Best Biology Grants in New York

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem–solving programs can seek funding that may benefit work in New York. Grants from Creag Foundation help eligible groups pilot or expand new approaches to societal issues, including health, environment, literacy, community development, and related fields, via an invitation-only process starting with a letter of inquiry.

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 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 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.

Early-career assistant professors running independent biomedical or biology-focused labs at nominated New York institutions can receive US $75,000 - US $300,000 to support innovative research advancing human health. Pew Charitable Trusts funds flexible basic, translational, or applied biomedical projects, with awards made to participating universities and research centers through an internal nomination process.

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 MIND Prize provides New York biology and neuroscience researchers with major support for innovative neurodegenerative disease projects. Administered by the Pershing Square Foundation, this U.S. program funds early- to mid-career investigators advancing tools, technologies, and bold approaches to understand and treat conditions like Alzheimer’s, dementia, and related neurological disorders; total awards are US $750,000.

About Us

The Simons Foundation’s mission is to advance the frontiers of research in mathematics and the basic sciences.

Since its founding in 1994 by Jim and Marilyn Simons, the foundation has been a champion of basic science through grant funding, support for research and public engagement. We believe in asking big questions and providing sustained support to researchers working to unravel the mysteries of the universe.

Through our work we make space for scientific discovery.

Junior Fellows of the Simons Society of Fellows

The Simons Foundation invites nominations for Junior Fellows of the Simons Society of Fellows. This year’s call is open to any individual who meets the nominator eligibility requirements outlined below and is interested in nominating a candidate for a Junior Fellowship.

Junior Fellows are outstanding young scientists who receive support from the foundation for up to 3 years to conduct independent research at an NYC educational institution. The foundation requires Junior Fellows to attend weekly lectures and dinners at the foundation during the academic year, as well as an annual conference and a 4-day weekend retreat.

Funding

Award Amount: In 2027/28, a Junior Fellow will receive a stipend of $102,799, funds for fringe benefits based on the host institutional fringe rate, as well as a $10,000 research allowance. The Junior Fellow’s New York City host institution will receive an additional 20 percent in indirect costs. A Junior Fellow’s salary support automatically increases by three percent each funding year.

Award Duration: Junior Fellows are appointed for up to three years. A fellowship must begin on July 1, August 1 or September 1, 2027.

Number of Awards: In 2027, the foundation expects to appoint up to 15 Junior Fellows.

Allowable Expenses

The research funds provided to the Junior Fellow may be used to support expenses in the following categories:

• Scientific domestic or international travel by the Junior Fellow.
• Small equipment, supplies and other expenses directly benefiting the Junior Fellow’s research.
• Expenses related to travel or hosting scientific visitors and collaborators.

Doctorate-level anthropologists and closely related scholars in New York can receive up to US $25,000 for individual post-Ph.D. research projects advancing understanding of human biological and cultural origins, development, and variation. The Wenner-Gren Foundation supports innovative anthropology research worldwide, welcoming projects that integrate multiple subfields and pioneer new approaches and ideas.

Scientists and researchers in conservation, chemistry, biology-related fields, and earth sciences can receive up to US $63,000 from the Metropolitan Museum of Art for a 12‑month senior fellowship in New York focused on art conservation science. Fellows conduct independent research using The Met’s collections and resources in areas like preventive conservation, organic and inorganic media, and related topics.

New York biology and conservation organizations planning habitat restoration projects in the Hudson-Raritan Estuary region can access funding through the Hudson River Foundation for one- to two-year efforts. Grants of US $50,000 - US $100,000 support wildlife habitat restoration at sites in the Comprehensive Restoration Plan or similar community-supported plans that also benefit local communities.

Prospective Ph.D. students in biology and related fields in New York can apply for American Museum of Natural History graduate fellowships supporting joint university–museum training and research. Eligible applicants must be first-time Ph.D. candidates applying both to a partnered university program and to the AMNH Graduate Student Fellowships Program.

Private and tribal landowners in New York seeking to restore degraded wetlands can access easement funding to protect and enhance land and habitat. Natural Resources Conservation Service offers permanent, term, and 30-year wetland reserve easements, covering most easement and restoration costs, with priority for projects benefiting migratory birds and other wildlife.

Nonprofits, public entities, and tribal nations in the Buffalo-Niagara region can seek funding for ecological enhancement projects within the Niagara Greenway, including land conservation, habitat research, and restoration. NY Power Authority’s Greenway Ecological Fund supports multi-year projects that improve aquatic and terrestrial habitats, ecosystem services, and environmental stewardship and education in New York.

Biology and conservation researchers conducting projects in New York’s Black Rock Forest can apply for the David Redden Conservation Science Fund, with awards up to US $10,000 for conservation-focused science. Focused on research with practical conservation applications, Black Rock Forest Consortium invites projects completed at least in part within its Hudson Highlands forest.

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.

Undergraduates studying biology-related fields in New York can receive up to US $2,500 to pursue summer research on the history of the life sciences through this hybrid internship. The American Philosophical Society and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory provide archival access, mentorship, travel support, and housing while interns work on topics like genetics, molecular biology, or cancer research.

Veterinarians in North America focused on avian diagnostics or technical service to the poultry industry can receive $1,000 for documented contributions over the past decade. Grants from American Association of Avian Pathologists help New York biology professionals working in poultry health recognize outstanding service and impact through the Lasher-Bottorff Award.

New York biology and space-science researchers studying human adaptation beyond Earth can access funding through the Explorers Club and Vast x Explorers Club Grant. Awards of US $20,000 - US $25,000 support field or lab projects on space environments, human health, habitability, and related systems; applicants must be at least 18 and leading an active project.

Undergraduate natural science majors of Polish descent studying full time in the U.S., including New York, can compete for a US $5,000 Drs. James and Wanda Trefil Science Scholarship supporting tuition. Grants from Kosciuszko Foundation help biology, chemistry, physics, and related majors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a 3.5 GPA or higher.

New York graduate students of Polish descent pursuing full-time biology or related science degrees can access funding through the Kosciuszko Foundation for tuition at U.S. universities or English medical schools in Poland, with awards from US $1,000 - US $12,000. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

With a mission to support higher education in forestry, the Society of American Foresters provides New York biology and forestry faculty with a national professional development award. Active SAF-member faculty in SAF-accredited degree programs with at least ten years’ experience can be nominated, receiving more than US $500 plus convention registration and travel support.

Young science journalists producing non-technical biology or other science reporting, including those in New York, can apply for the Council for the Advancement of Science Writing’s Evert Clark/Seth Payne Award; awards US $1,000 plus conference travel for outstanding work. Applicants must be 30 or younger, with English-language pieces published July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025.

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.

Researchers with internationally recognized basic science that advances parasitology, including work relevant to biology in New York and beyond, can be nominated for this lectureship. The American Society of Parasitologists covers up to US $1,000 in travel and accommodations, plus an honorarium and plaque, for a one-hour lecture at its annual meeting.