Best Biology Grants in Colorado

With a mission to strengthen communities, Costco Foundation provides Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for programs serving children, education, and health and human services. Organizations working with youth, including those in child welfare or children’s health, may be eligible for monetary support if they demonstrate community need, measurable outcomes, and broad financial backing.

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.

Nonprofit and NGO programs using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment in Colorado can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. With a mission to back innovative, early-stage social impact solutions, Cisco Systems Foundation supports projects serving mostly economically underserved communities worldwide.

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.

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 Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Colorado can apply for Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s sponsorship support to advance economic mobility and social progress. Funding may benefit programs in basic needs, workforce development, community development, arts and culture, environment, sports, housing, and diversity and inclusion, including initiatives connected to biological or environmental science work.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, and libraries working on environmental or human services programs can access funding through Lawrence Foundation, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Grants may support general operating or project costs, including reasonable indirect expenses, and can benefit biology-related environmental initiatives among other eligible efforts.

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.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital 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.

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 Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

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.