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.

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.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering early childhood education or community economic development programs in New York may be eligible for funding to serve low- and moderate-income families. With a mission to strengthen communities, PNC Foundation provides grants for early learning, affordable housing, small business support, job training, arts, and neighborhood revitalization 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The UNICO Foundation offers the Louise Torraco Memorial Scholarship for Science, providing two scholarships worth $2,500 each to U.S. citizens pursuing degrees in physical or life sciences. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be enrolled full-time in accredited programs. This initiative reflects UNICO's commitment to supporting educational pursuits in scientific fields while fostering Italian American heritage and community service.

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.

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.

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.

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.