When my family was affected by diabetes, I wanted to do something that would matter long after I was gone. An endowment at Pennington Biomedical felt like the right investment.
Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation
Be the Reason Discovery Happens.
Through Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation, your generosity helps researchers at Pennington Biomedical pursue discoveries that can improve health in Louisiana and around the world.
Your Impact at a Glance
35+
Years of scientific research
100+
Researchers supported
650M
Adults worldwide affected
200+
Diseases linked to obesity
"Pennington Biomedical is a world-respected leader in obesity and chronic disease research. Our extraordinary team of scientists and staff work each day to advance scientific discovery and continue the Center's amazing legacy."
— Jennifer Rood, Interim Senior Vice Chancellor and Executive DirectorPennington Biomedical Research Lab · Baton Rouge, LA
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One Mission. Two Essential Roles.
Pennington Biomedical Research Center conducts the science. Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation builds the philanthropic support that helps that science move forward.
Together with donors, we help create opportunities for discoveries that can improve health in Louisiana and around the world.
Learn About the Foundation35+
Years of Research Excellence
100+
Researchers Supported
$50M+
Invested in Research
Global
Impact on Metabolic Health
Support the Mission
Give to Advance Discovery
Your gift through the Foundation helps create opportunities for Pennington Biomedical researchers to pursue important questions and move science toward healthier lives.
Donate NowSee the Impact
See Your Impact
Discover how donors help strengthen the research, people and programs advancing health at Pennington Biomedical.
Explore Our ImpactExplore Your Options
Find Your Way to Give
From monthly gifts and tributes to planned gifts and endowments, there are many ways to make a meaningful difference.
Explore Ways to GiveWhy Discovery Cannot Wait
Obesity Is One of the World's Most Urgent Health Challenges
Obesity affects individuals, families and communities and is connected to many serious chronic diseases. Pennington Biomedical researchers are working to better understand its causes and develop more effective approaches to prevention and treatment. Philanthropic support helps create opportunities for this important work to move forward.
It's a Disease
Officially recognized as a chronic disease by the American Medical Association in 2013.
It's an Epidemic
Over 40% of the U.S. population has obesity — the highest rate ever recorded.
It's Deadly
More than 300,000 Americans die of obesity-related causes each year.
It's Misunderstood
Obesity is shaped by genetics, environment, and biology — not willpower.
650M
Adults worldwide living with obesity
300K+
Deaths per year in the U.S.
40%
Of U.S. adults living with obesity
200+
Diseases linked to obesity
Community Stories
The People Behind the Progress
Behind every discovery are researchers pursuing answers and donors who believe better health is possible. Meet the people helping move Pennington Biomedical’s mission forward.
Foundation Donor
Pennington Researcher
The support we receive from private donors allows us to pursue ideas that federal agencies simply won’t fund. That freedom is what makes the biggest discoveries possible.
Research Volunteer
Being part of a clinical study at Pennington Biomedical felt like contributing to something so much larger than myself. The science here is real, and so is the care.
Our Community & Labs
Inside the Mission You Support
Explore the researchers, events, partnerships and people working together to advance discovery and improve health.
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Connect With the Foundation
Upcoming Events
Join us to experience Pennington Biomedical’s research, meet the people behind the science and discover meaningful ways to support the mission.
Childhood Obesity Conference: Be The Reason Kids Greaux Healthy
Annual conference uniting healthcare providers, educators, and community leaders to prevent and treat childhood obesity across Louisiana —…
Register Now
Behind the Lab Doors
Explore Dr. Jeffrey Keller's Safer Driver Program — how Pennington Biomedical research is improving driver health and roadway…
Register Now
Discovery Lunch
Exclusive invitation-only luncheon for donors giving $1,000+ annually — brief, engaging talks from leading researchers who translate complex…
Register NowMake a Difference
The Next Discovery Needs People Like You.
The next important discovery may begin with a question being asked today. Your gift through Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation can help Pennington Biomedical researchers pursue answers that lead to healthier lives.
$100
Laboratory Testing
Supports one round of essential laboratory testing.
$500
Research Assistants
Funds a research assistant for one week.
$1,000
Study Phase
Funds a complete phase of an ongoing study.
$5,000
Research Program
Establishes or advances a dedicated research initiative.
Make a Difference
Give to Advance Discovery
Your gift through Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation helps create opportunities for research that can lead to healthier lives.
Donate Now →Explore Your Options
Find the Right Way to Give
Learn about monthly gifts, tribute gifts, planned giving, endowments and other ways to support Pennington Biomedical research.
Explore Ways to Give →Stay Connected
Stay Close to the Science You Are Helping Advance
Receive Foundation news, donor-impact stories, research updates and opportunities to become more involved with Pennington Biomedical.