Best Biology Grants in Colorado

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving youth through health, education, development, or welfare programs can access funding via The Dan Paul Foundation, with awards up to US $15,000. Organizations offering environmental education, clean air and water initiatives, or other science-focused enrichment for children and teens may be especially competitive.

Colorado biology and other social impact organizations addressing urgent social or environmental problems can receive up to US $300,000 over three years to scale proven, impact-first solutions. Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation supports early-stage, independent nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits working with underserved communities, offering capital plus intensive capacity-building and community support for scalable models.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in Colorado and across the U.S. can seek more than US $100,000 to support arts and science programming, including performing arts, museums, and arts education. William Randolph Hearst Foundation funds program, capital, and limited general or endowment support, prioritizing large, well-established 501(c)(3) organizations with significant, measurable impact and strong sustainability.

Nonprofit and for-profit social enterprises in Colorado working on education for urban low-income children can apply for more than US $50,000 to support or scale projects, funded by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. Eligible projects must be based in the U.S. and focus on improving outcomes for children and youth in urban poverty.

PNC Foundation provides Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for early childhood education, community development, and services for low- and moderate-income residents. Eligible projects include early learning programs, educator training, neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing support, small business assistance, arts and culture, and job readiness initiatives in communities where PNC has a significant presence.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is providing funding for research aimed at enhancing rangeland drought forecasts, crucial for effective land management. This project will develop comprehensive ecological drought forecasts and deliver them to resource managers, focusing on restoration efforts in the western U.S. By creating real-time weather data-driven forecasts, the initiative aims to improve decision-making for ecological restoration, wildfire risk management, and sustainable resource development, ultimately supporting the resilience of western dryland ecosystems.

Wildlife conservation 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Colorado can apply for Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant, awarding more than US $50,000 to share the impact of their work. Funding supports compelling storytelling around conservation, preservation, education, or wellness efforts, which may benefit biology-focused programs connected to wildlife and environmental conservation.

Early-career Ph.D. scientists in atmospheric and related fields, including biology, can pursue independent postdoctoral research in Colorado through the NCAR Advanced Study Program. Focused on interdisciplinary climate and weather challenges, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research invites fellows to relocate to Boulder for full-time research, mentorship, and professional development; awards Up to US $167,250 including travel support.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Local and county governments, park and recreation and open space departments, water districts, landowners, and conservation nonprofits in Colorado can seek funding to improve sportfishing access and habitat, with awards up to Up to US $700,000. Colorado Parks & Wildlife supports freshwater and fish conservation projects such as stream habitat work, new angler access, fishing site upgrades, and boat access improvements.

Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, community development, or cultural enrichment can seek support for programs such as hunger relief, housing, workforce readiness, or arts access. Ameriprise Financial provides funding nationwide, with priority for communities near its major employee centers and strong Ameriprise volunteer engagement.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest landowners, and Tribes in Colorado can receive financial and cost-share assistance to implement conservation practices on working lands. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Colorado supports environmental conservation by funding projects that improve soil health, water quality and quantity, grazing management, wildlife habitat, forest health, air quality, and energy and carbon conservation.

Colorado nonprofits, academic institutions, and government agencies conducting non-game wildlife research or education can access funding through the Audubon Society of Greater Denver’s Lois Webster Fund; awards US $500 - US $5,000 for projects that inform conservation management. Biology-focused teams must partner with at least one additional organization to be eligible.

Colorado biology and chemical biology PIs at eligible nominating institutions can access funding for innovative research projects that bridge chemistry and biology. Through the Ono Initiative, Ono Pharma Foundation offers up to US $1,035,000 over three years to support high-impact basic research and the career development of young and mid-career scientists.

Colorado high school seniors planning to study biology-related fields at a public in-state college or university can receive a four-year full-ride scholarship covering tuition, fees, room and board, books, and a laptop. Grants from Colorado Garden Foundation help Colorado students majoring in areas like plant biology, horticulture, agronomy, and related agricultural sciences pursue their degrees.

Students conducting biology and related environmental research in the Rocky Mountain region and enrolled at Colorado colleges or other universities can receive US $500 - US $2,000 for faculty-supervised projects. With a mission to support mountain-focused scholarship, Colorado Mountain Club Foundation provides fellowships in disciplines like biology, geology, forestry, and environmental studies that advance understanding and preservation of Colorado’s mountain ecosystems.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities in Colorado communities served by Union Pacific can apply for Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $30,000 for safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability projects. Programs with strong biology or environmental components, especially those advancing DEI, may be competitive.

Colorado 501(c)(3) organizations focused on environmental protection can seek US $1,000 - US $5,000 for wilderness and wildlands protection, river and wetlands conservation, biodiversity, and public lands management. Focused on conservation, Maki Foundation invites smaller-budget nonprofits in the western U.S., including Colorado, to apply for project support where modest funding can make a significant impact.

Colorado nonprofits and 501(c)(3) equivalents working on youth education, food security, housing, or environmental stewardship can access funding through Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants ranging from US $30,000 - US $350,000. Eligible U.S., Canadian, U.K., and Singapore charities serving underserved youth and families may benefit, including biology-related environmental or food initiatives.

Colorado biology and biomedical researchers at eligible nominating institutions can receive US $75,000 - US $300,000 to support independent, human health–related research. Pew Charitable Trusts provides flexible four-year funding for early-career assistant professors running their own labs, covering personnel, equipment, supplies, and travel for high-impact basic, translational, or applied biomedical projects.

Students and amateur researchers conducting raptor biology or conservation projects in Colorado can receive up to US $5,000 through the Stephen R. Tully Memorial Grant, plus waived page charges for publishing in the Journal of Raptor Research. Raptor Research Foundation prioritizes primary authors whose papers directly reflect the funded work.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

Universities, tribes, governments, and conservation organizations working on ecology and natural resources in Colorado and other CESU regions can apply for National Park Service Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units Master Cooperative Agreements. These agreements support collaborative research, technical assistance, education, and capacity building on environmental conservation and biology-related resource issues across U.S. biogeographic regions.