Best Biology Grants in Florida

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

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 Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

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 Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The Amgen Foundation Inc focuses on non-healthcare donations and sponsorships that target humanitarian, social, educational, and community programs. They offer support to organizations outside the U.S. healthcare community, particularly those recognized as tax-exempt public charities. Eligible organizations must serve specific Amgen communities throughout the U.S. This initiative aims to enhance health outcomes and address critical societal needs, thereby reducing the burden of disease and improving lives.

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 Guy Harvey Fellowship, established in 2024 by Florida Sea Grant, supports graduate students conducting vital research on sustainable marine fisheries at Florida's higher education institutions. Each fellow can receive up to $5,000 as a research stipend, with additional funding available for travel and professional development. This initiative enhances coastal resilience and promotes effective management of marine resources while fostering communication and collaboration within the Sea Grant network.

The Pew Biomedical Scholars Program offers significant funding of $300,000 over four years to support early-career researchers in biomedical sciences. The program encourages innovative and impactful research that contributes to human health, requiring nomination from one of the 212 participating institutions. Candidates must hold a doctorate, run an independent lab as an assistant professor, and demonstrate exceptional promise. This program fosters collaboration and annual meetings for scholars to present their findings.

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 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.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The Smithsonian Marine Station Postdoctoral Fellowship Program offers 1-2 year fellowships for research in marine ecosystems, particularly focusing on the Indian River Lagoon. Candidates can explore topics such as seagrass biology, marine microbiology, and ocean acidification. Fellows receive an annual stipend of $57,000 plus allowances for health and research expenses. Eligibility varies by academic level, with senior fellowships available for those with a Ph.D. for at least 7 years. A confocal microscope is available for selected research.

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.

The Sea Turtle Grants Program, funded by Florida's Sea Turtle Specialty License Plate sales, supports vital research, conservation, and educational initiatives for Florida's marine turtles. The program allocates 30% of license plate revenue to grant applications, with a maximum of four submissions per organization. Priority is given to projects that enhance the preservation of marine turtles and align with recovery plans and the Marine Turtle Protection Program's goals.

Florida Department of Health

Led by the State Surgeon General, the mission of the Florida Department of Health is to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

The Live Like Bella Pediatric Cancer Research Initiative

The Florida Department of Health’s Live Like Bella Pediatric Cancer Research Initiative supports the pursuit of identifying cures for pediatric cancer.

The Live Like Bella Pediatric Cancer Research Initiative is established in section 381.922, Florida Statutes, works to advance progress toward curing pediatric cancer through grants awarded through a peer-reviewed, competitive process, to:

• Significantly expand pediatric cancer research capacity in Florida
• Improve both research and treatment through greater pediatric enrollment in clinical trials networks
• Reduce the impact of pediatric cancer on disproportionately impacted individuals

Research Focus

Applications submitted in response to this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) must be responsive to one of the following areas of focus. 

• Prevention and Treatment
• Screening
• Obesity
• Treatment-Related Morbidities
• Technology Transfer Feasibility (TTF)
• Investigational New Drug or Investigational Device Exemption

Efforts to foster collaborations among institutions, researchers, and community practitioners should be included, when possible. Preference will be given to applications that address at least one of the cancers listed in the Research Priorities section of this FOA.

Funding Information

Applicants must request funding in the preceding grant categories to pursue research in the areas of focus outlined in the Research Focus section of this FOA. Preference will be given to applications that address the priorities listed in the Research Priorities section of this FOA. Specific grant funding amounts are available for each grant category.

Grant Categories

Applications in response to this FOA must align to a grant category (depending on the grant program) to pursue an area of focus from the Research Focus section of this FOA. Applications for research infrastructure grants that are reviewed and assigned exceptional scientific merit will be considered for preferential funding. 

The grant categories are: 1) Bridge; 2) Discovery Science; 3) Emerging Therapeutics and Technologies; 4) Equipment; 5) Multicenter Clinical Trials; 6) New Investigator Research (NIR); 7) High-Risk, High-Reward Clinical Research; 8) High-Risk, High-Reward Discovery Science; 9) Non-Typical Clinical Trials/Socio-Behavioral Research; 10) Research Infrastructure

Bella Initiative Grant Categories: Discovery Science

Discovery science means fundamental theoretical or experimental investigative research to advance knowledge without a specifically envisaged or immediately practical application. Directed to understanding the events related to the development of cancer at the molecular, cellular, and organismic levels, as well as the discovery and development of new drugs or therapies. This section includes studies on basic biology of e-cigarettes. Applications under this mechanism can include observational or cross-sectional studies not involving a clinical trial. Outcome measures can be self-reported, observational, behavioral, biologic, or genetic.

Maximum Duration: 36 months

Florida Department of Health

Led by the State Surgeon General, the mission of the Florida Department of Health is to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

The Live Like Bella Pediatric Cancer Research Initiative

The Florida Department of Health’s Live Like Bella Pediatric Cancer Research Initiative supports the pursuit of identifying cures for pediatric cancer.

The Live Like Bella Pediatric Cancer Research Initiative is established in section 381.922, Florida Statutes, works to advance progress toward curing pediatric cancer through grants awarded through a peer-reviewed, competitive process, to:

• Significantly expand pediatric cancer research capacity in Florida
• Improve both research and treatment through greater pediatric enrollment in clinical trials networks
• Reduce the impact of pediatric cancer on disproportionately impacted individuals

Research Focus

Applications submitted in response to this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) must be responsive to one of the following areas of focus. 

• Prevention and Treatment
• Screening
• Obesity
• Treatment-Related Morbidities
• Technology Transfer Feasibility (TTF)
• Investigational New Drug or Investigational Device Exemption

Efforts to foster collaborations among institutions, researchers, and community practitioners should be included, when possible. Preference will be given to applications that address at least one of the cancers listed in the Research Priorities section of this FOA.

Funding Information

Applicants must request funding in the preceding grant categories to pursue research in the areas of focus outlined in the Research Focus section of this FOA. Preference will be given to applications that address the priorities listed in the Research Priorities section of this FOA. Specific grant funding amounts are available for each grant category.

Grant Categories

Applications in response to this FOA must align to a grant category (depending on the grant program) to pursue an area of focus from the Research Focus section of this FOA. Applications for research infrastructure grants that are reviewed and assigned exceptional scientific merit will be considered for preferential funding. 

The grant categories are: 1) Bridge; 2) Discovery Science; 3) Emerging Therapeutics and Technologies; 4) Equipment; 5) Multicenter Clinical Trials; 6) New Investigator Research (NIR); 7) High-Risk, High-Reward Clinical Research; 8) High-Risk, High-Reward Discovery Science; 9) Non-Typical Clinical Trials/Socio-Behavioral Research; 10) Research Infrastructure

Bella Initiative Grant Categories: High-Risk, High-Reward Discovery Science

Research in this mechanism of support pursues bold, unconventional hypotheses or cutting-edge methodologies to explore uncharted biological territories relevant to tobacco-related diseases and cancer. This research challenges existing paradigms, investigates counterintuitive phenomena, or develops innovative approaches that may appear technically unfeasible. The high-risk nature stems from possibilities that novel hypotheses prove incorrect or new methods fail to yield interpretable data. The high-reward potential includes groundbreaking discoveries that fundamentally alter disease understanding, identify new therapeutic targets, or elucidate previously unknown pathways spawning multiple research directions.

Maximum Duration: 36 months

The Merit Award for Pain and Symptom Management offers a unique opportunity for eligible trainees and students to showcase their research at the ASCO Annual Meeting. Recipients receive $1,000, complimentary registration, and access to exclusive hotel blocks. Special Merit Awards recognize outstanding first authors with top abstracts, providing additional honors. This initiative encourages innovative research in cancer management, emphasizing the importance of addressing pain and symptoms in patient care.

The Bradley Stuart Beller Endowed Merit Award offers $2,000 to the top-ranking First Author of an abstract submitted to the ASCO Meeting. Recipients gain the opportunity to present their work, receive complimentary registration, and access reserved hotel blocks. Eligibility includes being the First Author, enrolled in a relevant training program, and providing a letter of confirmation from a program director. Special Merit Awards are also available for outstanding abstracts.

The Ono Initiative Grant by the Ono Pharma Foundation supports innovative research in Chemical Biology, aiming to transform human health. It welcomes proposals from Principal Investigators (PIs) at nominated institutions, focusing on groundbreaking solutions and promoting the development of young scientists. Grants of up to $1,035,000 over three years are available, fostering collaboration and transformative research aligned with the foundation's mission.

The Longboat Key Garden Club offers scholarships to support eligible college students in Florida pursuing degrees in natural or marine sciences. Awards range from $5,000 to $10,000, aimed at enhancing educational experiences for dedicated students. This initiative encourages studies in diverse fields such as Botany, Marine Biology, and Ecology. By investing in future leaders, the Garden Club fosters academic achievement and inspires students to pursue their professional dreams in environmental stewardship.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission provides annual funding through the Invasive Plant Management Section to support research and outreach projects aimed at managing invasive plant species. Eligible projects can include studies on herbicide efficacy, seed bank viability, and the development of biological control methods. Collaboration with other agencies is encouraged, and funding typically ranges from $20,000 to $40,000, with a maximum administrative overhead of 10%. This initiative is crucial for maintaining Florida's ecosystems.

The NCF Foundation Scholarship at New College of Florida supports students through academic merit and financial need-based funding. Established by generous donors, it aims to make higher education accessible, with nearly all students receiving some form of scholarship. Eligible applicants include incoming freshmen, transfer students, and currently enrolled students with an @ncf.edu email. A yearly scholarship application and FAFSA completion are required to ensure funding opportunities.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

The Michael D. Netherland Graduate Student Research Grant, awarded biannually by the Aquatic Plant Management Society (APMS), supports full-time graduate students researching aquatic plant management or ecology. With a budget of $40,000, this grant encourages innovative proposals addressing nuisance aquatic vegetation. Established to honor Dr. Michael D. Netherland's contributions, the grant emphasizes collaboration and scientific excellence in aquatic management. Applications are open to graduate students and faculty from accredited U.S. institutions, requiring a faculty sponsor for student submissions.

The Aylesworth Scholarship Award, offered by the Florida Sea Grant, supports full-time students at Florida universities conducting marine science research. This career award provides approximately $2,500 each semester to eligible students, ensuring they receive financial assistance until they achieve their educational goals. Established in 1984 by Ralph and Kitty Aylesworth, the scholarship aims to foster scientific knowledge and sustainable management of marine resources, benefiting both the economy and the environment.

The National Park Service (NPS) invites applications for Master Cooperative Agreements from participants in the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) network across various regions. This initiative fosters collaboration among federal agencies, tribes, academic institutions, and conservation organizations to enhance resource stewardship. With 390 non-federal partners and 15 federal agencies, the CESU network supports interdisciplinary projects addressing diverse environmental and cultural heritage issues. Applications are continually accepted until the announcement's closing date.