The Society aims to promote the study of all aspects of the biological sciences. Through awarding medals and grants, the Society acknowledges and encourages excellence in all of these fields.

• The Linnean Medal for Advocacy is awarded to recognise public advocacy for nature.
• The Linnean Medal for Research is awarded to researchers for their contribution to the study of the natural world.
• The Bicentenary Medal awarded to an early-career scientist, in recognition of excellent research in the natural sciences.
• The Darwin-Wallace Medal awarded every three years to a person or group who have made major advances in evolutionary science.
• The Irene Manton Prize awarded for the best doctoral thesis in botany (algae, fungi or plants), as judged by a paper published in the Linnean Society Journals.
• The John C. Marsden Medal awarded for the best doctoral thesis in biology covering areas other than botany (algae, fungi or plants), as judged by a paper published in the Linnean Society Journals.
• The H. H. Bloomer Award awarded to an amateur naturalist for an important contribution to natural history knowledge.
• The Jill Smythies Award of £1,000 to a botanical artist for outstanding illustrations.

• The LinnéSys: Systematics Research Fund supports research in the field of systematics and taxonomy.
• Our Local Nature Grants of up to £1,000 to increase youth engagement with local natural spaces.
• Percy Sladen Memorial Fund Grants up to £2,000 supporting field work abroad in the earth and life sciences.
• The Appleyard Fund of up to £2,000 supporting research projects in botany or zoology, by Fellows or Associates of the Society.
• The Dennis Stanfield Memorial Fund up to £2,000 supporting botanical research on tropical African plants.
• The Anne Sleep Awards of up to £3,000 to assist with biological research in the Middle and Far East.