Corporate & Organizational Grants
Firms of every dimension allocate annual budgets towards STEM educational initiatives via their charitable arms. The grant sums range significantly, from a few hundred to several hundred thousand dollars, supporting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs in primary and secondary education.
Numerous teaching associations, funded through member fees and additional donations, provide both scholarships and financial support to teachers, educational institutions, and school districts. While each grant has its own specific area of focus and limitations, a substantial number target STEM education needs. Below are examples.
Corporate Grants
Toshiba America Foundation: The Toshiba America Foundation actively supports educators seeking to introduce hands-on learning projects in math and science disciplines. It extends its financial support to educators across K-12 in both public and private educational settings, encouraging a wide range of innovative teaching proposals.
Submission periods: Deadlines for requests up to $5,000 for grades 6-12 are on the 1st of June, September, December, and March. Proposals exceeding $5,000 are evaluated semi-annually, with submission dates on the 1st of November and May each year.
Westinghouse Charitable Giving Program: The Charitable Contributions Program by Westinghouse prioritizes education, specifically in STEM areas, alongside environmental conservation and community well-being. It seeks to bolster STEM education and awareness for students, educators, and the broader community, requiring applicants to be located within 50 miles of Westinghouse operations.
Submission timelines: Ongoing acceptance of applications.
Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers: Aimed at immersing students in the STEM fields, this grant provides opportunities for practical technology engagement, sponsored by a key federal institution.
Submission deadline: Annually on the second Wednesday of August.
American Honda Foundation STEM Grants: This initiative looks for projects that demonstrate clear goals, efficient resource use, and proven outcomes, supporting STEM education across the United States.
Application deadline: Annually in February.
Scope: Across the U.S.
Educational Levels: Kindergarten through 12th grade.
Funding Range: Awards range from $20,000 to $75,000 for a year.
Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest: Samsung challenges middle and high school students nationally to use STEM for social innovation, with substantial awards for winning projects that can bring positive community changes. Winners receive Samsung’s mentorship to advance their project ideas.
Submission deadline: October each year.
Scope: Nationwide.
Applicable Grades: 6th to 12th.
Prize Amounts: Awards of $15,000 to $100,000.
Alcoa Foundation: This organization funds projects that support global education, workplace skills, and safe & healthy children.
Sony Grants for Education: These grants prioritize education with the areas of art, culture, technology, and the environment to encourage the creative, artistic, technical, and scientific skills needed in the future workforce.
Application due date: Grants awarded on a rolling basis.
Verizon and the Verizon Foundation: Grant applications are by invitation only. You will need to contact your local community relations manager to see if you’re eligible. The Verizon site provides a search tool to find your school’s point of contact.
Application due date: Varies by location.
Organizational Grants
Rural Technology Education Grants: The objective of RTF is to empower students in rural areas to explore technology-related career paths, create access to computer industry jobs, and ensure technology accessibility for students facing disabilities. Grants for classroom technology are provided to initiatives aimed at igniting a passion for careers in fields such as computer science, information systems, software development, cybersecurity, and robotics among others. These initiatives are expected to benefit a broad group of students within a school fairly and foster sustained use of technology. Detailed application guidelines are available on the RTF's website.
Submission Window: Ongoing (proposals evaluated and grants given bi-monthly).
Scope: Across the U.S.
Educational Levels: Kindergarten through 12th grade.
Funding Range: Typically between $500 and $2,500, with the potential for more significant funding for projects with a substantial impact.
The NEA Foundation: Utilizes dues from its members along with donations from corporate entities and other foundations to award over $7.1 million in 4,500 grants to educators in public schools. Additionally, it champions initiatives aimed at equipping students for future academic pursuits, professional endeavors, and life skills, with a particular emphasis on enhancing STEM education in underprivileged areas through project-oriented STEM teaching methods.
Submission deadlines: February 1 and September 15.
Foundation for Technology and Engineering Educators (FTEE): The FTEE, an arm of the ITEEA, is dedicated to advancing educational programs that ensure children's technological literacy, incorporate industry research into educational settings, showcase outstanding technology and engineering instruction, raise public consciousness about technology and engineering education, and keep teachers updated with the latest technological advancements.
Submission deadlines: December 1.
AAUW Community Action Grants: These grants provide funding to individuals, AAUW branches, and AAUW state organizations as well as community-based nonprofits for innovative programs that promote education and equity for women and girls. Universities are also eligible to apply.
Opens: August 1 every year
Application due date: November 15 every year
Community Action Grant: The Community Action Grant offers financial assistance to individuals, AAUW chapters, state groups, and non-profits focusing on projects that advocate for educational and gender equity for women and girls. Since its inception in 1972, the AAUW has supported numerous initiatives across the country.
Application period: Ongoing.
Coverage: U.S.A.
Educational Levels: Kindergarten through 14th grade (including community colleges).
Funding Amounts: $2,000 to $7,000 for one year, or $5,000 to $10,000 across two years.
McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation Academic Enrichment Grant
These grants are aimed at enhancing both in-school and after-school programs that significantly impact student learning. The foundation welcomes proposals that promote deeper understanding, increase knowledge, and expand students' perspectives.
Application cutoff: April annually.
Scope: U.S.A.
Educational Span: Pre-K to 12th grade.
Grant Size: As much as $10,000 annually, reaching a total of up to $30,000 over three years.