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Foundational Grants: Organizations with an operating budget below $1.5M may request a Foundational Grant to be used for:

• General organizational operating costs such as staff working across the organization, utilities, office space, insurance, etc.
• Existing Programs, including program staff, equipment, space rental, lowering student fees, etc.
• Expansion of any work of the organization, including pilot programs, new audiences, or additional offerings not previously in existence.
• Award Details:
  • Applicants may request up to $5,000 in funding per calendar year. The total sum awarded is at the discretion of the Society’s selection committee.
  • The STEM Action Grant may be awarded up to 3 times to any organization, but organizations must reapply each year. The Society may choose to reduce the amount awarded over time.

Capacity-Building Grants: Organizations that have received STEM Action Grants funding for a full 3 years are eligible to apply for a one-time $10,000 Capacity-Building Grant. These grants may not be used for single year initiatives, existing programming, or consumable expenses, and are intended to increase the capacity or capabilities of the organization or program in the long term.

All applicants must meet the eligibility guidelines and criteria specified below.  Eligibility is at the discretion of ÃÛÌÒÌÇÐÄvlog.  If you have questions, please email grants@societyforscience.org.

Applicant organizations must meet all of the following requirements:

• Represent a U.S. non-profit organization with a 501(c)(3) non-profit designation or be a non-profit initiative with a fiscal sponsor.
• Be a mission-driven organization whose goals align with the Society’s mission, to promote the understanding and appreciation of STEM and the vital role it plays in human advancement: to inform, educate, and inspire.
• Perform one of the following functions:
  • Advocate for the general public’s increased understanding of STEM fields.
  • Aim to spark life-long interest in and appreciation for STEM fields through programming.
• Aim to increase participation of underrepresented populations in STEM fields through increased accessibility and exposure to science.
• Serve minimally 25 U.S. residents of any age in STEM learning and experiences. Funding may not support non-U.S. residents.
• Have an operating budget at or below $1.5. If your nonprofit is a subsidiary, the operating budget does not include the budget of the parent organization, such as a university.

The following organizations are not eligible for this grant program:

• Organizations associated with private institutions, such as programs at private universities or private nonprofit foundations associated with for-profit companies.
• Teachers and organizations tied to a specific school or school district (such as PTSA or nonprofit designed to accept funds on behalf of a school). Teachers should apply for the Society’s STEM Research Grant program instead.
• Organizations and programs managed by anyone under the age of 19, nor anyone enrolled in traditional K-12 education (GED programs are okay).
• Chapters or teams of national organizations, such as Scouts, Boys and Girls Clubs, Robotics Teams, or a national professional society.
• Religious, political, or similar organizations whose beliefs or teachings are integrated with their STEM offerings such that they are required as part of participation in the STEM learning.
• Newly-formed organizations who will not begin serving people in the next year.

Allowed and encouraged:

• Organizations led by founders and social entrepreneurs.
• Organizations with leadership that shares a background or lived experience with those they serve.
• Organizations with unique offerings that make STEM especially accessible, relevant, or of high interest to the audience
• New and established organizations are eligible to apply.

December 2024 – February 2025 – Application window

February – March 2025 – Review and selection

March 2025 – Non-public notification of awards

April 2025 – Funding distributed

April 2025 to June 2026 – Programming or grant activities take place