. NSCF partnered with MJFF to fund pre-clinical development of a therapy to replace dopamine-producing neurons lost in Parkinson's disease, supporting work at Harvard Medical School/McLean Hospital.
• National Multiple Sclerosis SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA nonprofit foundation working to halt, restore function, and end MS forever. NSCF partnered with the society to support myelin repair research at Stanford University (Dr. Marius Wernig) and Uniformed Services University (Dr. Regina Armstrong).
• New York Stem Cell Foundation Research InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA nonprofit organization working to cure major diseases of our time through stem cell research. NSCF funds research by Dr. Valentina Fossati studying astrocyte manipulation to halt or prevent neurodegeneration in MS, Parkinson's, and ALS.
• Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImproving lives by supporting excellence in orthopaedic research. NSCF partnered with OREF to fund multiple research projects including rotator cuff repair at Hospital for Special Surgery, ligament repair at University of Wisconsin, and cartilage repair at UNC Chapel Hill.
• Space Tango and The Exomedicine InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOffering a full-service solution to microgravity research and design. NSCF partnered to coordinate launches of research collaborations to the International Space Station for Parkinson's and MS research using organoids derived from patient cells.
• Summit for Stem CellcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA nonprofit organization working to halt, reverse and cure Parkinson's Disease. NSCF partnered to support patient-specific stem cell therapy development at Scripps Research, directed by Dr. Jeanne Loring and Dr. Andrés Bratt-Leal.
• Duke University - Pediatric Transplant and Cellular Therapy (PTCT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA world leader in caring for children with blood and bone marrow diseases. NSCF established the Pediatric Promise Fund to cover insurance copays and deductibles for children participating in clinical trials for rare diseases when costs exceed family means.
• Jackson LaboratorycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEntered a five-year research partnership with GSK to study Alzheimer's disease using stem cells. Collaboration focuses on developing models to test therapies and advance drug development, and identifying patient groups that may benefit from such therapies.
• The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science at Western Kentucky UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKentucky's first state-supported, residential program for high school students with interests in advanced math and science careers. NSCF partnered with Gatton Academy in 2015 to develop and underwrite the National STEM Scholar Program. Gatton hosts the annual week-long scholar training on WKU's campus.
• Duke University (Research)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch collaboration to halt rare childhood disorders. NSCF funded a collaboration between the Institute for Cellular Therapeutics at University of Louisville and Dr. Joanne Kurtzberg at Duke to develop outpatient 'mini' bone marrow transplants for fatal inherited childhood disorders.
• Stanford UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNSCF supports Dr. Marius Wernig's lab at Stanford Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine. Research focuses on reprogramming patient skin cells into myelin-making brain cells to halt or reverse loss of function in MS and inherited demyelinating diseases.
• Harvard Medical School/McLean HospitalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNSCF and MJFF funded Dr. Penny Hallett and Dr. Ole Isacson at the Neuroregeneration Research Institute to develop patient-specific stem cell therapy for Parkinson's disease by replacing dopamine-producing neurons.
• University of Louisville - Institute for Cellular TherapeuticscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNSCF partnered with U.S. Department of Defense and supported Dr. Suzanne Ildstad's work on bone marrow transplantation without rejection, developing a 'mini' bone marrow transplant platform to treat autoimmune diseases and eliminate anti-rejection drugs for organ transplants.
• Northwestern UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNSCF partnered with U.S. Department of Defense to fund Dr. Joseph Leventhal's research using donor stem cells to eliminate the need for anti-rejection drugs following kidney transplantation.
• Scripps ResearchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNSCF partnered with Summit for Stem Cell to support Dr. Jeanne Loring and Dr. Andrés Bratt-Leal in developing patient-specific stem cell therapy for Parkinson's disease using patient's own skin cells to create dopamine-producing neurons.
• Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNSCF partnered with National MS Society to support Dr. Regina Armstrong's research finding ways to induce myelin repair using the 'Sonic Hedgehog' molecule to multiply myelin-making cells for MS treatment.
• Be The MatchcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPart of a global effort to add more potential bone marrow donors to registries so every patient in need can find a match. NSCF advocates for bone marrow registration through donor drives, online registration links, and information sharing.
• Sharing America's Marrow (S.A.M.)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNationwide campaign to substantially increase the number of potential donors on the bone marrow donor registry. NSCF co-funded the founders' journey to college campuses in all 50 states, registering over 24,000 new donors and finding over 500 patient matches.
• DKMSminorGTM or Marketing PartnerInternational bone marrow donor center that donated kits for the Sharing America's Marrow campaign, enabling donor registration drives across all 50 states.
• Hospital for Special SurgerycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNSCF partnered with OREF to support Dr. Christopher Mendias' Phase II clinical trial investigating stem cell-based therapies for rotator cuff repair using stromal vascular fraction cells from adipose tissue.
• University of California, San FranciscocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNSCF partnered with OREF to support Dr. Brian Feeley's research on rotator cuff treatment options using newly discovered muscle stem cell populations to improve clinical outcomes for debilitating shoulder injuries.
• University of Wisconsin-MadisoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNSCF partnered with OREF to support Dr. Geoffrey Baer's research using mesenchymal stem cells and gene delivery strategies to develop novel therapies for ligament and tendon injuries.
• University of North Carolina at Chapel HillcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNSCF partnered with OREF to support Drs. Jeffrey Spang and Elizabeth Loboa's research using stem cell-guided 3-D tissue engineering to create functional osteochondral grafts to repair or replace articular cartilage for osteoarthritis treatment.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM): California's state-funded stem cell research grantmaking agency; the largest dedicated stem-cell/regenerative medicine research funder. Directly comparable as a stem-cell-focused research grantmaker, though at much larger scale and with state appropriations.
• Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF): Large voluntary-health grantmaker with a strong co-funding, multi-stakeholder model comparable to NSCF's, though focused on Type 1 diabetes. Represents the "scaled version" of what NSCF aspires to in rare pediatric disease.

Direct peers

• New York Stem Cell Foundation: Nonprofit that funds and conducts stem cell research with focus on neurodegeneration (MS, Parkinson's, ALS) and operates its own research institute. NSCF directly funds research by NYSCF's Dr. Valentina Fossati; highly comparable mission and disease focus.
• The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research: Disease-focused grantmaking foundation that co-funds pre-clinical Parkinson's research, including with NSCF at Harvard/McLean. Same co-funding, multi-stakeholder model used by NSCF and similar donor base.
• National Multiple Sclerosis Society: Major disease research grantmaker that co-funds myelin-repair research with NSCF (Stanford, Uniformed Services University). Direct co-funder and joint applicant on multiple grants.
• ALS Association: Disease-focused nonprofit grantmaker funding ALS research; same voluntary-health organization revenue and grantmaking model as NSCF, with overlapping researcher network.
• Cystic Fibrosis Foundation: Large voluntary-health grantmaker funding a single disease area with a strong drug-development pipeline track record. Comparable as a model for NSCF's strategic, outcomes-oriented grantmaking approach.
• Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF): Nonprofit grantmaker partnering with NSCF to fund orthopaedic research (rotator cuff, ligament, cartilage repair). Direct co-funding partner with comparable grantmaking structure.
• Summit for Stem Cell: Nonprofit co-funding patient-specific stem cell therapy development for Parkinson's (Scripps Research). Direct co-funding partner of NSCF with a near-identical mission focus.

Others

• Be The Match Foundation: Nonprofit managing the U.S. bone marrow donor registry. NSCF runs parallel donor-advocacy campaigns (S.A.M., DKMS) and is a GTM partner; comparable as an adjacent nonprofit in the bone marrow transplant advocacy ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/nationalscf
• Facebookfacebook.com/nationalstemcellfoundation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/nationalstemcellfoundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about National Stem Cell Foundation