Share

Share this page Make an impact for others

Copy link

Link copied

LinkedIn Facebook Email

Search Through Biology Grants in Pennsylvania

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

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.

Wells Fargo Community Giving supports nonprofit organizations focusing on financial health, housing affordability, small business growth, and sustainability. The grant cycle runs from February to October, inviting organizations with 501(c)(3) status or equivalent to apply. Funding is prioritized for programs addressing critical community needs, while limited support is available for local initiatives like disaster relief and arts. Organizations must demonstrate fiscal stability and potential impact to be considered for funding.

The Bower Award and Prize for Achievement in Science honors individuals making significant contributions to human gene therapy. Established in 1990 by Henry Bower, this prestigious award includes a 14k gold medal and a $250,000 cash prize. The Franklin Institute seeks nominations for the 2026 award, aimed at recognizing groundbreaking work in gene therapy, which has evolved to address complex biological challenges and offers transformative potential in treating various diseases.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

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 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 Orphan Disease Center

The Orphan Disease Center is part of the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Medicine.

Mission

The Orphan Disease Center will develop transformative therapies using platform technologies that can be deployed across multiple rare diseases. We will emphasize disorders with substantial unmet need independent of their incidence and will strive to assure access to patients of all populations.

Through our grants, Programs of Excellence, JumpStart programs, and a number of new initiatives, the ODC seeks to drive therapeutic development for rare diseases. We help identify and fund the most promising therapeutics while also tackling obstacles present in rare disease drug development. 

CSNK2A1 Pilot Grant Program

The CSNK2A1 Foundation is pleased to announce the CSNK2A1 Pilot Grant Program, which will support one (1) investigator-initiated research project aimed at advancing the biological understanding of OCNDS and/or accelerating the discovery or development of therapeutic approaches.

This pilot grant is intended to generate high-impact preliminary data, support novel or underexplored approaches, and position investigators for future external funding.

Research Priorities

The RFA is intentionally focused. Proposed projects must be clearly relevant to OCNDS and CSNK2A1 biology and align with one or more of the priority areas below. Community input has identified speech and communication, intellectual disability, sleep disturbances, and anxiety as high-priority symptom domains, and proposals that help advance understanding or treatment of these areas are encouraged.

Priority will be given to projects that address:

• Disease mechanisms and variant-level biology
• Biomarker discovery or validation
• Therapeutic approaches

The Cowles Charitable Trust Grant supports initiatives aligned with the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. Focused on education, social justice, health, and the arts, it favors organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) by the IRS. The Trust encourages applications for general operating support and seeks partnerships rather than being the sole funder. Notably, it considers applications from established partners and supports efforts in Downstate New York and South Florida, with a preference for diverse funding sources.

The Kaufman Foundation's New Initiative Research Grants aim to foster interdisciplinary collaborations among experienced researchers in Pennsylvania. By encouraging partnerships that blend expertise across biology, physics, and chemistry, this program seeks innovative approaches to fundamental research questions. Up to four grants of $300,000 over two years will be awarded to proposals that showcase transformative intellectual advancements. Investigators must be affiliated with Pennsylvania institutions and reflect diverse scientific backgrounds to effectively address pressing research initiatives.

The Kaufman Foundation's New Investigator Research Grants support innovative scientists in Pennsylvania transitioning to independent academic roles. Proposals should tackle fundamental questions in biology, physics, and chemistry, aiming for transformative advances. Up to six awards of $150,000 over two years are available. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a recent terminal degree, and have not received substantial NIH funding. Preference is given to those without major external research awards.

The Big Ten Academic Alliance Smithsonian Fellowship offers unique research opportunities for graduate students from member universities. Eligible candidates can conduct research at the Smithsonian in diverse fields such as anthropology, ecology, and history of science. The fellowship provides a stipend of $45,000 per year, with additional research allowances, and supports both U.S. and international students. This initiative fosters collaboration among leading academic institutions to advance knowledge and innovation.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The Pittsburgh Conference Memorial National College Grant (PCMNCG) supports small college science departments by providing grants for scientific equipment, teaching aids, and library materials. With a maximum funding of $10,000, this initiative promotes excellence in science education and encourages proposals that demonstrate effective integration of requested resources into curricula. Eligible institutions must have fewer than 5,000 students, ensuring that funds significantly impact undergraduate science education across diverse fields.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

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 Gordon Kirkland Lifetime Achievement Award, awarded biennially by the Pennsylvania Chapter of The Wildlife Society, honors mid-career or later professionals for their exceptional contributions to wildlife ecology and conservation in Pennsylvania. This peer-nominated award recognizes individuals for their achievements and dedication through wildlife-inspired artwork, emphasizing their impact on conservation efforts. Support letters are crucial in the nomination process, highlighting candidates’ academic, professional, and community engagement in wildlife-related initiatives.

APS/CSHL Undergraduate Summer Internship in the History of Biology

The American Philosophical Society’s Center for the History of Science and the Center for Humanities and the History of Modern Biology at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory invite applications for a joint summer internship program for undergraduates working on junior or senior research projects related to the history of the life sciences.

This eight-week hybrid internship offers funding for one undergraduate to conduct research using the rich archival collections at both the American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in Cold Spring Harbor, New York. The intern will divide their time between both institutions and will benefit from hands-on research guidance, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The intern will be expected to deliver a presentation on their research as part of the program and complete a short essay or blog post about their work.

The internship will take place from May 18 through July 10, 2026. The intern will be expected to be in-residence at Cold Spring Harbor between June 1-June 12 and at the American Philosophical Society between June 15-June 26. The first and last two weeks of the internship will be completed remotely.

The intern will receive a stipend of $2,000, as well as funding to support travel (up to $500). CSHL and APS will also secure and cover the costs of housing in Cold Spring Harbor and Philadelphia.

Possible research areas include:

• Genetics, heredity, genomics
• Genetic engineering
• Eugenics
• Molecular biology
• Microbiology
• Cancer research
• Evolution
• Embryology and development
• Conferences/symposia and institutional history

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania Scholarship Fund

The Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships for Pennsylvania resident undergraduate students enrolled or planning to enroll in a degree program studying the conservation of wildlife and related fields.

Award Type: Single Year. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.

The Joseph F. Mulach, Jr. and Louisa A. Mulach Scholarship Fund, established by the Pittsburgh Foundation, supports students pursuing degrees in biological sciences, chemistry, mathematics, physics, or genetic research. Eligible candidates must be enrolled at select universities in Pittsburgh and demonstrate financial need, with a minimum GPA of 2.0. Preference is given to those overcoming barriers related to systemic gender inequity. This initiative aims to foster academic growth and equity in the sciences.

The Orphan Disease Center

The Orphan Disease Center is part of the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Medicine.

Mission

The Orphan Disease Center will develop transformative therapies using platform technologies that can be deployed across multiple rare diseases. We will emphasize disorders with substantial unmet need independent of their incidence and will strive to assure access to patients of all populations.

Through our grants, Programs of Excellence, JumpStart programs, and a number of new initiatives, the ODC seeks to drive therapeutic development for rare diseases. We help identify and fund the most promising therapeutics while also tackling obstacles present in rare disease drug development. 

CDKL5 Pilot Grant Program

The ODC and Loulou Foundation CDKL5 Pilot Grant Program provides a one‐year grant for $150,000.00 (total cost) to support research related to CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder (CDD). The number of awards is not fixed, and may vary.

We are seeking grant applications that progress the discovery or development of treatments and/or cures for CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder. Because many gaps remain in our understanding of the biology of CDKL5 and its role in neurological development and function, applications that address such gaps in basic science are welcome, provided that they are tethered to the development of a potential therapy. 

Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors. Applications are accepted from mid-November until mid-March. Scholarship award recipients will be announced at the high school awards ceremony. 

Susquehanna Beekeepers Association College Scholarship

Established by the Susquehanna Beekeepers Association to provide college tuition assistance to students from northeastern Pennsylvania who will major in agriculture or biology.