Incorporating STEM activities into your school’s curriculum can provide extensive benefits to students, allowing them to gain a range of skills, including, but not limited to problem solving, teamwork and creative thinking. However, with increasingly tight school budgets, finding the funds to purchase appropriate STEM equipment can be a challenge for many schools. Fortunately, there is an extensive selection of educational grants available to help you fill these funding gaps.

 

Finding the right grant can be a bit of a challenge so we’ve put together a helpful guide to the grant programs available, filtering them by location. So whether you’re in the US, UK or Australia, we have your back!

 

USA

Name	Description	Application Deadlines
Computer Science for All Grant Program (CS for ALL)	This program aims to provide all US schoolchildren with the opportunity to participate in computer science from pre-K through to high school. With the goal of integrating computer science into teaching, the grant will help schools’ source the appropriate professional development, resources and equipment.	February 9
NEA Foundation STEM grants	The NEA foundation intends to improve student’s chance of employability by equipping them with the appropriate skills required for today’s workforce. From coding to astronomy, this grant will help districts fund the educational instruments needed to improve necessary skills.	February 1, June 1, October 15
Foundation for Technology and Engineering Educators (FTEE)	Through the provision of awards and scholarships, FTEE aims to support the progression of STEM, equipping students with the necessary resources to develop technology and engineering skills.	Annually December 1
Toshiba America Foundation	This program aims to encourage the teaching of STEM subjects by funding “project-based” activities. Applications are accepted from both public and private schools and from teachers in all grades (K-12).	October 1
Westinghouse Charitable Giving Program	This program focuses on three strategic grant giving areas, including “education with a focus on STEM”. The grant aims to improve STEM literacy among students and teachers (K-12) and is available to applicants within 50 miles of a Westinghouse site or customer site.	Rolling Basis
Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs	This six-year, competitive grant is designed to help low-income students prepare for college and careers by funding appropriate resources to help students gain relevant skills.	In 2021 the deadline was June 28
Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers	This is one of several grants awarded by the National Science Foundation and is designed to expose students to STEM careers, providing them with technology-rich experiences.	Second Wednesday in August
21st Century Community Learning Centers	This is the only Federal funding source dedicated to afterschool programs. Funds can be used toward academic enrichment materials and activities, including STEM programs.	Varies
Innovative Programs	This grant program is designed to support the reform of local schools. Funding resources, educational materials and technology required for school improvement.	Between April and August
Student STEM Enrichment Program	This program supports activities which enable primary and secondary (K-12) students to participate in creative, hands-on STEM activities. Applications are accepted from North Carolina.	Currently Closed. 2021 deadline was April 15
Motorola Solutions Foundation	Awards are granted to programs that provide engaging hands-on activities and spark an interest in STEM careers among students (kindergarten to university). This can include funding for coding and robots. Priority is given to programs that focus on girls and minorities underrepresented in STEM careers.	November to August
Colocation America STEM Innovation	These grants aim to provide young children with STEM learning opportunities. The objective is to inspire and encourage K-12 students to pursue their interest and curiosity in STEM.	Currently Closed
American Honda Foundation (AHF)	The program focuses on meeting the needs of US communities, supporting scientific education by awarding grants to non-profits. Applications should focus on youth education, specifically in the areas of STEM.	Further information in September
National STEM Education Distributed Learning (NSDL)	This program aims to provide educational opportunities for undergraduate students, graduate students and K-12 educators by funding resources for STEM education.	Current but no Longer Receiving Proposals
Pitsco Grant	The Pitsco grant is provided in the form of a gift certificate that may be used to purchase hands-on STEM products, curriculum, and more on their website.	First day of each month to the last day of the month
Beacon Technology Teacher Grant	This grant is for teachers who need an extra bit of funding for classroom supplies, educational subscriptions and more!	Grant is offered 1-2 times a year
Toyota USA Foundation	The Toyota USA Foundation aims to enhance the quality of K-12 education by supporting innovative programs dedicated to improving the teaching and learning of mathematics, science and environmental science.	March 31
Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST)	This program provides direct student learning opportunities from PreK to 12. Applications should focus on using technology to strengthen knowledge and interest in STEM and ICT careers.	August 13
MicroGrant Program for Educators & Teachers	This program will supply teachers and educators with the classroom technology they need but also train them to use it in the most effective ways possible.	April 15
Community Action Grants	These grants provide funding to individuals, organizations and community-based non-profits for innovative programs that promote education and equity. Projects should focus on encouraging girls to select, physical sciences or engineering as a career.	December 1
Donors Choose	If traditional grants are not suitable for you, Crowdfunding is an excellent alternative to raise funds for your classroom.Public school teachers can propose classroom projects and post their proposals on the website. In these proposals, you will include very specific items that you need, from robots to microscopes. Donors browse the site and have the opportunity to donate money to your cause.	Rolling Basis
Adopt a Classroom	After registering for an account and creating a classroom fundraising page, donors can fund your classroom necessities.	Rolling Basis

 

UK

Name	Description	Application Deadline
IOP School Grant Scheme	Funding of up to £600 for projects, events and activities that promote a greater interest in STEM, in young people. Grants can be used to cover materials and resources for a particular project and applications are accepted from any schools, colleges or home school groups in the UK and Ireland.	1 June, 1 November
Enhancing Professional Learning in STEM Grants Programme Round Three	This grant is used to deliver STEM education and to ensure teachers are well equipped with the knowledge and skills required to deliver high quality STEM teaching. Applications are accepted from UK schools, from early learning all the way to secondary.	May
Engineering Education Grant Scheme	This grant aims to support educational projects, increasing engineering knowledge and skills among young people (aged 4-19). Applications are accepted from organisations or individuals aiming to inspire young people to study STEM subjects.	October 1
Hinkley Connection education fund	These grants are awarded to support the teaching of STEM subjects through the purchase of necessary STEM resources. Each year, a £500 or £1,200 is awarded to a STEM project. Applications are accepted from every state-funded primary and secondary school in local authority areas affected by the Hinkley Connection.	Rolling Basis
Education Endowment Fund	This grant supports projects that raise the attainment of young people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, with the objective of closing the attainment gap.
Ironmongers’ Foundation: STEM Grants	This grant aims to support schools in encouraging young people to study STEM-related subjects in school.	December 1, April 1, August 1
IT Engineering	These programs work with a wide variety of organisations to provide funding to support STEM projects that improve engineering skills of young people, aged 5 to 19.	October 1Awards for All
Scotland, England, Northern Ireland & Wales	These grants aim to bring communities and people together, helping individuals reach their full potential, through support from the earliest possible stage.
Community Action Northumberland	Ranging from £250 to £5,000, these grants can be used to support a wide range of activities, including education and science. Applications are accepted from any organisation or school carrying out projects with a community benefit within the parishes of: Brinkburn & Hesleyhurst, Longhorsley, Netherwitton, Nunnykirk, Rothley & Hollinghill.	Quarterly
Heathrow Community Fund – Communities for Youth	These grants aim to improve the lives of young people, aged up to 24 years old, providing them with new skills and self-confidence.	Currently on hold due to Covid-19
Gatwick Airport Community Trust	This scheme aims to support the community and young people through funding projects. Applications accepted for projects in East and West Sussex, Surrey and Kent (the areas most affected by Gatwick Airport operations).	Currently, grants are awarded once a year and opening and closing dates are published on the home page of the website.
John Lyons Charity	These grants support young people by improving their life chances through education. They support a wide range of projects, providing opportunities for young people to participate in a wide range of activities. Applications are accepted for projects in North-west London.	March, June and November
BBC Children in Need – Small Grants	The grants provided will make a difference to the lives of young people under the age of 18, who are experiencing disadvantages.	Fund opens on 16th August 2021
The Wixamtree Trust Grant	This grant aims to support organisations and projects based in Bedfordshire.	25th August
Ford Britain Trust	This funding aims to improve communities and the lives of young people, through education. The educational activities and projects should demonstrate community improvements.	Typically June/July
Science and Technology Facilities Council	The STFC awards funds to projects covering a range of STEM topics. Ranging from nuclear physics and astronomy.	In 2021 deadline was in May
The Wolfson Foundation: Special Schools and Colleges	Special schools are able to apply for funding of up to £75,000 for projects that allow pupils to develop their employability skills.	Annually June and December
Primary Science Teacher Award (PSTA)	Nominating an outstanding primary teacher. Every year, a number of primary science teachers are awarded the PSTA and given many benefits including £1000 prize money. Applications are accepted for any primary science teacher in the UK.	January 14
Digital Xtra Fund	Grants between £500 and £5,000 will be given to support young people in learning digital technologies skills. This may be through high quality, exciting extracurricular activities and with the ultimately goal of helping children pursue a career in digital technologies.	April

  

Australia

Name

Description

Deadline

Brighter Futures	Brighter Futures community funding grants are designed to support organisations that are working to develop stronger communities in three areas: health and safety, education and environment.	October 1
Advancing STEM in Queensland State Primary Schools	This funding will help primary schools source the resources necessary for STEM learning, ensuring teaching is as active and engaging as possible.	Rolling Basis
Engaging Science Grants	This grant aims to support organisations, schools and teachers improve STEM participation through the delivery of science engagement and communication projects, events and activities.	Rolling Basis
NSW-Supporting Young Scientists Program	This grant is offered to NSW high school students participating ‘in person’ or virtually in competitions, events or courses, either domestically or internationally, which offer the potential for significant educational advancement in an area related to science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM).
School Grant Program in South Australia	These are grants to help school-initiated National Science Week activities. Applications are accepted that support the running of a National Science Week activity or event in a school and teachers can apply for up to $500.
QLD-Peter Doherty Awards for Excellence in STEM Education	Schools or teachers who have implemented strategies to lift student performance in STEM subjects can apply for this award. The award should be used to undertake activities associated with the STEM course or purchase equipment to assist in the development of STEM learning.	Currently closed. Check website at later date for more information.
Inspiring NSW grants	Each year, funds are given to NSW stakeholders to deliver high-profile community STEM events.	March/April & October/November
Aboriginal Benefits Foundation Grants	The Foundation provides grants to support projects which advance the aims of the Foundation, with the current focus on supporting educational projects. Applications are accepted from any Aboriginal communities/individuals.	September 1
Gifted and Talented	This funding aims to support schools in the delivery of programs for improving the learning of gifted and talented students.	Rolling Basis
Rural and Remote Education Access Program	The RREAP program aims to assist schools in improving the educational outcomes and opportunities of students who are disadvantaged because of their geographical isolation, so that their learning outcomes match those of other students.	Rolling Basis
Indigenous Education	This funding aims to assist schools supporting indigenous students and close the attainment gap between non-indigenous and indigenous students.	Rolling Basis
BankWest Easy Grants	Every month Bank West takes the first 40 applications that fit their entry criteria and puts them up for a public vote. The 6 projects with the highest votes receive $1000 and the rest receive $200 each.
Crowdfunding through Schools Plus	The “Fundraise Yourself’ platform allows schools to publish information and benefits about a project and crowdfund through the community network. Eligibility is dependent on the Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage (ICSEA) or whether a school is defined as a special school.	Rolling Basis

 

 

Searching For Grants

 

Looking to source your own funding? There are many websites which make the hunt that little bit easier. Here are some of our favourite sites, organised by your geographical location:

USA
Grants.gov	Listing over thousands of grants, this site is great for finding federal grants. On the site you are able to narrow down your search by eligibility and category. Plus they also share some useful tips and tricks of the trade, so grant newbies know what to expect!
GrantWatch	Another leading grant resource listing every type of grant is GrantWatch. The site allows you to search by funding source, category and geographical location.
The Foundation Center	This well-known grant database has brilliant up-to-date and complete information about Grantmakers and the grants available.
UK
Grants Online	Use this site to narrow down you search for a suitable grant. Hunters can search by location, category, organisation type, funding agency, type and status.
GrantFinder	The “leading funding database in the UK” will help you discover suitable local, national, and international sources of funding and even includes writing services to help you on your grant hunt.
Funding Finder	This free site offers information on hundreds of grants, including a description, the amount and how to apply.
Australia
GrantConnect	Find current grant listings through the Australian Government’s grants database.
The Grants Hub	Priding themselves on being “Australia’s leading grant search directory”. The Grants Hub provides an easy-to-use site where you can save your favourite grants, compare and filter grants to find a suitable option, create a grant calendar and even set up grant alerts!

Download our Guide to Grant Writing