Best Neuroscience Grants in Washington

U.S.-based research institutions and principal investigators with fully equipped labs can apply for the Mathers Foundation’s basic science grants supporting neuroscience and related life science fields. Collaborative projects with other U.S. organizations are eligible, so Washington neuroscience researchers may benefit if their work fits the foundation’s supported research areas.

Early-career, tenure-track neuroscience faculty at degree-granting institutions in Washington and across the U.S. or Canada can receive flexible research support through two-year Sloan Research Fellowships. Focused on advancing fundamental science, the Alfred P Sloan Foundation awards US $75,000 for expenses such as staffing, travel, lab costs, equipment, or summer salary support.

The Career Awards for Medical Scientists (CAMS), established by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, offers $700,000 over five years to support early career physician scientists transitioning to independence in academic biomedical research. This highly competitive program aims to enhance research innovation and public service by fostering a diverse scientific workforce. Proposals in basic biomedical, disease-oriented, or translational research, particularly those incorporating artificial intelligence or addressing climate change and human health, are encouraged.

Washington neuroscience and broader health-focused nonprofits, hospitals, universities, and patient groups can access funding through Amgen Foundation to support science, medicine, healthcare, and education initiatives. U.S. Healthcare Donations may back fellowships, patient education, scholarships, and non-accredited scientific meetings in areas like neuroscience, hematology/oncology, cardiovascular disease, and other Amgen disease-state interests.

Independent faculty investigators at U.S. nonprofit research institutions conducting neuroscience studies on brain and behavior disorders may be eligible for the McKnight Neurobiology of Brain Disorders Award, including those based in Washington. Grants from the McKnight Foundation fund innovative, cross-disciplinary research into neurological and psychiatric disease mechanisms and environmental contributions, offering up to US $300,000 over three years.

Early-career neuroscience faculty at U.S. nonprofit research institutions can receive US $225,000 over three years to advance research on learning and memory disorders. Grants from The McKnight Foundation help Washington neuroscience investigators and peers nationwide fund salaries, equipment, animal costs, and other direct expenses to build independent research programs.

Universities and research institutions in Washington conducting basic social psychology or social and affective neuroscience research can access funding through the National Science Foundation. NSF provides support for theoretically grounded, empirically based projects that advance understanding of human social behavior and demonstrate strong broader impacts, including benefits to society, national security, and research infrastructure.

With a mission to support innovative leaders, the Pershing Square Foundation provides Washington neuroscience researchers with US $750,000 through the MIND Prize for groundbreaking neurodegenerative disease research. Early- to mid-career investigators working on tools, technologies, or bold approaches for conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia may be eligible for this three-year award and research network.

The Therapeutic Giving program by Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine focuses on enhancing patient access to treatment in cardiovascular and metabolism areas. Nonprofit organizations classified as 501(c)(3) are eligible to apply for funding. The program emphasizes innovative initiatives that address healthcare disparities and improve patient outcomes through education, advocacy, and support services. Applications are evaluated based on design, capacity, and potential impact, with a preference for programs over event-based funding.

Grants from Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine help Washington health nonprofits deliver immunology-focused programs that improve patient access to treatment and services. 501(c)(3) organizations working on conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, or arthritis may be eligible for initiatives in disease awareness, early intervention, caregiver support, and reducing health disparities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running oncology-related patient support or access-to-care programs in Washington can apply for Therapeutic Giving: Oncology funding; awards support programmatic costs. Grants from Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine help U.S. health nonprofits deliver education, caregiver support, and equity-focused services for cancers such as leukemia, lung cancer, multiple myeloma, prostate cancer, and related conditions.

Washington 501(c)(3) nonprofits running neuroscience and mental health programs can access funding through Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine to improve patient access, advance health equity, and strengthen frontline health workforces. Eligible projects focus on Alzheimer’s, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder, emphasizing recovery, early intervention, crisis response, stigma reduction, and justice-system-related mental health initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running neuroscience and mental health programs in Washington can access funding through Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. Grants support initiatives in Alzheimer’s disease, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, and related areas that improve access to care, advance health equity, strengthen frontline workforces, and deliver measurable recovery-focused, early intervention, crisis, or justice-related mental health outcomes.

Early-career neuroscience researchers at U.S. medical schools, academic hospitals, or research institutes can apply for the Warren Alpert Foundation’s Distinguished Scholars Award through nomination by their dean or chief research officer. This national award supports MD and/or PhD postdocs, including those in Washington, with strong prior work and innovative basic or clinical neuroscience proposals.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on brain health, including neuroscience and neurological or psychiatric disorders, can seek charitable donations supporting humanitarian, healthcare, education, and community programs in the U.S., including Washington. With a mission to advance brain health, Lundbeck US Charitable Fund provides high-impact support for efforts addressing rare brain diseases and mental health needs.

Nonprofits or for-profit organizations hosting neuroscience or brain health education and awareness events in Washington may be eligible for sponsorship support, including walks, community events, or conferences. These U.S.-wide sponsorships from Lundbeck US Charitable Fund focus on neurological and psychiatric disorders, rare brain diseases, and missions aligned with advancing brain health.