Best Grants for Science Research in Montana

Montana colleges, universities, and research institutions conducting collaborative STEM research can access funding through National Science Foundation’s EPSCoR RII-FEC program. Eligible teams must include investigators from at least two EPSCoR jurisdictions, including Montana, to build research infrastructure and capacity in areas like chemistry, physics, biology, earth science, and engineering, with awards of US $1,000,000 - US $1,500,000.

Montana universities and qualified research institutions running chemistry, physics, biology, or earth science programs can seek funding to host secondary science teachers in authentic lab research experiences. The M J Murdock Charitable Trust offers renewable three-year grants, around US $15,000, to support 3–6 teacher–scientist partnerships annually, including research, professional development, and conferences.

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) aims to enhance research capabilities in eligible states by increasing the number of university researchers and institutions conducting relevant science and engineering research. Sponsored by the Department of Defense, this program will fund multiyear awards to promote research aligned with national security needs. Applications require a multi-stage submission process, emphasizing early registration and timely proposal submissions.

Junior and senior chemistry and biochemistry students in Montana can receive scholarship support for their studies through the Energy Laboratories Chemistry Scholarship. Montana State University provides Montana learners in these fields with variable awards based on academic merit, with a minimum 3.0 GPA required and preference for Montana high school graduates pursuing college persistence in science.

Full-time Montana State University juniors and above in chemistry or biochemistry seeking help continuing their studies can apply for the Dr. B. L. Johnson Memorial Scholarship. With a mission to support advanced students, Montana State University provides financial assistance for academic and professional development in chemistry, biochemistry, and related science research fields in Montana.

With a mission to support higher education, Montana State University provides Montana chemistry and biochemistry students with scholarship funding for degree studies and academic success. The Dr. and Mrs. Chi-Tang Li Scholarship assists undergraduates in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry pursuing chemistry-related fields within the College of Letters and Science.

Undergraduate and graduate physics students needing travel support to present research can receive up to US $400 to attend the American Physical Society Northwest Section Annual Meeting. Focused on physics, this opportunity serves students from Montana and other Pacific Northwest regions who are sharing posters or contributed papers and willing to join the section.

Private, predominantly undergraduate colleges and universities in Montana conducting natural sciences research can access funding through the M J Murdock Charitable Trust; awards up to US $70,000 for original research projects. Grants support faculty and undergraduate research in fields like biology, chemistry, earth science, physics, and related areas, covering direct research costs, summer stipends, and essential travel.

Research institutions in Montana and other NIH IDeA-eligible states can seek funding to build biomedical research capacity, recruit and mentor early-career investigators, and enhance research infrastructure. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health supports the COBRE-D program as a development-phase pathway toward long-term biomedical research strength.

Biomedical research institutions and primarily undergraduate colleges in Montana and other IDeA states can seek funding to build research capacity, mentor students, and enhance infrastructure in biology and health. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health supports statewide INBRE networks that promote collaboration and pathways into biomedical research careers.

Montana science research organizations with PhD students needing overseas facilities or expertise can access funding through the United States-Israel Binational Science Foundation for short research visits. Grants support U.S. or Israeli doctoral candidates conducting supervised research in eligible scientific fields at higher education or nonprofit research institutions in the U.S. or Israel.

Montana science researchers collaborating with partners in Israel can access funding for two-year, early-career research projects through the United States-Israel Binational Science Foundation. Eligible junior principal investigators (within 10 years of Ph.D. or M.D.) in fields like chemistry, physics, biology, or earth science may receive up to US $90,000 each for collaborative work with U.S. and Israeli teams.

Undergraduate natural science students of Polish descent in the U.S. can receive support for full-time studies through this competitive scholarship. Grants from Kosciuszko Foundation help eligible physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, earth science, and biochemistry majors with US $5,000 toward tuition, including students studying at institutions in Montana.

Graduate students conducting science research on drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can apply for the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship, which provides US $3,000 for impactful water-industry research. Focused on water-related fields, American Water Works Association invites Montana researchers and others to pursue projects with actionable outcomes for current industry challenges.

Colleges, universities, and research organizations conducting science research in Montana and nationwide can apply for National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates support, with awards from US $5,000 - US $500,000. Grants fund REU Sites or Supplements that engage undergraduates in hands-on research across STEM fields, including chemistry, physics, biology, earth science, and related disciplines.

Montana higher education institutions and organizations serving STEM undergraduates can access planning grant funding to build or strengthen partnerships that remove barriers to STEM master’s and doctoral pathways. Alfred P Sloan Foundation supports multi-institution collaborations focused on chemistry, physics, biology, earth science, and related STEM fields, offering up to US $75,000 for one year of planning work.

STEM-focused higher education institutions and nonprofit partners in Montana can seek funding to pilot collaborative efforts that reduce systemic barriers to STEM master’s and doctoral degrees. Focused on STEM education and diversity, equity, and inclusion, the Alfred P Sloan Foundation supports 1–2 year seed projects between at least two nonprofit colleges or universities, with awards up to US $250,000.

Nonprofit two- and four-year colleges and universities in Montana and nationwide working to expand equitable STEM pathways can apply for Alfred P. Sloan Foundation implementation grants, with awards up to US $500,000. Funding supports multi-institution partnerships that remove systemic barriers to STEM master’s and doctoral education, benefiting students in fields like chemistry, physics, biology, and earth science.

Montana science research institutions and EPSCoR-eligible faculty can access funding through the National Science Foundation to build STEM research capacity and advance investigator career development. Awards support extended or periodic collaborations with premier research institutions, including an optional trainee, and may benefit Montana researchers in fields such as chemistry, physics, biology, and earth science.

The UCAR Next Generation Fellowship offers graduate students a unique opportunity to engage in Earth System Science research while addressing societal impacts. With a $40,000 fellowship over two years, participants can expect mentorship from UCAR leaders and professional development training. This program encourages interdisciplinary exploration, allowing fellows to collaborate closely with experts, attend conferences, and build lasting networks. It aims to empower diverse students as future change-makers in the field, fostering a commitment to equity and innovation.

The FY 2026 Continuation of Solicitation for the Office of Science Financial Assistance Program invites applications for research in various domains, including Advanced Scientific Computing and Biological Research. This ongoing opportunity from the Department of Energy will remain available until September 30, 2026. Eligible projects must align with SC's mission, supporting innovative research that advances scientific knowledge and energy solutions.

Graduating seniors majoring in physical sciences such as chemistry, physics, astronomy, earth science, meteorology, or mineralogy can receive US $4,170 to support post-secondary study at accredited colleges or universities. With a mission to strengthen local education, Daviess County Community Foundation supports eligible students from Washington Community or North Daviess high schools who rank in the upper third of their class.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

Neil Ashcroft Early Career Award for Studies of Matter at Extreme High Pressure Conditions

The award recognizes outstanding theoretical or experimental contributions by an early-career scientist to studies of matter at extreme high pressure conditions. This includes static and/or dynamic compressions within the disciplines of Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Earth and Planetary Science, Soft Matter and Biology. The honor is conferred annually and includes of a $5,000 stipend, a certificate citing the contributions of the recipient, and an allowance for travel to an APS meeting to receive the award to deliver an invited lecture at either the biennial SCCM Conference or the APS March Meeting.

Nominations are active for three years provided the the nominator re-certifies the nomination before the next deadline and all eligibility criteria are still met.

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Senior Master Sergeant Texie C. Taylor, USAF Memorial Scholarship

Applicant must be a junior or senior undergraduate or graduate student majoring in physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, nursing (RN), engineering (aerospace, civil, chemical, electrical, mechanical) or mathematics with a minimum 3.0 GPA. This is a one-year scholarship reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens residing within the Cherokee Nation jurisdictional area.

The Mentored Quantitative Research Development Award (K25) aims to engage skilled professionals in NIH-relevant research, enhancing their expertise in addressing health-related issues. This award supports individuals with backgrounds in quantitative sciences and engineering, providing them with dedicated time for supervised research and study. Key application deadlines span from June 2024 to February 2027, emphasizing the program's commitment to fostering innovative research in health and disease.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

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Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Edite Balks Walter, M.D. Scholarship Fund

This fund was established to help women seeking degrees in biology, chemistry, physics and human or animal medicine. Dr. Walter is a graduate of the former Springfield High School. Through the assistance of various scholarships, she graduated cum laude from Kalamazoo College. Dr. Walter remains an inspiration and believes, "Women Can Do Science and Should Do Science."

Seattle Foundation is an agent of change, igniting powerful, rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

At Seattle Foundation, we believe that community is more than a place. It’s the shared understanding that our joy and well-being are tied to one another. Every day we work with nonprofits, philanthropists, and partners like you to strengthen community by igniting powerful philanthropy and advancing long-term solutions. Because it takes all of us to create a joyful region where every person can thrive.

Lambeth Family Scholarship

This scholarship, designed to honor and financially support students pursuing a degree in engineering, natural sciences, mathematics, computer science or business, supports high school seniors in Washington State who will study at a public university, community college or technical school. This scholarship varies from $1,000 to $3,000 and is renewable for up to 4 years.