Best Grants for Science Teachers

Nonprofits, schools, and community groups in greater Portland can apply for Metro’s Nature in Neighborhoods Nature Education Grants; awards up to US $100,000 for outdoor and environmental education programs. Projects may integrate STEM curriculum, hands-on habitat restoration, climate resilience, and culturally specific nature programs that engage and serve communities of color in Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties.

The Bamford Foundation, established in 1990, aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals and strengthen communities in Tacoma and the South Puget Sound region. With a focus on operational and program-related grants, the foundation prioritizes collaborations that foster equity, diversity, and access. In 2026, it will concentrate on smaller grants to maximize impact, particularly in basic needs, early learning, expanded opportunities, and access to higher education and job training.

Mission & Vision

Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking.

Our Mission:

We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Our Vision:

We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

STEM Scholars (formally Minority Science) Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

This scholarship is intended to address the unmet financial need of high school graduates from the city of Rochester who plan to attend college and major in science, technology, engineering, or math.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $6,000; paid as $1,500 per year for up to four consecutive years of undergraduate study. Award paid in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Donor Information

This scholarship was established in 1994 to provide financial support to minority graduates of the Rochester City School District who plan to study science, particularly environmental science, in college.

The STEM Action Grants, offered by the Society for Science, support innovative nonprofit organizations with grants up to $5,000. Launched in 2016, this program has awarded $1.15 million to enhance public understanding of science and increase participation of underrepresented groups in STEM fields. Eligible organizations must be U.S.-based nonprofits focused on STEM education and outreach. Renewals for funding are allowed for up to three years, with additional capacity-building grants available to long-term recipients.

Washington public schools and partners can seek funding for outdoor environmental and STEM learning experiences in Washington through the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office, with awards ranging from US $10,000 - US $175,000. Grants support experiential outdoor education, STEAM activities, habitat restoration, field studies, and leadership and mentorship opportunities for K–12 students.

The RWN Foundation: Oregon Arts & Culture Grant supports innovative arts and cultural organizations that enhance community well-being. Focused on historically marginalized groups, it promotes access to arts education and cultural programming. The foundation seeks to fund initiatives that celebrate diverse traditions and foster social equity, particularly in Oregon. Grants are typically smaller, averaging $10,000, and are unrestricted, allowing organizations to allocate funds as needed to maximize impact.

The Turtle Trackers - Linda Zambelli Family Scholarship Fund, established in 2025 by the Turtle Trackers Board, honors Linda Zambelli's legacy through scholarships for students pursuing higher education in Marine Biology and Environmental Sciences. This initiative supports high school seniors from Beaufort and Jasper Counties, ensuring they have opportunities to excel academically while fostering a commitment to marine conservation. The fund is managed by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, which has invested over $125 million in local communities.

Science and STEM-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in U.S. communities served by Union Pacific can apply for Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $30,000 for safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability programs. Eligible projects may include STEM education, youth development, and environmental education that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion.

School districts and community organizations in Alaska can apply for the Alaska Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, with awards of US $50,000 - US $900,000 for out-of-school academic support and enrichment. Funding from the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development can strengthen STEM, environmental education, and other enrichment activities for K–12 students.

The Oregon Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC Grant supports 21st Century Community Learning Centers, aiming to enrich academic and developmental opportunities for students in high-poverty schools. Funded by federal Title IV-B grants, the program emphasizes mental health, K-5 literacy, and career education. With an anticipated funding of $10 million annually, grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 will be awarded to eligible applicants, enabling critical support for students and their families over a five-year period.

Nonprofit organizations offering STEM or environmental education programs in eligible Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, and Texas communities can apply for funding that advances education and community vitality. Focus areas include STEM education in under-resourced areas, digital device access, literacy, and workforce development, which may benefit science teachers and their students.

The Heart of Cook Grants support non-profit organizations, schools, and government units in furthering education, enhancing human services, and protecting the environment within Southwest Michigan and Northwest Indiana. With funding priorities focused on skill development, community independence, and environmental restoration, the grants aim to foster local leadership and innovative solutions. Eligible applicants may submit one application per cycle, with particular attention given to measurable outcomes and projects addressing emerging community needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited schools offering STEM and environmental education programs in select U.S. communities can seek funding for education, sustainability, workforce development, and affordable housing projects. Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation prioritizes long-term partnerships that engage employee expertise and volunteer support alongside its Direct Grants.

Science and STEM educators in Alabama can seek funding for classroom and community-based projects, with awards up to Up to US $10,000, supporting environmental education and broader STEM / STEAM education. Alabama Power Foundation supports initiatives that create lasting community improvements and can be replicated, including collaborative, education-focused programs within its Alabama service counties.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting science, STEM, and related education for children can seek funding for programs in the San Francisco Bay Area. The Joseph and Mercedes McMicking Foundation supports environmental education, STEM/STEAM, arts, and museum-based learning, which may benefit science teachers and schools enhancing pre-K–12 instruction and technology.

The Joseph A. Coolidge Award provides scholarships and awards for Northeastern University honors students. It supports tuition, global experiences, and research initiatives. Eligible students must be enrolled in a major within the Physical Sciences or Mathematics, demonstrating academic excellence and community involvement. Applications will open in Spring 2026, offering resources to enhance honors studies and foster academic achievement.

Idaho school districts, schools, and community organizations running K–12 STEM or academic enrichment programs can access funding through the Idaho Department of Education’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers grants, with awards ranging from US $50,000 - US $200,000. Grants from Idaho Department of Education help Idaho science and STEM programs offer after-school academic support, tutoring, and enrichment for students in high-poverty, low-performing schools.

U.S. accredited institutions offering STEM or health-related education for patients, communities, or health care professionals can seek support for innovative, cost-effective programs. Focused on rare genetic, neurodegenerative, and ophthalmic disorders, Stealth Biotherapeutics invites applications that advance scientific education, disease awareness, and community or classroom programs that may benefit science teachers and their students.

U.S. nonprofits and NGOs running STEM education or youth leadership programs can access funding through H.B. Fuller Company Foundation’s STEM and Youth Leadership Grants, with awards of US $10,000 - US $25,000. Eligible programs must serve communities near H.B. Fuller locations and focus on under-resourced or systematically disadvantaged students, including those in science classrooms.

K–12 teachers, administrators, and parent volunteers at eligible public or private schools in select Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Iowa, Louisiana, and Texas communities can receive US $100 - US $500 for classroom projects in STEM, environment, mining, and literacy. Grants from Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Foundation support science teachers seeking hands-on, project-based learning opportunities.

Schools and community organizations in Alameda County working on youth education and STEM or environmental learning projects can apply for up to US $5,000 to enhance educational experiences and address achievement gaps. Grants from In Dulci Jubilo help fund one-year, school- or community-wide initiatives, including after-school and family learning activities that support science teachers and broader K–12 enrichment.

The EQT Foundation Grant Program supports nonprofits with a focus on community enrichment, education, and environmental preservation in areas aligned with EQT Corporation's business operations. Since 2003, it has awarded over $74 million, emphasizing impactful, evidence-based proposals that foster safe and sustainable communities. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and demonstrate effective resource management. The foundation prioritizes projects that promote STEM education, community engagement, and conservation efforts to enhance quality of life in the regions it serves.

The US Community Grants Program, led by Western Digital Foundation, focuses on funding nonprofit organizations and public schools involved in education, hunger relief, environmental preservation, and veterans' programs. This initiative emphasizes support for under-represented youth in STEM, local hunger alleviation, and community projects that protect the environment. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and demonstrate responsible management and effective use of funds. The program is currently invite-only due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The Alliant Energy Foundation offers community grants to support local organizations within its service areas. With a focus on strategic areas such as hunger, housing, workforce readiness, environmental stewardship, and community safety, the foundation has invested over $76 million since 1998. Applications are accepted year-round, and funding is available for specific programs aimed at enhancing community well-being and innovation. Organizations may receive one grant per year, emphasizing the foundation's commitment to diverse community support.

The AES Hawaii Scholarship Fund, established by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation in 2022, aims to support students from Hawaii Island pursuing higher education. The fund prioritizes applicants who demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, and focus on sustainable or renewable energy careers. Preference is given to previous recipients who remain eligible. This initiative embodies a commitment to fostering educational opportunities that contribute positively to the community and the environment.

Community Grants Program

Investing In Our Local Communities

This strategic community outreach initiative focuses on investing resources into meaningful projects and programs that enhance our local communities and strengthen our region’s prosperity.

Port Houston’s Community Grants Program serves as part of our strategic community outreach initiatives focused on investing resources into meaningful projects and programs that enhance our local communities and region. Since the program’s inception in 2020, Port Houston has proudly invested more than $2.65 million dollars into local community programs and projects.

Grant Specifics & Focus Initiatives

Port Houston’s Community Grants Program offers the opportunity for qualifying organizations to apply for funding through an open, competitive application process.

Port Houston is particularly interested in supporting programs or services that align with our current outreach priorities.

These priorities include:

• Revitalizing Communities, Parks, and Greenspaces with a focus on communities that are within three miles of the Ship Channel

• Programs focused on maritime and logistics-related fields, with key focus areas related to the trucking industry and maritime operations.
• Programs focused on STEAM education and/or environmental sciences
• Programs that support career and professional development services

• Educational programs and projects aimed at improving our waterways (bayous & bays).
• Pollution reduction and related education
• Health equity and health disparities

Within these areas, we are particularly interested in funding programs that:

• Scale best practices and proven ideas or pilot promising, evidence-based programs
• Utilize sound evaluation techniques to measure both outcomes and impact
• Demonstrate a commitment to innovation, learning, and adaptation
• Are completed in partnership, cooperation, and consultation with other agencies
• Offer an innovative and promising approach to meeting a community need

Propose a project or program that falls within Port Houston’s priority zone – proximity to the Houston Ship Channel – permitting Grants Program support to positively impact areas within Port Houston’s stakeholder footprint.

Local educational agencies, nonprofits, schools, and other community partners in Oklahoma can seek US $50,000 - US $300,000 to create or expand after-school and summer community learning centers with strong STEM and academic enrichment components. Oklahoma State Department of Education’s 21st CCLC program supports tutoring, STEM/STEAM activities, and family engagement for students in eligible Title I school-wide programs.