Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory
Mount Desert Island Biological is a public charity based in Salisbury Cove, Maine. Founded in 1898, it supports research on the fundamental mechanisms of tissue repair, regeneration and aging, and the development of scientific leaders. Its work includes research programs and training, as well as grants to research and educational institutions.
Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory at a glance
In short: Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory gave $1.7M across 16 grants in 2024 (avg $106K), mostly in Maine. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $1,696,254
- +0.5% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 16
- -5.9% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $106,016
- +6.8% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $100,614
- Total assets
- $30,739,826
- +6.7% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- Maine (69% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026.
How to apply to Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory
- Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 35, Salisbury Cove, ME 04672-0035
Phone: (207) 288-3605
Website: https://mdibl.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was UT Southwestern Medical Center ($328K). Together the top 10 received $1.6M.
Grant Size Distribution
41 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 23 grants of 41 (56%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, 69% of grant dollars went to recipients in Maine, 19% to Texas, 10% to New York and 1% to New Hampshire. The COBRE pilot-project program described its eligible area as the Northeast IDeA states of Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 16 itemized grants.
Cities
How Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory gives
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $10K (2021) to $1.7M (2024). In 2024 it made 16 grants totaling $1.7M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas, TX | Research subaward | $328,027 |
| University of Maine Orono, ME | Research and training subawards; Graduate progran travel awards | $223,197 |
| President and Trustees of Bates College Lewiston, ME | Research and training subawards | $184,454 |
| The Rogosin Institute Inc New York, NY | Research subaward | $170,003 |
| University of Maine Machias Machias, ME | Research and training subawards | $136,115 |
| Southern Maine Community College South Portland, ME | Research and training subawards | $125,186 |
| Bowdoin College Brunswick, ME | Research and training subawards | $119,377 |
| President and Trustees of Colby College Waterville, ME | Research and training subawards | $119,122 |
| College of the Atlantic Bar Harbor, ME | Research and training subawards | $82,105 |
| University of Maine Farmington Farmington, ME | Research and training subawards | $63,476 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $30,739,826 | $20,469,754 | $18,297,074 | $1,696,254 | 16 | $635,135 |
| 2023 | $28,821,400 | $14,061,771 | $16,846,072 | $1,687,825 | 17 | $-30,366 |
| 2022 | $30,472,418 | $11,998,788 | $15,253,796 | $24,427 | 3 | $-821,176 |
| 2021 | $34,360,356 | $21,825,438 | $13,695,727 | $10,000 | 1 | $4,345,641 |
| 2020 | $29,890,717 | $11,246,623 | $11,298,804 | $39,917 | 4 | $202,882 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization’s stated mission is to improve human health by discovering fundamental mechanisms of tissue repair, aging and regeneration, translating discoveries for medicine and society, and developing the next generation of scientific leaders. Its research examines biological mechanisms of regeneration and aging, including how environmental toxins such as arsenic and PFAS may affect susceptibility to disease.
Its 2024 grants included research and training subawards, graduate-program travel awards, and research subawards. Examples of supported organizations include colleges, universities, a community college, and a kidney-research institute. The Rogosin Institute describes its mission as providing preventive and treatment services across the spectrum of kidney disease and conducting research in renal and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, outcomes and policy. Southern Maine Community College’s foundation says it supports educational activities at the college. The University of New England says it prepares students to improve the health of people, communities and the planet.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, Mount Desert Island Biological reported 16 grants totaling $1,696,254. Grant amounts ranged from $12,338 to $328,027, with a median of $100,614.
The largest reported grants included $328,027 to UT Southwestern Medical Center for a research subaward; $223,197 to the University of Maine for research and training subawards and graduate-program travel awards; $184,454 to Bates College for research and training subawards; and $170,003 to The Rogosin Institute for a research subaward. Other notable awards were $136,115 to the University of Maine Machias, $125,186 to Southern Maine Community College, $119,377 to Bowdoin College, $119,122 to Colby College, and $82,105 to College of the Atlantic, primarily for research and training subawards.
The laboratory’s COBRE program has offered pilot-project grants of up to $100,000 in total costs for eligible researchers working on regenerative biology, aging and chronic degenerative diseases. The stated 2025–2026 project period ran from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, so that cycle is past. Eligibility included an academic faculty appointment in a Northeast IDeA state; preference was given to early-stage investigators without a federal R01 grant or equivalent. Pilot Project Leaders could not receive simultaneous research support from another NIGMS IDeA award.
The laboratory also states that limited fellowship funds may be available for visiting scientists who collaborate with its faculty and support its education and outreach programs. After approval to apply, applicants are sent an online form. Required materials include a research summary of up to two pages, a short-form CV and a letter of support. Fellowship awards may offset housing rental, laboratory rental, laboratory supplies and hazardous-waste fees; they do not cover travel, additional personnel or personal expenses.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Officers and trustees listed on the 2024 filing were Bruce A. Stanton, PhD; Hermann Haller, MD, President; Phoebe C. Boyer; Terence Boylan; Ruth Cserr; Sigmar H. Gabriel, trustee through July 2024; John A. Hays; Benjamin Humphreys, MD, PhD, trustee beginning July 2024; Anne H. Lehmann, trustee through May 2024; and Anna Maynard.
Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory is led by Hermann Haller MD, President on every filing since 2020; 10 of 30 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Hermann Haller MD
President
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$174K (2020) → $356K (2024)
Alan W Kornberg Esq.
Chair
Chairman of → Chair, 2023
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Bruce A Stanton PhD
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$10K (2023) → $13K (2024)
Joel H Graber PhD
Director of Computational
Directr Comptroller → Director of Computational Biology, 2023
Director of Computational Biology → Director of Computational, 2024
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$145K (2020) → $157K (2024)
Alan B Miller Esq.
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Anne H Lehmann
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Christopher P Sighinolfi
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Daphne Trotter Esq.
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dennis L Shubert MD PhD
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
I Wistar Morris III
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John A Hays
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Margaret A Myers MD
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Phoebe C Boyer
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ruth Cserr
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Terence Boylan
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Robert T Whitman
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sigmar H Gabriel
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Anna Maynard
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Elizabeth R Myers PhD
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Benjamin Humphreys MDPhD
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Claudine D. Lurvey
Vice President of Finances
Administrator Director → Vice President of Finances, 2023
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$131K (2020) → $150K (2024)
Iain A Drummond PhD
Vice President of Research
Scientific D → Vice President of Research, 2023
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$183K (2020) → $193K (2024)
James A Coffman PhD
Associate Professor
Associate Pr → Associate Professor, 2023
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$120K (2020) → $129K (2024)
Dustin Updike PhD
Associate Professor
Assistant Pr → Associate Professor, 2023
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$115K (2021) → $125K (2024)
Prayag C Murawala PhD
Assistant Professor
Assistant Pr → Assistant Professor, 2024
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$132K (2021) → $117K (2024)
Jerilyn M Bowers
Vice President External Affairs & Chief
Vice President External Affairs & Chief of Staff → Vice President External Affairs & Chief, 2024
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$134K (2023) → $154K (2024)
Jane E Disney
Associate Professor
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$123K (2024)
Edward J Benz Jr. MD
Vice Chair
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Thomas A Boyd PhD
Treasurer
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Janis L Coates PhD
Secretary
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (10)
- Former: James S. Strickland (2022–2023) — Vice President of Strategic Initiatives
- Former: Aric N Rogers PhD (2023) — Associate Professor
- Former: Clare Stone (2023) — Trustee
- Former: Mrsclare Stone (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Peter Allen (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Frank L. Hohmann III (2020) — Trustee
- Former: Jan L. Coates (2020) — Secretary
- Former: Judith C. Sproule (2020) — Director Strateg
- Former: Kevin Strange (2020) — Former President
- Former: Samyeol Baek (2020) — Assistant Pr
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $356K, to Hermann Haller MD (President). 10 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory
How much does Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory give each year?
Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory gave $1.7M across 16 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $1.7M across 17 grants.
What is Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory's typical grant size?
Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory's median grant in 2024 was $100,614, and its average grant was $106,016, across 16 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990.
Where does Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory give grants?
Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory gives mostly in Maine: 69% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest states were Texas (19%) and New York (10%).
Does Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 16 grants with a stated purpose on Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Research and training subawards" (13 grants).
Who are Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory's largest grantees?
Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory's largest 2024 grantees include UT Southwestern Medical Center ($328,027), University of Maine ($223,197) and President and Trustees of Bates College ($184,454), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 43% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory?
Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory reported $30.7M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $20.5M.
What does Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory fund?
The organization’s stated mission is to improve human health by discovering fundamental mechanisms of tissue repair, aging and regeneration, translating discoveries for medicine and society, and developing the next generation of scientific leaders. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory?
Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check mdibl.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory's EIN?
Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 01-0202467. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(5)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 15, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 14, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 14, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 13, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory funds
Science & Technology Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 22, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/mount-desert-island-biological-laboratory-morg_c9839f80aaa847cc981fe0a3016801db
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_010202467_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/mount-desert-island-biological-laboratory-morg_c9839f80aaa847cc981fe0a3016801db},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-22. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory down — hundreds of funders to go?