Best Biology Grants in Maryland

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services programs, including those in Maryland, can seek support for new approaches to social problems. Creag Foundation supports smaller or evolving organizations across areas like health, environment, literacy, and community development. Biology-focused nonprofits addressing social issues may be eligible to submit a letter of inquiry by invitation.

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.

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: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

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) and equivalent charitable organizations can seek funding for health, education, or community programs that expand access to care and support local communities. Focused on community health and welfare, the Labcorp Charitable Foundation supports efforts like healthcare services, food pantries, STEM education, and related biology or health initiatives, reviewing requests in March and September.

Nonprofit and social enterprise programs improving education, health, or family economic stability for low-income urban children in Maryland and other eligible areas can seek more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation funds organizations working in the U.S., India, and South Africa that align with its mission and values.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

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.

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.

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.

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.