Biogen Idec Foundation Grants Awarded for Science Education in the Triangle

February 24, 2010

For Immediate Release

Biogen Idec Foundation Grants Awarded for Science Education in the Triangle
Grants to expand and enhance science education in area middle and high schools

Durham, N. C. (February 24, 2010) – Triangle Community Foundation is pleased to announce the second round of funding by the Biogen Idec Foundation Micro-Grants in Science Education program. The fund provides small, one-time grants ranging from $250 - $2,500 to schools and nonprofits in the greater Triangle to support efforts that enhance and create excitement about science education.

“We are proud to work with an organization that is investing proactively in the scientific education of our youth,” said Andrea Bazán, president of Triangle Community Foundation. “The Biogen Idec Foundation’s micro-grants initiative provides a great model for other businesses and corporate foundations to follow.”

Triangle Community Foundation received more than 30 grant applications from middle schools, high schools and non-profit organizations, and 12 grants were awarded for a total of $23,466.

“The Biogen Idec Foundation’s leadership recognized that many schools and non-profits have been struggling to maintain some of their key science programs amidst budget constraints,” said Kathryn Bloom, Director of the Biogen Idec Foundation.  “We’re pleased play a role with the Triangle Community Foundation in helping fill this gap to ensure students are engaged with the fascinating world of science and the ways it touches society.”

The Biogen Idec Foundation and Triangle Community Foundation congratulate the 2010 grantees:

Granville Education Foundation, Granville County $2500
Chatham Education Foundation, Chatham County $2500
Meredith College, Wake County $2500
Overhills Middle School, Harnett County $2500
NC Center of Innovation for Nanobiotechnology, Durham County $2500
Orange Co. Schools (Stanback and Stanford Middle Schools) $2500
Wake Early College of Health Sciences, Wake County $2447
Fuquay Varina Middle School PTA, Wake County $2000
Riverwood Middle School, Johnston County $1698
Selma Middle School, Johnston County $ 986
Johnston Co. Early College Academy, Johnston County $ 750
Clayton Middle School, Johnston County $ 585

The Biogen Idec Foundation maintains a special focus on projects to promote science literacy among students, develop effective science education teachers and leaders, and encourage underserved youth with potential to enter science fields

About Triangle Community Foundation
Triangle Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that manages $122 million in funds established by individuals, businesses and families. From these funds, we give grants to nonprofit organizations and administer a variety of programs for the community’s benefit. The Foundation currently manages over 750 funds, ranging in size from $10,000 to $10 million, primarily for the benefit of Wake, Durham, Orange and Chatham counties. During the 2008-09 fiscal year, the Foundation granted more than $15 million to nonprofits, schools and community efforts. On average, we distribute more than 10% of our assets each year, raising the total value of grants made since the Foundation’s inception in 1983 to nearly $144 million.
For more information on the Foundation visit http://www.trianglecf.org

About the Biogen Idec Foundation
The mission of the Biogen Idec Foundation is to improve the quality of people’s lives and contribute to the vitality of the communities where we operate, with a special emphasis on innovative ways to promote science literacy and encourage young people to consider science careers. 
Additional information about the Biogen Idec Foundation can be found at http://www.biogenidec.com/citizenship_biogen_idec_foundation.html