Illumina – Social Impact Grants (2026)

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Funding to Expand Access to Genomics, Strengthen STEM Pathways & Support Local Communities

Organization: Illumina / Illumina Corporate Foundation
Support Type: Cash grants and in-kind product support
Geographic Focus: Global, with local impact priority in U.S. employee communities

About the Funder

Illumina is a global biotechnology leader advancing genomics to improve human health. Through its Social Impact Grants program, Illumina partners with nonprofit organizations to deliver measurable impact in health equity, STEM education, and local community engagement.

The Illumina Corporate Foundation provides cash grants, while Illumina, Inc. provides in-kind product donations and technical support aligned with program priorities.

Funding Priorities

Enabling Access to Genomics

Goal: Advance inclusive research and improve health outcomes.

Objectives include:

Expanding genomic diversity
Enabling open-source data sharing
Prioritizing education and access for underrepresented scientists and communities

Featured Program: Improving Patient Access to Cancer Testing (IMPACT)
Targeted grants to patient advocacy organizations supporting:

Cancer education initiatives
Patient navigation services
Resources that help individuals understand diagnosis and treatment pathways

STEM Education

Goal: Empower community partners to create pathways to life science careers.

Objectives include:

Inspiring students to explore science and genomics careers
Providing hands-on lab experiences
Increasing awareness of life science industry opportunities
Prioritizing underrepresented learners in STEM

Programs aligned with workforce development in genomics and life sciences are strongly encouraged.

Local Impact

Goal: Strengthen communities where Illumina employees live and work.

Objectives include:

Supporting human health and STEM education initiatives
Fostering employee leadership in community engagement
Building sustainable community partnerships
Leveraging skills-based volunteering

Key U.S. Employee Locations

Organizations operating near Illumina’s U.S. offices may be especially aligned for Local Impact funding:

San Diego, CA (Worldwide Headquarters)
Madison, WI
Foster City, CA
Baltimore, MD

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Be a 501(c)(3) public charity (or country equivalent)
Align with Illumina’s funding priorities
Be registered on Benevity prior to receiving funding
Successfully complete Illumina’s compliance and legal review

Funding Types

Cash grants through the Illumina Corporate Foundation
In-kind product donations and technical support from Illumina, Inc.

All grants are reviewed for alignment, impact potential, and compliance.

Application Process

Organizations that meet eligibility requirements may apply through Illumina’s online grant portal.

Apply / Learn More:
➡️ https://forms.benevity.org/64bfc739-b65c-4e7b-bbc6-3ac024c62bc6

Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit

This opportunity is well-suited for organizations that:

Advance equitable access to genomics and precision medicine
Support cancer education and patient navigation programs
Deliver high-quality STEM programs connected to life science careers
Operate in or near Illumina’s employee communities
Can demonstrate measurable outcomes and scalable impact

Illumina’s Social Impact Grants are especially aligned for nonprofits working at the intersection of health equity, science innovation, and community-based impact.

Corporate Grants Guide Notes

Review Type: Ongoing / As submitted
Funding Type: Cash and in-kind support
Best Suited For: Health equity organizations, STEM education nonprofits, patient advocacy groups, and community-based organizations
Geographic Scope: Global with strong local engagement in key U.S. markets