The foundation makes regular donations to science and technology research programs at universities. While the location of the recipient universities is not restricted, some from the Foundation's home state of Nevada are always included in the list each year. Details of university contributions are usually not publicly disclosed.

From late 2003 to late 2004, the Foundation operated the Sloof Amateur Project Grants program, awarded once each calendar quarter. This program focused on amateur projects which promote science or technology research, and have some aspect that uniquely demonstrates that "amateur" means unpaid, but not unprofessional. The program awarded the recipient organization a gift which included tools of professionals in their subject area and furthered their goals more than their current resources could have done.

The Sloof Amateur Project Grants program was suspended following the awarding of the 4th Quarter 2004 award. The foundation is reorganizing its grant program to offer monetary prizes for scientific achievements. It's similar in concept to NASA's Centennial Challenges but aims at different topics. It was inspired by the success of the Ansari X-Prize in spurring the world's first civilian manned space flights.