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 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 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.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

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.

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.

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.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The NCAR Advanced Study Program offers a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship for independent research at the National Center for Atmospheric Research. This program, established over fifty years ago, fosters collaboration among scientists and engineers while encouraging fellows to pursue their own research interests. Successful candidates will engage in a diverse range of interdisciplinary projects across atmospheric sciences and related fields, with support for community involvement and professional development, making it an exceptional opportunity for emerging scholars.

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 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.

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.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

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.

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.

The Fishing is Fun Grant Program, managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, aims to enhance angling opportunities throughout Colorado by providing up to $700,000 annually in matching funds. This initiative supports a variety of projects including habitat improvements, access enhancements, and public amenities at fishing sites. Eligible applicants include local governments, recreation departments, and nonprofit organizations. Over 30 years, the program has funded 375 projects, promoting sustainable fishing practices and community engagement.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial assistance to farmers, ranchers, and private forest landowners in implementing conservation practices that enhance environmental quality on agricultural lands. Eligible applicants include agricultural producers and non-industrial private forestland owners, with a focus on reducing pollution, conserving water resources, and promoting wildlife habitat. NRCS accepts applications year-round, ensuring ongoing support for environmentally sustainable practices in agriculture.

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 Lois Webster Fund, established in 1995 by the Audubon Society of Greater Denver, supports vital research and education projects focused on Colorado's non-game wildlife. This fund aims to enhance the conservation of these species by considering projects that influence population management and habitat conservation. Preference is given to proposals affiliated with nonprofit organizations or academic institutions, ensuring collaborative efforts that can make a significant impact in preserving Colorado's biodiversity.

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 Colorado Garden Foundation offers a Full Ride Scholarship for incoming freshmen from Colorado attending a publicly funded college or university. This four-year scholarship covers tuition, fees, room and board, and necessary books. Recipients also receive a laptop and printer. Eligible fields of study include Agriculture Business, Horticulture, and Botany, among others. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 2.50 and be Colorado residents. This program aims to support students pursuing careers in agriculture and horticulture.

The Colorado Mountain Club Foundation

The Colorado Mountain Club Foundation was established in 1973 by members of the Colorado Mountain Club and outdoor enthusiasts who were committed to seeing that the mission of the Club and other like-minded organizations would be carried-on in perpetuity so that future generations could access and responsibly enjoy the mountains and wild places of Colorado and beyond.

Today, the Foundation is overseen by volunteers who serve on a board of directors as well as on committees, and who share the commitment to ensuring Colorado’s mountains and wild places can be accessed and enjoyed safely and responsibly for years to come. The Foundation supports programs and organizations that provide education about mountains, including programs that teach individuals how to recreate responsibly and to honor such principles as ‘leave no trace.’

The Foundation also supports scholarships aimed at better understanding and preserving mountain ecosystems, including their unique flora, fauna and geography. The Foundation promotes access for all to Colorado’s wild places, while preserving the very nature of what makes places wild. With that, the Foundation supports stewardship programs such as trail building, erosion mitigation and land use education.

Fellowships

Since 1982 The Colorado Mountain Club Foundation has awarded fellowships for research consistent with the statement of purpose adopted by the founders of the Colorado Mountain Club in 1912:

"To unite the energy, interest and knowledge of the students, explorers, and lovers of the mountains of Colorado; to collect and disseminate information regarding the Rocky Mountains in behalf of science, literature, art and recreation; to stimulate public interest in the mountain area; to encourage the preservation of forests, flowers, fauna and natural scenery; and to render readily accessible the alpine attractions of this region."

The Foundation solicits applications from students enrolled in Colorado colleges and universities or students outside Colorado whose research is focused on the Rocky Mountain region. 

The top outstanding applicants are awarded a named fellowship:

• The Gehres Fellowship, in honor of Jim Gehres’s long service and support of the CMC, the CMCF, and the CMCF Fellowship and Grant Committee, as well as his establishment of the Gehres Fourteeners Fund (the Gehres fellowship supports research carried out in the high elevation of the Rocky Mountains);
• The Gerstle Fellowship, in honor of the late Dr. Kurt Gerstle, professor of engineering at the University of Colorado, a long-time member of CMC, and the founder of the Foundation’s Academic Fellowship program;
• Kindig Fellowship, in honor of the late Dr. Neal B. Kindig, a graduate of West Point and Stanford University and professor of electrical engineering at the University of Colorado, as well as an active member of The Colorado Mountain Club and The CMC Foundation; or
• The Ossinger Fellowship, in honor of Dr. Al Ossinger, a graduate of Stanford University, a long-time member of CMC and the Foundation, and retired chair of the Academic Fellowship Committee.

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.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

The Maki Foundation Grant Program, established in 1981, focuses on environmental protection in the western United States. Grants range from $1,000 to $5,000, aimed at organizations where modest support can create significant impact. Priorities include wilderness protection, river conservation, biological diversity, and public lands management. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and operate within specific states. The foundation avoids funding large groups or projects involving community recreation facilities and wildlife rehabilitation.

The Stephen R. Tully Memorial Grant supports raptor research and conservation, particularly for students and amateurs with limited funding options. Established in 1983 in memory of Steve Tully, a dedicated raptor biologist who tragically passed away in 1978, the grant provides up to $2,000 and covers publication charges in the Journal of Raptor Research. It aims to encourage the study and conservation of raptors, reflecting Tully's passion for these birds.

The National Park Service (NPS) invites applications for Master Cooperative Agreements from participants in the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) network across various regions. This initiative fosters collaboration among federal agencies, tribes, academic institutions, and conservation organizations to enhance resource stewardship. With 390 non-federal partners and 15 federal agencies, the CESU network supports interdisciplinary projects addressing diverse environmental and cultural heritage issues. Applications are continually accepted until the announcement's closing date.