Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: $3.05 million (2024)
- Success Rate: Not publicly available
- Decision Time: Not specified
- Grant Range: Up to $5,000 for employee matching; other amounts vary
- Geographic Focus: Communities where Biogen operates (primarily U.S. and international)
Contact Details
- Email: foundation@biogen.com
- Website: www.biogen.com/company/biogen-foundation.html
- Phone: Not publicly available
- Location: Dallas, TX
Overview
The Biogen Foundation, established in 2003, is the philanthropic arm of Biogen Inc. with total assets of $36.1 million and annual charitable disbursements of approximately $3.05 million (2024). The foundation's mission is to advance better health in communities where Biogen operates, with special emphasis on promoting science literacy and encouraging young people to consider careers in science. The foundation has supported over 980,000 people through its various grant programs, contributing $27.9 million in grants, sponsorships, donations, and in-kind contributions to date.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
- U.S. Employee Matching Gifts Program: Up to $5,000 per employee annually (matches donations to eligible nonprofits)
- Ignite the Power of STEM Competitive Grants Program: Awards to teachers and schools for science education initiatives
- U.S. Grants Program: Supports STEM education and community strengthening near Biogen sites
- International Grants Program: Science literacy and education globally (invitation only)
- Youth Neurology Program: Partnership with Massachusetts General Hospital to develop future neuroscientists
Priority Areas
- Expanding access to healthcare
- Addressing social determinants of health
- Broadening the healthcare workforce
- Science literacy and STEM education
- Community health and wellbeing
What They Don't Fund
Information not publicly available, but the foundation does not accept unsolicited grant proposals
Governance and Leadership
- Chair: Teresa G. Cachero, Ph.D., Vice President of Asset Development and Portfolio Management
- Tax Status: 501(c)(3) Private Grantmaking Foundation
- EIN: 16-1636254
Application Process & Timeline
How to Apply
Important Note: The Biogen Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant proposals. Organizations can only be considered for funding through:
- The Biogen Benevity Causes Portal (for nonprofit registration)
- Direct invitation from the foundation
- Employee nomination through matching gifts program
- Participation in specific competitive programs like Ignite the Power of STEM
Getting on Their Radar
Since the foundation operates by invitation only, organizations can:
- Register through the Biogen Benevity Causes Portal to be eligible for employee donations and matching
- Connect with Biogen employees who can nominate organizations through the matching gifts program
- For schools and educators, apply to the Ignite the Power of STEM competitive grants when open
Decision Timeline
Not publicly specified
Success Rates
Not publicly available
Reapplication Policy
Not publicly specified
Application Success Factors
Given the foundation's invitation-only approach, success factors include:
- Strong alignment with Biogen's focus on neuroscience, healthcare access, and STEM education
- Location in communities where Biogen has operations
- Demonstrable impact on health outcomes or science education
- For the Ignite the Power of STEM program, innovative approaches to engaging students in science careers
- Partnership potential with Biogen's strategic priorities
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- The foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals - relationships and invitations are key
- Strong emphasis on STEM education and healthcare workforce development
- Employee engagement is a pathway through the matching gifts program
- Focus on communities where Biogen operates suggests geographic targeting is important
- The foundation values measurable health outcomes, as demonstrated by their support of programs showing improved mental health metrics
- Registration through the Benevity Causes Portal is the first step for nonprofits seeking consideration
References
- Biogen Foundation Official Page (www.biogen.com/company/biogen-foundation.html) - Accessed January 2026
- GuideStar Profile for Biogen Foundation Inc (EIN: 16-1636254) - Accessed January 2026
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Biogen Foundation Inc Tax Filings 2024 - Accessed January 2026
- Foundation mission statement and program descriptions from GuideStar database - Accessed January 2026