Funding Opportunities

Current needs

There are a variety of ways you can support MIT Biology, but gifts to the Discretionary Fund and the Graduate Support Fund provide the department with crucial flexibility in using your gift to  ensure we maintain high standards of excellence among our faculty, facilities, students, and research.

“What makes the life sciences at MIT so extraordinary is their ability to transfer knowledge and inventions to society for its benefit. They help everyone, and now they need our help.”
Paul Schimmel Ph.D. ’67, Founder of GTI and Cleo & Paul Schimmel Scholars

Schimmel Family Program for Life Sciences Matching Gift Opportunity

Provides support for the life sciences at MIT; donations will unlock another $25 million from the Schimmel family. Contact Dooyon Cho for more information.

Biology Discretionary Fund 3838900

Provides immediate and flexible support for the Department of Biology, enabling it to seize unexpected opportunities and meet its most critical needs.

Biology Graduate Support Fund 2740100

Provides resources for the department’s Graduate Training Initiative, enhancing the graduate student experience in a time of shrinking federal support for research training.

Other select department funds

For a full list of funds, visit the Giving website

Make a Gift

“I chose MIT Biology for two reasons: the department was committed to helping students succeed both as scientists and in life, and they promoted a strong network of support and collaboration between students. I would like to thank Paul and Cleo Schimmel for their generous support — overall, MIT Biology is a great place to be a graduate student.”
Natalie Heer PhD ’18, Schimmel Scholar

Person holding petri dish

Ways of Giving

We offer a diverse array of giving options and philanthropic/financial vehicles for our donors, and welcome contributions via credit card, check, wire transfer, and other venues. Your support is vital to the continued success of the department, and we hope you will make a gift today.

You can make a contribution on the MIT Giving website using:

Please make note of the name and number of the Biology fund you wish to support.

“I cannot explain how gratifying it is to watch students with such incredible backstories go on to such successful careers. In this case, the giver may actually be the greatest beneficiary.”
Mike Gould, Founder of the Bernard S. and Sophie G. Gould Fund

Our Director of Development, Dooyon Cho, is available by email or phone (617-258-5248) to assist with:

  • Additional information about making a contribution
  • Other forms of giving such as wills, estates, or trusts
  • Supporting sponsored research