Best Biology Grants in Maryland

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and youth can seek funding for health, education, development, and welfare programs worldwide, including Maryland, from the Dan Paul Foundation, with awards up to US $15,000. Biology-focused initiatives such as environmental education, clean air and water, or related scientific projects for youth may be eligible.

Early-stage nonprofit and impact-first for-profit organizations tackling major social or environmental challenges can access up to US $300,000 from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation for scalable, impact-driven solutions. Focused on bold, systems-based models, the fund supports ventures in priority regions including the U.S.; Maryland biology-focused initiatives serving underserved communities may be eligible.

Nonprofit and NGO programs using technology for crisis response, education, economic empowerment, or climate resilience in Maryland and worldwide can seek Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000 for innovative, early-stage solutions. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help organizations serving predominantly economically underserved communities, with applications accepted year-round via an LOI process.

Educational institutions, government programs, and qualifying nonprofits in Maryland can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives, including disaster preparedness, fire prevention, and STEM education. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help organizations with programs such as community safety, neighborhood revitalization, and academic or career success, which may benefit biology-related education or public safety projects.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on early childhood education or community economic development can receive support for programs serving low- and moderate-income residents. PNC Foundation provides Maryland organizations with funding for early learning, affordable housing, small business support, workforce development, arts and cultural enrichment, and neighborhood revitalization in communities where PNC has a significant presence.

Nonprofit charities managing humanitarian, science education, environmental, or arts projects can seek funding that supports biology-related and broader STEM initiatives in Maryland and worldwide. Grants from La Roche help accredited charities deliver sustainable development, youth science education, community and environmental projects, and contemporary arts programs, often engaging Roche employees and local partners where affiliates operate.

Maryland health and human services nonprofits supporting marginalized communities can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation for programs in healthcare access, disease prevention, disaster relief, and related services. Organizations working in areas like children’s and women’s health, vaccines, and social services may be eligible alongside other U.S. and international partners.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on community development, basic needs, workforce education, arts, environment, or diversity programs can seek sponsorship support for initiatives that strengthen local communities. Bank of America Charitable Foundation offers regional U.S. sponsorships that may benefit Maryland organizations, including those whose biology-related work intersects with environmental or community health priorities.

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.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest owners, and Tribes in Maryland can receive financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices that improve soil, water, air, and wildlife habitat. Focused on environmental and natural resource stewardship, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Maryland supports projects that may benefit biology-related land, habitat, and ecosystem management work.

The HRG Charitable Foundation Scholarship, administered by Scholarship America, aims to eliminate financial barriers for current high school seniors in the mid-Atlantic region pursuing STEM degrees. With a focus on expanding access for underrepresented students, the scholarship supports full-time undergraduate education at accredited institutions. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This initiative reflects Scholarship America's commitment to educational equity and student success, ensuring every student can achieve their academic goals.

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.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for basic needs, community vitality, and volunteer-driven programs. U.S.-based organizations working on hunger relief, shelter, economic self-sufficiency, or community development may be eligible, with priority for sites engaging Ameriprise employee and advisor volunteers.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for education, health care, social services, civic, cultural, or environmental projects can access funding through the Dr Scholl Foundation, with awards of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Organizations with biology-related or life science programs that fit these categories may be competitive applicants, primarily within the U.S.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving community quality of life through economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief can seek project, operating, or capital support, including in Maryland. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports U.S.-based community-benefit programs, which may include biology-related initiatives addressing health, mental health, or social determinants of health.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland serving youth, families, or communities can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000 for programs in education, housing, food access, or environmental stewardship. Biology-focused or environmental education projects that benefit young people and families may be competitive.

Early-career biomedical investigators at nominated academic institutions in Maryland and nationwide can apply for Pew Charitable Trusts’ Pew Biomedical Scholars awards, offering US $75,000 - US $300,000 to support independent research. Funding may cover personnel, equipment, supplies, and travel for high-impact basic, translational, or applied biomedical science relevant to human health.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland and the broader Southern region can seek funding for nature and wildlife conservation, animal welfare, education, health, poverty relief, disaster relief, and related services. Robinson Foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible groups with other supporters where single-year grants will have tangible, meaningful impact and show direct results for people and communities served.

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.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant can apply for Gupta Family Foundation grants, with awards from US $5,000 - US $250,000. U.S.-based 501(c)(3)s and qualifying foreign entities, including those working in Maryland on human and social services or humanitarian projects, may be eligible if they are smaller, non-sectarian, and highly mission-driven.

Doctoral candidates in biology-related fields at Big Ten Academic Alliance universities can receive up to US $50,000 to conduct Smithsonian-based research in areas such as molecular biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, and animal behavior. Focused on advanced biological research, the Smithsonian Institution invites eligible scholars, including those from Maryland institutions, to pursue 3–12 month fellowships with additional research allowances.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in Maryland can apply for support from the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. This flexible funding may benefit biology-related and environmental initiatives that advance respect for life, the environment, and people in a changing world.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and local government entities working in education, environment, community enrichment, or entrepreneurship near Georgia-Pacific facilities can apply for funding. Focused on strengthening communities, Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites Maryland biology and environmental programs within 30 miles of a GP manufacturing community to request support that benefits GP-served areas.

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.