The mission of the Biogen Idec Foundation is to improve the quality of people’s lives and contribute to the vitality of the communities in which we operate, with a special emphasis on innovative ways to promote science literacy and encourage young people to consider science careers.
The Foundation supports projects in Greater Boston, Mass., and Research Triangle Park (Raleigh-Durham), N.C. At the national level, we also support the USA Biology Olympiad, a competition encouraging students to learn and apply advanced biological concepts.
Transforming Science Education
Instituted in 2008, Biogen Idec Foundation’s Transformational Grants in Science Education program funds innovative programs that develop effective science teachers and encourage youth to pursue science education and careers. The majority of our grants serve middle and high school students, primarily those from diverse and underserved backgrounds. Learn more about several of our Transformational Grants.
Enhancing Community-Based Science Programming
The Biogen Idec Foundation provides micro-grants (between $250 and $2,500) to schools and non-profits to extend their work in science education. From robotics programming to helping visually impaired students access hands-on science, micro-grants provide the extra support needed to make science truly engaging.
Providing Academic Matching Gifts
Biogen Idec offers an Academic Matching Gifts program, which matches up to $5,000 in donations made by employees to qualified institutions of higher education in the United States. In 2011, the Foundation awarded more than $158,000 in academic matching gifts.
Assisting Community-Based Organizations
The Biogen Idec Foundation also provides grants to support local community needs, including general education, human services and culture and the arts. For example, in 2011, the Foundation directed funds to children’s programs at the Greater Boston Food Bank, and a shoreline litter removal project with Clean Lake Jordan in N.C.
Providing Humanitarian Assistance
Beyond providing grants to support programs in the U.S. communities where we operate, in times of great need the Foundation may make grants to assist communities affected by natural disasters.
In 2011, the Biogen Idec Foundation supported relief and assistance efforts in Japan following the earthquake and tsunami. In total, more than $200,000 was contributed, including a $100,000 Foundation grant to the American Red Cross and more than $50,000 in employee donations, which were matched by the company. The company also sent emergency aid supplies, such as water, first aid kits and clothing, to Biogen Idec employees affected by the disaster in Japan.
