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.

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.

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.

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.

Colorado health and human services nonprofits working on care access, disease, or humanitarian relief can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation for programs serving marginalized and vulnerable populations. Organizations may be eligible if they operate in the U.S. or listed partner countries and focus on health, education, or disaster relief for underserved communities.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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 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 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking project funding in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental work can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Focused on practical, innovative solutions, the Dr Scholl Foundation primarily supports U.S. organizations, which may include biology-related programs that fit these categories.

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.

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 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.

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.