Best Grants for Science Research in Pennsylvania

Early-career science faculty in Pennsylvania can receive up to US $150,000 to support independent research in biology, chemistry, physics, or their intersections. The Charles E Kaufman Foundation funds innovative basic research projects led by U.S. citizens or permanent residents holding eligible academic appointments at Pennsylvania higher education institutions.

Pennsylvania higher-education faculty teams conducting fundamental biology, chemistry, or physics research can access funding via Charles E Kaufman Foundation for new, curiosity-driven, interdisciplinary initiatives. Eligible projects involve at least two investigators from Pennsylvania institutions, with U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, and may receive up to US $300,000 over two years for collaborative basic research.

Physics students at colleges or universities in Pennsylvania and neighboring states can apply for American Physical Society NYSS Student Support awards of approximately US $150 to offset travel, lodging, and banquet costs for NYSS symposia. Advanced undergraduates and graduate students attending both days may also request support for coordinated transportation, with applications co-signed by their department chair.

The Travel Awards offered by the Biophysical Society target scientists with over 10 years of professional experience. These awards aim to promote engagement and excellence in biophysics by supporting members attending the Society's Annual Meeting. Eligibility requires applicants to submit an abstract and be a paid member. Awards vary based on travel distance, providing up to $750. Special funds are available for those from low-income countries, enhancing diversity and inclusion within the scientific community.

Doctoral candidates at Big Ten Academic Alliance universities conducting Smithsonian-based research in fields like biology, ecology, earth science, and related disciplines can receive up to US $50,000 from the Smithsonian Institution. Pennsylvania-based students at Penn State or other member campuses may be eligible for 3–12 month fellowships with a stipend and research allowance.

Nonprofit two- and four-year colleges and universities in Pennsylvania can apply for Alfred P Sloan Foundation implementation grants, up to US $500,000, to expand proven partnerships that remove systemic barriers to STEM master’s and doctoral education. Eligible projects involve at least two institutions and may include partners such as consortia, nonprofits, or research labs.

Pennsylvania science research organizations and institutions can access funding through the United States-Israel Binational Science Foundation’s Prof. Rahamimoff Travel Grants for Young Scientists to support PhD student research visits. Grants of US $6,000 fund up to two-month trips for U.S. or Israeli PhD students to partner universities or research facilities in Israel or the U.S. for needed expertise or facilities.

Pennsylvania science researchers in early independent careers conducting collaborative projects with partners in Israel can access funding through the United States-Israel Binational Science Foundation for two-year basic research in fields like chemistry, physics, biology, and earth science. Eligible junior principal investigators must be within 10 years of earning a Ph.D. or M.D., with each PI eligible for up to US $90,000.

Undergraduate natural science students of Polish descent in the U.S., including those studying in Pennsylvania, can receive a US $5,000 scholarship for full-time studies through the Drs. James and Wanda Trefil Science Scholarship. Grants from Kosciuszko Foundation support majors in fields like physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, earth science, and biochemistry.

Universities and research institutions conducting undergraduate science and engineering research in Pennsylvania can access funding through the National Science Foundation’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates program. Grants support REU Sites or Supplements that engage undergraduates in active research across NSF-funded fields, including chemistry, physics, biology, earth science, and related STEM disciplines; awards range from US $5,000 - US $500,000.

Pennsylvania science researchers at EPSCoR-eligible institutions can access funding through the National Science Foundation to build STEM research capacity and advance their careers through extended collaborations with premier research institutions. Projects in fields like chemistry, physics, biology, and earth science may be supported, and awards are available through both NSF and NASA-focused fellowship tracks.

Pennsylvania higher education institutions and nonprofit partners working to improve STEM pathways can seek seed funding to pilot collaborative activities that reduce systemic barriers to STEM master’s and doctoral degrees. Focused on STEM education and diversity, equity, and inclusion, the Alfred P Sloan Foundation supports multi-institution partnerships serving broad-access and Pell-eligible undergraduate populations nationwide.

Pennsylvania higher education institutions and nonprofit organizations serving STEM undergraduates can access funding through the Alfred P Sloan Foundation to plan partnerships that remove systemic barriers to STEM master’s and doctoral degrees. Grants up to Up to US $75,000 support one-year planning efforts such as needs assessments, internal reviews, and developing formal partnership roadmaps among two or more institutions.

Graduate students conducting science research on drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health in Pennsylvania and beyond can apply for this scholarship, which awards US $3,000 for impactful research. Focused on water-related challenges, American Water Works Association invites researchers whose work can deliver actionable outcomes for the water industry.

Researchers and research institutions conducting mentored quantitative health and disease studies in Pennsylvania can access funding through the National Institutes of Health. Focused on integrating mathematics, statistics, computer science, engineering, physics, chemistry, and related fields into NIH-relevant research, this career development award supports supervised study and training for quantitative scientists entering biomedical and health research.

Early-career scientists studying matter at extreme high pressure conditions can receive US $5,000 from the American Physical Society for outstanding theoretical or experimental contributions. Focused on high-pressure research across physics, chemistry, materials science, Earth and planetary science, this annual award includes a travel allowance to present at an APS meeting, benefiting researchers in Pennsylvania and beyond.

Seattle Foundation is an agent of change, igniting powerful, rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

At Seattle Foundation, we believe that community is more than a place. It’s the shared understanding that our joy and well-being are tied to one another. Every day we work with nonprofits, philanthropists, and partners like you to strengthen community by igniting powerful philanthropy and advancing long-term solutions. Because it takes all of us to create a joyful region where every person can thrive.

Lambeth Family Scholarship

This scholarship, designed to honor and financially support students pursuing a degree in engineering, natural sciences, mathematics, computer science or business, supports high school seniors in Washington State who will study at a public university, community college or technical school. This scholarship varies from $1,000 to $3,000 and is renewable for up to 4 years.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Edite Balks Walter, M.D. Scholarship Fund

This fund was established to help women seeking degrees in biology, chemistry, physics and human or animal medicine. Dr. Walter is a graduate of the former Springfield High School. Through the assistance of various scholarships, she graduated cum laude from Kalamazoo College. Dr. Walter remains an inspiration and believes, "Women Can Do Science and Should Do Science."

Community Foundation of New Jersey

Over our 46-year history, the Community Foundation of New Jersey has collaborated with individuals, families, organizations, and businesses to design charitable funds and implement the philanthropic solutions they want to see in their communities. We leverage $1.17 billion in assets and 1,200 funds to help our partners think boldly and creatively about ways to give.

Scholarship Fund Overview

Beyond a shared commitment to educational opportunity, families establish scholarship funds with a variety of goals and purposes in mind. They may offer traditional scholarships or customize fund awards for alternative scholarships.

Currently, CFNJ administers more than 135 scholarship funds. Our scholarship opportunities run the gamut, from those exclusive to a local high school or geographic region to those supporting specific majors or career pursuits. Last year, we awarded over $2 million in scholarship assistance to 271 scholars.

Applicants may be evaluated on academic performance; extracurricular activities; community involvement; paid or unpaid work; and a statement of their personal aspirations, educational goals, and demonstrated unmet financial need in our scholarship review process.

David H. Roe Scholarship

This scholarship assists graduating high school seniors from the Greater Newark area who plan to pursue an undergraduate degree in mathematics, physics, biology, botany, or chemistry. Applicants must have been accepted to a four-year accredited college/university within the United States and must be entering their freshman year in the fall. If you have not yet been accepted to a college or university, please do not apply at this time. Scholarships are based on merit and unmet financial need.

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Senior Master Sergeant Texie C. Taylor, USAF Memorial Scholarship

Applicant must be a junior or senior undergraduate or graduate student majoring in physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, nursing (RN), engineering (aerospace, civil, chemical, electrical, mechanical) or mathematics with a minimum 3.0 GPA. This is a one-year scholarship reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens residing within the Cherokee Nation jurisdictional area.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing physical science majors and planning post-secondary study at accredited colleges or universities can receive US $4,170 to support their education. With a mission to support higher education in the sciences, Daviess County Community Foundation provides this renewable scholarship, which may benefit students interested in fields like chemistry, physics, or earth science research in Pennsylvania and beyond.

Pennsylvania science and engineering students pursuing Ph.D. research that uses high-performance computing can access funding through the United States Department of Energy; this fellowship supports doctoral study in fields like physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering. Eligible U.S. citizens or permanent residents at accredited U.S. universities receive multi-year support plus a practicum at DOE national laboratories.

Early-career academic researchers in physical, mathematical, computational sciences or engineering pursuing biological science research can receive long-term support for career development and science research, including work based in Pennsylvania. Burroughs Wellcome Fund provides U.S. and Canadian institutions with US $560,000 over five years through its Career Awards at the Scientific Interface.

Graduate students in Earth system and atmospheric sciences at North American universities, including those in Pennsylvania, can receive US $40,000 plus travel and professional development through the UCAR Next Generation Fellowship. University Corporation for Atmospheric Research supports research, public policy, workplace culture, and convergence projects connecting Earth system science and society over a two-year period.

Universities, research institutions, and other eligible science organizations in Pennsylvania can seek funding for advanced computing, energy, physics, chemistry, biology, and environmental research. Focused on fundamental and applied science, the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science invites proposals under its open Financial Assistance Program, offering US $50,000 - US $5,000,000 for projects within its authorized mission areas.

The Cottrell STAR Award recognizes exceptional research and educational achievements of Cottrell Scholars and Holland Award recipients. It aims to enhance science education at U.S. and Canadian universities, promoting the Cottrell Scholars' national profile. The award includes a $5,000 cash prize, with applications initiated through nominations. Highlighted at the summer Cottrell Scholar Conference, the award supports a vibrant community of early career faculty committed to innovative research and teaching in the physical sciences.

The Pat and John MacTavish Fund, established in 2007 by John Mac Tavish in memory of his wife Pat, provides scholarships aimed at encouraging young women to pursue higher education in the hard sciences. Awarded by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, scholarships are competitive and based on criteria such as financial need and academic achievement. Applicants from Northern Ottawa County or specific school districts are eligible. The fund emphasizes the importance of education in fields such as math, chemistry, and computer science.