Best Biology Grants in Texas

The Meadows Foundation Grant Program is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Texans through diverse funding initiatives across education, environment, arts, and health. With a focus on community development and support for nonprofit organizations, the foundation aims to address pressing issues like homelessness and mental health. By prioritizing programs that offer measurable outcomes, they foster innovation and empower local efforts, ensuring a lasting impact in Texas. This grant program reflects a commitment to sustainable development and community well-being.

The Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation supports impactful projects in Texas, focusing on environmental protection, social equity, and economic vitality. Their strategic grantmaking emphasizes clean energy, land conservation, subsurface energy, sustainability education, and water resources. The foundation seeks proposals that align with their mission and demonstrate a clear benefit to Texas. Projects funded must have a robust communication strategy to share outcomes effectively, ensuring lasting impacts on the communities served.

The Pastures for Upland Birds Grant Program (PUB) supports private landowners in restoring native grass and forb vegetation on pastures dominated by exotic grasses. This initiative enhances grassland bird conservation, increases biodiversity, and provides crucial habitats for various bird populations. With funding from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, landowners receive technical guidance, herbicides, and native seed mixtures to implement effective management practices, ensuring sustainable livestock forage and ecological restoration in east-central Texas.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The Prolacta Bioscience Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on enhancing human health and empowering communities. Established in 2019, the foundation aids in innovative research on human milk and promotes educational initiatives. Grants prioritize organizations that align with the foundation's mission and serve areas where Prolacta employees live. Notable projects include creating resources for parents and organizing community events to showcase the importance of neonatal care, ultimately ensuring a brighter future for vulnerable infants.

The Fash Foundation Grants aim to support and enhance children's education and the arts in Tarrant County, Texas. The Foundation prioritizes contributions to higher education institutions that align with its mission statement. Grants are awarded to initiatives that promote health and educational advancements in various disciplines including sciences and the arts. The Foundation seeks to foster a nurturing environment for children's educational growth.

The Clifton C. and Henryetta C. Doak Charitable Trust, established in memory of Dr. Clifton and Mrs. Henryetta Doak, aims to support charitable organizations in College Station, Texas. The trust focuses on areas such as arts, education, environment, health, and human services. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) compliant and can receive grants for various purposes including religious, scientific, and educational initiatives. This legacy reflects the Doaks' commitment to community service and development.

The Pew Biomedical Scholars Program offers significant funding of $300,000 over four years to support early-career researchers in biomedical sciences. The program encourages innovative and impactful research that contributes to human health, requiring nomination from one of the 212 participating institutions. Candidates must hold a doctorate, run an independent lab as an assistant professor, and demonstrate exceptional promise. This program fosters collaboration and annual meetings for scholars to present their findings.

The Kleberg Foundation offers grants for innovative medical research proposals that significantly impact scientific knowledge and human health. Priority is given to IRS-registered, tax-exempt organizations with prior funding relationships. New applicants must submit a pre-request, as the Foundation only considers projects from established institutions. Ineligibility includes individuals, community organizations outside Kleberg County, and requests for operational funding. This grant aims to support groundbreaking research in both basic and applied biology.

The Ann Miller Gonzalez Graduate Research Grant, offered by the Native Plant Society of Texas, supports graduate students at Texas universities conducting research on native plants and habitat conservation. Grants up to $2500 are available to promote academic pursuits in biology, botany, and related fields. This initiative honors an early advocate for Texas native plants, encouraging future research that emphasizes the importance of native flora in the state's ecosystems.

The Welch Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship offers three-year funding of $97,000 annually for recent PhD graduates pursuing innovative chemical research in Texas. This program, in collaboration with the Life Sciences Research Foundation, supports fellows tackling significant chemistry-related challenges across various subfields. Successful candidates receive additional resources for research and professional development, fostering their academic careers. Applications are open to U.S. and international scholars committed to advancing chemical science through world-class training.

The Monarch Garden Grants program, initiated by the Native Plant Society of Texas, aims to support the creation of Monarch habitats across Texas by providing small grants to schools and nature centers. These grants focus on developing demonstration gardens and Waystations using native plants essential for Monarch conservation. With funding from various sources, including individual donations and partnerships, this initiative seeks to educate the public about the importance of Monarchs and their native plant habitats.

The Evan Ferguson Award for Service to the Society, established in 2008, honors outstanding contributions to Sigma Xi and its mission. Named after Evan R. Ferguson, known for his dedication to the Society, the award recognizes members, affiliates, and friends who exemplify commitment to Sigma Xi's traditions. Recipients receive a certificate and have their names engraved on the prestigious Evan Ferguson plaque at headquarters, celebrating their service and commitment to promoting science and research.

The Kushlan Research Award, established by the Waterbird Society, supports research in Ciconiiform Biology and Conservation, promoting advances in the study of wading birds. Applicants of all ages are encouraged to submit proposals focusing on species relationships and the status of little-known Ciconiiformes. Awards range from $1,000 to $7,000, with selection based on scientific merit and the potential for significant contributions to the literature. Financial status is not a consideration.

The Lubbock Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) Chapter Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of West Texas, supports full-time PhD students in natural sciences. This scholarship aims to empower students pursuing careers in areas such as agriculture, engineering, and human sciences. By providing financial assistance, the fund fosters educational growth and contributes to building a brighter future for the South Plains community.

The Ono Initiative Grant by the Ono Pharma Foundation supports innovative research in Chemical Biology, aiming to transform human health. It welcomes proposals from Principal Investigators (PIs) at nominated institutions, focusing on groundbreaking solutions and promoting the development of young scientists. Grants of up to $1,035,000 over three years are available, fostering collaboration and transformative research aligned with the foundation's mission.

The Drs. James and Wanda Trefil Science Scholarship, offered by the Kosciuszko Foundation, supports undergraduate students majoring in natural sciences such as physics, biology, and chemistry. This competitive scholarship awards $5,000 and is available to U.S. citizens of Polish descent who maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Applicants must be full-time students and can only receive the scholarship once, with a deadline for letters of recommendation set for March 3, 2026.

The Kosciuszko Foundation offers Tuition Scholarships for American students of Polish descent pursuing graduate studies in the U.S. Scholarships can provide up to $12,000 for full-time studies, including master's and Ph.D. programs. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents with Polish heritage and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This program aims to foster educational exchanges and cultural understanding between the U.S. and Poland, supporting various fields of study.

The David G. & Jacqueline M. Braithwaite Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors from East Texas planning to major in biology, mathematics, engineering, or related fields. This scholarship aims to empower students pursuing careers in medicine, veterinary medicine, or biotechnology. Financial need is not a consideration, and the scholarship is renewable, reflecting a commitment to education and community development in East Texas.

The From Harm to Home Scholarship, established by Dr. Angela Nicolini through the Community Foundation of Abilene, aims to support refugees who have fled persecution and are now pursuing educational opportunities in Abilene, Texas. This scholarship reflects the foundation's commitment to community empowerment and philanthropy, helping individuals adapt to their new lives while contributing positively to society. Eligible candidates must have arrived in the U.S. within the last five years and demonstrate their refugee status.

The Reuland and Barnhart Orthodontics Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors pursuing healthcare-related fields at Texas colleges. Established to empower students from various backgrounds, this scholarship encourages applicants from Smith, Gregg, Rusk, and surrounding counties. Financial need is not a requirement but may be considered. Recipients will benefit from one year of support to help them achieve their educational aspirations in fields such as nursing, physical therapy, and medical sciences.

The Native Plant Society of Texas offers the Dr. Alfred Richardson Scholarship, aimed at undergraduates majoring in biology, ecology, or related fields. This scholarship, funded through an endowment, provides $5,000-$10,000 per year for up to two years. Recipients must demonstrate a commitment to the conservation and utilization of Texas native plants. This initiative aligns with the Society's mission to promote education and outreach regarding native plant conservation.

The Native Plant Society of Texas offers the Kate Hillhouse Scholarship, a one-time $2,500 award for undergraduates majoring in biology, ecology, or related fields at Texas colleges. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to Texas native plants and align their future plans with the Society's mission of conservation and education. This scholarship honors a former president and is funded through donations and auctions, supporting students pursuing careers in native plant conservation.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The Michael D. Netherland Graduate Student Research Grant, awarded biannually by the Aquatic Plant Management Society (APMS), supports full-time graduate students researching aquatic plant management or ecology. With a budget of $40,000, this grant encourages innovative proposals addressing nuisance aquatic vegetation. Established to honor Dr. Michael D. Netherland's contributions, the grant emphasizes collaboration and scientific excellence in aquatic management. Applications are open to graduate students and faculty from accredited U.S. institutions, requiring a faculty sponsor for student submissions.

About CPRIT

The State of Texas has established the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), which may issue up to $6 billion in general obligation bonds to fund grants for cancer research and prevention.

CPRIT is charged by the Texas Legislature to do the following:

• Create and expedite innovation in the area of cancer research and in enhancing the potential for a medical or scientific breakthrough in the prevention of, or cures for, cancer;
• Attract, create, or expand research capabilities of public or private institutions of higher education and other public or private entities that will promote a substantial increase in cancer research and in the creation of high-quality new jobs in the State of Texas; and 
• Develop and implement the Texas Cancer Plan

Rationale

The aim of this award mechanism is to bolster cancer research in Texas by providing financial support to attract very promising investigators who are pursuing their first faculty appointment at the level of assistant professor (first-time, tenure-track faculty members). These individuals must have demonstrated academic excellence, innovation during predoctoral and/or postdoctoral research training, commitment to pursuing cancer research, and exceptional potential for achieving future impact in basic, translational, population-based, or clinical research. Awards are intended to provide institutions with a competitive edge in recruiting the world’s best talent in cancer research, thereby advancing cancer research and prevention efforts, and promoting economic development in the State of Texas.

The recruitment of outstanding scientists will greatly enhance programs of scientific excellence in cancer research and will position Texas as a leader in the fight against cancer. Applications may address any research topic related to cancer biology, causation, prevention, detection or screening, treatment, or survivorship. Principal Investigators (PIs) with research programs addressing CPRIT’s priority areas for research are encouraged. These include implementation research to accelerate the adoption and deployment of evidence-based prevention and screening interventions, computational oncology and analytic methods, research including population-based research addressing cancer disparities, childhood and adolescent cancers, hepatocellular cancer, and expansion of access to innovative clinical trials.