Grants & Funding

A Comprehensive List of Grants for Teachers: Find Funding for Your STEM Curriculum

October 24, 2018

By Kelly Mantick

A Comprehensive List of Grants for Teachers: Find Funding for Your STEM Curriculum

Science, technology, architecture, and engineering are some of the most talked about buzzwords in education right now. And as more emphasis is put on preparing students for a career in STEM, the more pressure teachers feel to create innovative curricula for their students. Teachers need access to technology, supplies, software programs, and more to really prepare students for the workplace, but these resources are expensive, and many schools already stretch their budget to the limit. This is where grants can help. Millions of dollars are available for classrooms, schools, and school districts to enhance education. The trick: finding opportunities. We searched the corners of the internet to create this comprehensive list of STEM grants for schools, grant money for technology in the classroom, and engineering grants for schools that are available on the national level.

What is the difference between a grant and a scholarship?

The main difference between grants and scholarships is the qualification criteria. In most cases, grants are given based on financial need. Scholarships, however, are almost always awarded based on merit. Financial need might play a role in some scholarships, but it is in addition to the merit criteria. For example, the National Science Foundation’s Broadening Participation in Engineering grant is awarded to underfunded classrooms who need extra support to effectively prepare students for a career in engineering. Whereas, the Augustana Student Athlete Scholarship is given to students who have demonstrated athletic and academic prowess.

What is a STEM grant?

STEM grants for schools provide funding to support advances in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs. This can include funding the purchase of lab supplies, software programs, professional development for teachers, and more. Different STEM grants for schools will have varying areas of focus, such as providing engineering education to secondary students. Grant money for technology in the classroom would also fall under this banner. More and more organizations are investing in STEM grants for schools, as companies want to ensure that the STEM employees of tomorrow have the skills and know-how to enter the workforce and make an immediate, positive impact. In particular, organizations recognize the importance of investing in engineering education, as a large portion of the engineering workforce approaches retirement.

How can you qualify for a grant?

Each grant has different qualifying criteria, so it’s up to the grant applicant to review all the requirements and see if they’re eligible. In general, STEM grants for schools and engineering grants for schools will look for applications that:

Demonstrate an innovative STEM project that needs funding
Show how that project can make an impact on students’ transition to postsecondary education and/or the workplace
Provide measurable outcomes, like industry certifications or an increase in test scores

What companies donate to schools?

Through corporate social responsibility programs and community initiatives, you’ll be hard pressed to find a large company that doesn’t donate money, technology, or supplies. Many of these companies earmark donations to go specifically toward education. Here are a few notable organizations that offer STEM grants for schools, grant money for technology in the classroom, and engineering grants for schools:

Check out the full list of grants for teachers below, many of which are funded by companies and corporations.

Grants available for your state

When searching for grants, educators should start at the state and local level, working their way up to the national level. We are compiling lists of STEM grant for schools, grant money for technology in the classroom, and engineering grants for schools by state. Find your state below and click to download your free guide.

As an added bonus, we included tips and tricks for writing winning grant applications in each state guide.

Full list of grants for teachers on the national level

We’ve scoured the internet to create this comprehensive list of grants for teachers and classrooms. This list provides information about the following:

STEM grants for schools
Grant money for technology in the classroom
Engineering grants for schools
Grants for continuing education for teachers

The grants listed here are available to qualifying schools in most states across the country. Some companies opt to provide funding at the local level, and those opportunities are not listed out on this page. If you’re interested in state-specific grants, we’re continually adding new grant guides by state, which we’ve linked to at the bottom of this page. If you don’t see your state, give us a call at (619) 269-8684 or email us at info@solidprofessor.com to request the guide.

AAUW Community Action Grants

Applications open Aug. 1 through Dec. 1
Amount awarded: amount not specified
Community Action Grants provide funds for innovative programs or non-degree research projects that promote education and equity for women and girls. Special consideration is given to projects focused on K–12 and community college girls’ and women’s achievements in science, technology, engineering, or math, as well as giving grant money for technology in the classroom.

AIAA Foundation Classroom Grant Program

Application open Oct. 1 through Jan. 11
Amount awarded: Two grants of up to $250 each
The AIAA Foundation believes that one of the most significant means to inspire and advance the future of aerospace is to fund grants to meet the unmet and unfunded educational need of students. This organization also provides grant money for technology in the classroom.

American Honda Foundation STEM Grants

New applicants deadline: Feb. 1 or Aug. 1; returning organizations deadline: May 1
Amount awarded: Approximately $20,000 to $75,000 throughout the school year
Honda’s goal is to help meet the needs of American society in the areas of youth and scientific education by awarding STEM grants for schools and nonprofits, while strategically assisting communities in deriving long-term benefits.

Association of American Educators Foundation

Applications due Oct. 1 and March 1
Amount awarded: up to $500
These STEM grants for schools and grant money for technology in the classroom can be used for a variety of projects and materials, including but not limited to books, software, calculators, math manipulatives, art supplies, audio-visual equipment, and lab materials.

Broadening Participation in Engineering (BPE) Program

Full proposals accepted at any time
Amount awarded: Not specified
This program is a directorate-wide initiative dedicated to supporting the development of a diverse and well-prepared engineering workforce through engineering grants for schools.

Chevron Fuel Your School

Applications due between Sept. 30 and Oct. 1
Amount awarded: up to $1,000
The Fuel Your School program is part of Chevron’s overall support for education, in particular science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Chevron also provides grant money for technology in the classroom.

Colocation America STEM Innovation Grant

Applications due Sept. 30
Amount awarded: 4-10 grants of up to $7,500 each
The STEM Innovation Grant was created to fund programs that inspire and encourage K-12 students to pursue their interest and curiosity in STEM.

Classwish

Applications accepted on a rolling basis
Amount awarded: varies
Classwish makes it quick and easy to create a personalized wish list for materials that you need in your classroom. Teachers don’t need to define an educational project or write an essay. you can submit your request for materials in just a few minutes. Then, visitors see exactly what you and your students need and can donate.

Computers for Learning

Application open through Dec. 31
Amount awarded: computer technology
This grant for technology in the classroom seeks to provide modern computers to every classroom throughout the country so that all children have the opportunity to reach their educational potential.

Digital Wish Grants

Applications accepted on a rolling basis
Amount awarded: depends on the needs of the project
Digital Wish is a non-profit on a mission to help teachers solve technology shortfalls by providing grant money for technology in the classroom. Apply for STEM grants for schools, create a wish list of technology your classroom needs, and share lesson plans and fundraising ideas with fellow educators across the country.

DiscoverE Collaboration Grants

Applications accepted on a rolling basis
Amount awarded: five grants of $1,000
The goals of these engineering grants for schools are to facilitate collaboration within the engineering community and to engage youth (particularly underserved K-12 students) with hands-on learning experiences and events that inspire an interest and understanding of engineering.

Dr. Scholl Foundation

Applications accepted Oct. 1 – March 1
Amount awarded: $5,000 – $25,000
The Dr. Scholl Foundation is dedicated to providing financial assistance to organizations committed to improving our world. Applications for grants are considered in the following areas: education, social service, healthcare, civic and cultural, and environmental.

DonorsChoose.org

Applications accepted any time
Amount awarded: dependent on classroom needs
DonorsChoose.org allows teachers to post funding needs for their classroom. Then, donors can choose to fund specific projects. Teachers can get grant money for technology in the classroom and much more.

E-Rate: Universal Service Program for Schools and Libraries

Applications due by March 22
Amount awarded: depends on the needs of the school
With funding from the Universal Service Fund, E-rate provides discounts for telecommunications, internet access, and internal connections to eligible schools and libraries.

Fund for Teachers

Applications due Jan. 31
Amount awarded: varies
Fund for Teachers supports educators’ efforts to develop skills, knowledge, and confidence that impact student achievement. By trusting teachers to design unique fellowships, Fund for Teachers grants validate teachers’ professionalism and leadership.

Halliburton Foundation

Applications accepted on a rolling basis
Amount awarded: varies
Established in 1965, the Halliburton Foundation is a U.S.-based organization that supports education at all levels and charitable organizations through employee matching gifts and direct STEM grants for schools.

IGT After School Advantage

Applications accepted on a rolling basis
Amount awarded: computer labs worth up to $15,000
The program strives to close the digital divide for disadvantaged children who get left behind because they do not have the means to access computers in today’s increasingly digital society.

Innovative Educator Grant Program (IEGP)

Applications due March 1 – May 31
Amount awarded: 20 one-time grants of up to $10,000
IEGP is designed to recognize and reward teachers and counselors who have demonstrated excellence in education in blended and online settings. It funds programs that support the Innovative Educator mission and vision, exemplifying how the use of technology as a catalyst for innovation in the classroom.

Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST)

Applications due Aug. 19
Amount awarded: $10M – $20M
ITEST is an applied research and development (R&D) program providing direct student learning opportunities in pre-kindergarten through high school (Pre K-12). ITEST seeks proposals that pursue innovative instructional approaches and practices in formal and informal learning environments and in close collaboration with strategic partnerships.

Knowles Science Teaching Foundation Fellowships

Applications accepted September through January
Amount awarded: Not specified
The Teaching Fellowship Program supports new high school math and science teachers. It’s one of the most comprehensive teaching fellowships in the nation, providing tuition assistance, monthly stipends, support for professional development, and grant money for technology in the classroom.

McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation – Academic Enrichment Grant

Applications due Jan. 15 – April 15
Amount awarded: $10,000 per year for up to three years
The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation offers Academic Enrichment Grants designed to develop in-class and extracurricular programs that improve student learning. The Foundation considers proposals that foster understanding, deepen students’ knowledge, and provide opportunities to expand awareness of the world around them.

Mobile Beacon’s Connect for Success

Applications accepted on a rolling basis
Amount awarded: 25 laptops and 4G LTE hotspots with free 4G LTE high-speed internet service for 12 months
Mobile Beacon’s Connect for Success donation program was created to give schools the laptops and mobile internet access they need to help students struggling to keep up.

NEA Learning & Leadership Grants

There are three deadlines throughout the year: Feb. 1; June 1; Oct. 15
Amount awarded: either $2,000 or $5,000
Through NEA’s Learning & Leadership grants, they support the professional development of NEA members by providing grants to individuals for continuing education and to groups for collegiate study. Deference is given to proposals that include STEM.

NEA Student Achievement Grants

There are three deadlines throughout the year: Feb. 1; June 1; Oct. 15
Amount awarded: either $2,000 or $5,000
Available for NEA members, these STEM grants for teachers to provide funding to improve student learning, with deference given to proposals that include STEM.

Pitsco Education Grant

Applications accepted on a rolling basis
Amount awarded: $350 per 12 months
This grant is awarded in the form of a gift certificate that may be used to purchase hands-on STEM products, curriculum, and more.

Reiman Foundation

Applications accepted on a rolling basis
Amount awarded: varies
Reiman Foundation’s primary interests lie in supporting four types of endeavors — education, healthcare, the arts, and children’s initiatives. Within the children’s initiatives funding bucket, the Reiman Foundation might provide grant money for technology in the classroom or STEM grants for schools.

Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) in Engineering and Computer Science

Application deadline: the third Wednesday in September
Amount awarded: not specified
This program supports active long-term, collaborative partnerships between K-12 science, technology, engineering, computer and information science, and mathematics.

Rosenthal Prize for Innovation and Inspiration in Math Teaching

Application opens in winter/early spring for the following school year
Amount awarded: up to $25,000
Designed to recognize and promote hands-on math teaching in upper elementary and middle school classrooms, the Rosenthal Prize carries a cash award of $25,000 for the single best activity, plus up to five additional monetary awards for other innovative activities.

SEARS Holdings Mini-Grants

Applications accepted on a rolling basis
Amount awarded: varies
The SEARS Holdings mini-grants support educational initiatives related to college readiness, character education, and mentoring programs to provide a base for career exploration.

Sony Grants for Education

Applications accepted on a rolling basis
Amount awarded: at the discretion of Sony
Within the U.S., Sony focuses the majority of its charitable giving on arts, culture, technology and the environment, with a particular emphasis on education in each of those areas.

SparkFun Community Partner

Applications accepted the third Thursday of each month
Amount awarded: depends on the project
SparkFun looks for individuals and organizations who embrace maker values of open source, collaboration, playfulness, learning at all levels, and making the world a better place. Community partners must demonstrate a noble cause, a vital need, and an inspiring story.

Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) Grant Program

Applications open March 21 to April 5
Amount awarded: dependent on funding approval by Congress
The SEED grant program provides STEM grants to teachers to increase the number of highly effective educators by supporting the implementation of evidence-based preparation, development, or enhancement opportunities for educators.

The Awesome Foundation

Applications accepted on a rolling basis
Amount awarded: monthly awards of $1,000
The Awesome Foundation is a global community advancing the interest of awesome in the universe, $1,000 at a time. Each chapter supports awesome projects through micro-grants, usually given out monthly, that are provided on a no-strings-attached basis to people and groups working on awesome projects.

The Braitmayer Foundation

The application is open from Feb. 1 to March 15
Amount awarded: up to $35,000
This third-generation family foundation encourages innovative programs to enhance the quality of education at the pre-collegiate level.

The Chisholm Foundation

Applications are accepted March 1 and Sept. 1
Amount awarded: not specified
The Chisholm Foundation’s mission is to nurture and support meaningful endeavors in education, the arts, and religion. The Foundation is particularly interested in new or demonstration projects that, if successful, can be continued and expanded with the help of additional financial supporters.

Tomberg Family Philanthropies

Full application proposals are due Dec. 22
Amount awarded: $5,000 to $15,000
Their mission is to support well-run and effective programs that make a difference in the areas of poverty alleviation, the environment, health, and education. They typically offer support for up to three years for newly started programs.

Toshiba America Foundation

Applications for K-5 are accepted Oct. 1; applications for grades 6-12 accepted on a rolling basis; larger grant applications due Feb. 1 and Aug. 1
Amount awarded: either less than $5,000 or more than $5,000
Toshiba America Foundation (TAF) STEM grants for schools fund the projects, ideas, and materials teachers need to innovate in their math and science classrooms.

Vernier/NSTA Technology Awards

Applications due Dec. 17
Amount awarded: Seven awards worth $5,500 each
The Vernier/NSTA Technology Awards provide grant money for technology in the classroom to promote the innovative use of data-collection technology.

Voya Unsung Heroes Grant

Applications due April 30
Amount awarded: approximately $2,000 to each recipient
Each year, 100 finalists are selected to receive a $2,000 grant, payable to both the winning teacher and their school. At least one grant is awarded in each of the 50 states, provided at least one qualified application was received from each state.

VWR Foundation

Applications accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed quarterly
Amount awarded: $1,000 to $10,000
The VWR Foundation provides STEM grants to schools supporting initiatives for grades K-12 that go beyond the textbook, scholarships for students attending science-related camps, or grant programs to provide training for science teachers.

Walmart Foundation Community Grant Program

Applications due Dec. 31
Amount awarded: $250 to $5,000
Through the Community Grant Program, Walmart associates are proud to support the needs of their communities by providing grants to local organizations, including K-12 schools, junior colleges, state/private colleges, and universities.

About the Author

Kelly Mantick

SolidProfessor academic content writer and amateur hula hooper