Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is a nonprofit research institute dedicated to plant science, working to improve human health and food security, preserve the environment, and strengthen the regional economy. The St. Louis–based center conducts research, operates core facilities, and runs internal funding initiatives such as proof-of-concept and access funds.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Established research institutions or university research groups working in plant science or related translational research with capacity for mid-to-large research awards and an existing institutional profile.
Good Fit
- • University or nonprofit research lab focused on plant science or related agricultural/biotech research.
- • Capacity to manage multi-hundred-thousand-dollar research awards and institutional compliance.
- • Prior collaborative ties or past engagement with the funder or its network.
- • Project framed as research, proof-of-concept, or facility-access work rather than community service.
Geography
Observed grants in the latest year went to recipients in roughly 15 states and about 89% of dollars were sent out of the foundation's home state, indicating a broad multi-state footprint rather than a strictly local focus.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 28 distinct recipients funded; although many are research universities and the portfolio is mission-focused on research, the number of independent organizations supported is large for the funder's size.
New Applicants
Across three years the program shows strong repeat funding (26 returning recipients in recent years) and only a small number of new grantees in the latest year, suggesting a relationship-driven pattern; however a public website and development contact details exist and direct evidence of a closed invitation-only policy is absent, so new entrants are plausible but not commonly added.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
