Biogen Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Biogen Foundation prioritizes science education programs and general community causes like culture and homelessness.
IP TAKE: As the corporation continues to grow following a boost in revenue, the foundation also seems to be ramping up giving. Online proposals are accepted from eligible organizations.
PROFILE: The Biogen Foundation is the philanthropic branch of the Cambridge-based pharmaceutical company Biogen. It is committed to “sparking a passion for science and discovery, supporting science education initiatives and strengthening efforts to make science education and science careers accessible to diverse populations.” The foundation maintains two separate grant programs, one domestic and one international. This is great funding to secure in the STEM space.
Grants for STEM Education
The Biogen Foundation promotes “access to science education and to essential human services for children and their families.” In the realm of education, the foundation supports programs that offer “hands-on science education,” “teacher development opportunities,” and “college readiness and support.” Biogen generally funds independent nonprofits that offer educational outreach or advancement programs, rather than working with schools and school systems directly. Grantees include the Boston Museum of Science, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, uAspire, North Carolina Science Fair Foundation, and Science from Scientists.
Grants for Public Health
In addition to its main education focus, the Biogen Foundation supports organizations that provide “essential human services for children and their families” in order to promote academic success and economic mobility. Biogen funds organizations in its giving communities that provide basic social needs such as “child hunger, poverty, and social mobility.” Grantees include the North Carolina Community Foundation, Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, Greater Boston Food Bank, East End House, Cradles to Crayons, and Promise Village Home for Children.
Additionally, Biogen’s corporate responsibility commitment includes efforts to promote access to high quality health care for patients in its giving regions. It offers various Financial Assistance programs for patients undergoing therapies developed by Biogen, including insurance counseling, a $0 copay program, free medication for select patients in need, and even help finding assistance through other charitable organizations. It also offers Access Programs that help patients with serious or life-threatening diseases gain access to investigational therapies through clinical trials, Expanded Access Programs (EAP) for patients not eligible for clinical trials, and Single Patient Access for those requiring a special exemption to access investigational drugs and therapies.
Grants for Brain and Cell Research
Biogen’s Corporate Responsibility efforts, of which the foundation is only a part, offers a range of grants and fellowships to promote advancements in medicine and improvements in patient care. Medical Education grants fund “independent medical educational activities for HCPs and researchers,” primarily concerning diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, ophthalmology, Parkinson's disease and spinal muscular atrophy. Patient Education grants support similar efforts aimed at patients and their caregivers. Professional & Scientific Development grants support “training and development for medical professionals or researchers” studying Alzheimer's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Finally, Biogen provides Sponsorship opportunities to organizations and institutions to support conferences, congresses, events, and other initiatives in exchange for “tangible corporate benefits such as exhibit space, banners and other forms of recognition, or marketing opportunities.”
Important Grant Details:
Grants generally range from $10,000 to $200,000, but a select few partners may receive more substantial funding. Biogen funds projects in “communities in which Biogen has facilities in the U.S. - specifically in Greater Boston and North Carolina.” Its international grants program also prioritizes regions where Biogen has a corporate presence in countries like Denmark, Switzerland, and Germany.
Biogen accepts applications online for both its foundation and corporate giving. General inquiries about applications and eligibility may be submitted to the foundation via email.
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