10 Grant Sources for STEM Education

Where can I get funding for STEM?

You want to incorporate more STEM but you just don't have all the supplies you need. There might be a grant for that; if you are willing to put in a little time and effort, you may be rewarded with a grant to help take your STEM lab or makerspace to the next level. Read on to find out how to download a grant writing checklist and PDF of all these links for future reference.

Before Getting Started with Grant Applications

As you tackle grant writing and applications, please make sure to perform due diligence with any grant you find. The NEA Foundation has a grant-writing guide that you should definitely check out for tips on how to make sure your proposal rocks, or head to Amy Mezni's post about writing a successful grant application.

A few more tips:

• Learn about the company or foundation. 
• Find out if they are expecting anything in return.
• Get the green light from your administration.
• Read the guidelines. Re-read the guidelines. Read them a third time! You don't want to spend your precious time applying for a grant only to be rejected because you missed something important.
• If something isn't clear, call and speak with someone about the grant. I know that phone calls are not everyone's favorite thing, but you can make a personal connection and may even get some tips on what the grant panel is looking for.

Beyond the Usual Suspects

You likely already know about grant opportunities through the US Department of Education, the NSF, PLTW, and the NSTA, so here are a few new places to look. Grant databases are highlighted in red, the rest are single source.

10. Get Ed Funding

On Get Ed Funding, you can seek out a grant that matches your needs. I love that you can just go through the search to narrow what you are looking for. Are you in a public or private school? Choose your grade range, and don't forget to check the STEM box.

You'll find everything from Boeing grants to various family foundation grants.

9. Lowe's Toolbox for Education

The website boasts that this program "has provided over $54 million to more than 12,000 schools across the country." Read through the Lowe's grant site to find ideas for applications as well as past awardees.

8. Motorola Solutions Foundation Grants

The Motorola Solutions Foundation has grants available specifically for STEM programs. "Supporting programs that advance science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, preparing our next generation of innovators." Apply online.

7. NEA Foundation Grants

If you are a member of the NEA, they have grant opportunities that encourage STEM applicants. Find detailed information on their Student Achievement Grants page or look through the rest of their grant opportunities if something else might suit your classroom better.

6. Best Buy Grants

Who you callin' geek? Best Buy has a number of grants available, with a strong focus on underserved youth and technology. Head to Best Buy's education grants.

5. STEMfinity's List of Grants

STEMfinity has a list of STEM grants sorted by state, as well as a list of federal grant programs.

4. Making the Future U.S. After-school and Summer Program Grants by Cognizant

Cognizant is a Fortune 500 company that has long believed in the importance of STEM education for our youth. They have participated in events such as Maker Faire and are dedicated to advancing innovation and providing opportunities for advancement in education. Watch the video about the program on their website, and then apply for the Cognizant grant program!

3. Target Field Trip Grants

Sometimes a trip to a science museum, robotics company, or 3D print shop is a great way to use grant funds. Target has grants specifically for field trips!

Take a trip to the birthplace of the industrial revolution, an automotive plant, or an aerospace museum.  

2. Toshiba America Foundation

Grants from the Toshiba America Foundation are categorized by grade, for K-5 or 6-12. Some grants for 6-12 are accepted throughout the calendar year, which means no looming deadlines to worry about. Great news about this grant program - there is an online application. Make sure you have a great PBL in mind, as "Applications must be for project based learning. We do not consider requests for computers, laptops or tablets!"

1. Find Local STEM Grants and Funding

This is not a grant per se, but it's so so important, and likely to be where you find the most success. Contact local STEM and other businesses, asking if they would be willing to donate to your STEM lab. Maybe you have something particular in mind, like a class set of Sphero robots, or storage options. You might even be able to get a business to donate some storage solutions if they are upgrading their space or going out of business. Ask for support via DonorsChoose if that platform works for you.

Think outside the box - ask a bank, pediatrician or dental office, or your PTA. Get brownie points - 3D print (or build) a plaque recognizing the business or group, then snap a photo with your students and their STEM creations. Send it over to the business as a thank you! It may be enough to inspire them to donate again in the future. If you are at a religiously-affiliated school, look to places of worship and see if they have any ideas for partnerships or fundraisers.

A Few Honorable Mentions

Steelcase Active Learning Grants
Applied Materials Education Grants 
Honda STEM Grants

Download the Organizer and Link-Filled PDF

I have added this download to my free resource library. Just sign up for my newsletter and you will gain immediate access to this and other STEM resources.

Even More STEM Grant Opportunities

Do you know about Get Caught Engineering? As seasoned STEM educators, Wendy and Cheryl know what it takes to get a STEM program up and running. They have another great post on this topic, Bucks for STEM.  Click on the image below to find more STEM grant tips and ideas:

Help! I could use some writing tips

Lucky for you, Amy Mezni has already put together a great post about writing a winning grant proposal.

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