Best Grants for Science Teachers in Arizona

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.

Jennifer Grimes Lindley Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

The Jennifer Grimes Lindley Scholarship recognizes and awards young women residing in Monroe and Yates counties who intend to continue education beyond high school, preferably in the field of engineering.

Number and Size of Awards

Two awards of $1,000 each to both a Monroe County and a Yates County recipient, plus a four-year student membership to the American Association of University Women (AAUW). Award paid in one lump sum in the Fall.

Donor Information

This scholarship was established by the Lindley family in memory of their daughter, Jennifer Grimes Lindley. Jennifer was a very bright student who eventually obtained her electrical engineering degree in her mid-30s. This scholarship recognizes those women who choose to continue their education in the field of engineering and science.

The Pakideh/Khaghany Endowed Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Monroe County, supports local seniors pursuing degrees in science-related fields. This initiative aims to foster educational growth and career readiness, ensuring that Monroe County students have access to the resources they need to succeed in their academic journeys. With a commitment to community development, the scholarship highlights the foundation's dedication to enhancing educational opportunities for future generations.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Nexteer Scholarship

The Nexteer Scholarship Fund mission is to help high school graduates in financial need through a scholarship program for residents of Saginaw, Midland and Bay Counties who are pursuing a career in engineering or general business. The goal is to help deserving individuals within our community achieve their career goals – an objective which has the added benefit of improving the community-at-large. 

Nexteer draws upon a 100 year heritage of vehicle integration expertise and product workmanship. The company has a strong foundation and a reputation for providing dependable steering solutions and enduring customer relationships.

Molly Efron Scholarship

To support a Monroe County female high school senior planning to attend a four-year college or university to study science, technology, engineering, or math.

Number and Size of Awards

Two awards of $1,000 each; paid in one lump sum.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

United Negro College Fund

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”®

For more than seven decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $5 billion and help more than 500,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 12,000 students scholarships, worth more than $65 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

MetLife Foundation Legacy Endowed Scholarship

The MetLife Foundation Legacy Endowed Scholarship Program was established by the MetLife Foundation to provide need-based scholarship support to college junior enrolled at US four-year HBCUs. Successful applicants must be currently pursuing a STEM, business, finance, or accounting degree, as a full-time student at a four-year HBCU.

About Us

Making a Difference, Together

The Community Foundation of Monroe County (CFMC) builds a thriving, inclusive community through the power of philanthropy. By connecting generous donors with local causes, we help ensure Monroe County remains a place where everyone can thrive. Since our founding, we’ve been a trusted steward of community resources, fostering impactful collaborations and sustainable solutions to address challenges in education, health, poverty, and community development.

Scholarship Opportunities

Whether you’re heading to college, pursuing a technical career, or furthering your education as an adult, there’s a scholarship for you.

Ahadi Women in Science Scholarship

For female graduating seniors from Monroe County high schools entering a science-related field.

August Corso Scholarship Fund

Scholarships shall be awarded to residents of Erie County, Ohio pursuing a post-secondary education. Preference shall be given to students pursuing a degree in Horticulture, Environmental Science or Agricultural Business. Financial need is a consideration for the scholarship award.

Scholarships are available for students planning to attend an accredited nonprofit college or university, or planning to receive licensure, accreditation, or a certificate from a nonprofit vocational or apprenticeship program in the United States.

The scholarship may be renewed for a second, third, and fourth year.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Iles Family Conservation Scholarship

The Iles Family Conservation Scholarship was established by Doug and Sandy Iles in memory of Clarence “Buck” Iles. A lifelong passion for conservation balanced with practical application is what Buck Iles stood for. A very avid sportsman, he was actively involved with leadership in the Michigan United Conservation Club and Saginaw Field and Stream, among others.

For more than 20 years, Buck Iles helped establish and operate the Saginaw Field and Stream Club annual scholarship raffle which supported over 40 different scholarships. Buck passed away in 2005 and this scholarship was established to continue the great raffle tradition that now no longer exists.

Doug and Sandy established this scholarship fund in “Dad’s” memory. Recipients should be students with an active interest in environmental issues. Although not limited to, emphasis will be placed on awarding this scholarship to a resident of Saginaw County. A minimum 3.0 GPA and a student who has the need for educational financial support are key determinants.

Scientific & Regulatory Consultants, Inc. Scholarship

Science plays a vital role in our daily lives and includes a wide range of fields such as physician or veterinary services, nursing, microbiology, biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, psychology, music, etc. This scholarship views “scientific” very broadly and invites you to be creative.

Your application will be reviewed based upon the quality, not quantity, of the response to each question.

Applicants may apply every year.

The Jack and Florence Sitrin Scholarship, established by Joyce Malcolm, supports graduating seniors from Utica, NY, pursuing further education in Mathematics. Administered by Utica Dollars for Scholars, this scholarship aims to empower hard-working students who demonstrate a commitment to their education and community. The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties champions this initiative, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder talented individuals from achieving their academic and career goals.

About

Founded in 1971, the Mensa Foundation was established by members of American Mensa to extend the organization’s impact. While connected by a shared purpose, the Foundation operates independently, guided by its own Board of Trustees, strategic plan, and initiatives.

Awards

Cooper Black Award for Creativity

The Copper Black Award for Creative Achievement honors Mensa members whose innovative solutions and practical creativity have brought meaningful benefits to the world.

Details

The Copper Black Award annually recognizes Mensa International members who have demonstrated a specific creative achievement with practical value. This award honors innovations that have been implemented, at least in part, to benefit others.

Award Components

About

Founded in 1971, the Mensa Foundation was established by members of American Mensa to extend the organization’s impact. While connected by a shared purpose, the Foundation operates independently, guided by its own Board of Trustees, strategic plan, and initiatives.

Grants & Fellowships

Catalyst Grant

Early-stage funding for bold ideas that deserve a chance to move forward. Open to anyone, from any background, with an idea worth exploring.

Details

Giving Ideas a First Chance

$10,000 in annual funding helps promising ideas take their next step.

The Catalyst Grant supports early-stage ideas that demonstrate originality and the potential for meaningful impact.

Funding may support one project or be shared among several, depending on the applications received and where funding can make the greatest difference.

Ideas can come from any discipline or background. They may grow from lived experience, independent inquiry, academic research, creative work, or connections between fields.

Funded projects should broadly align with the Mensa Foundation’s mission to unleash intelligence for the benefit of humanity.

About

Founded in 1971, the Mensa Foundation was established by members of American Mensa to extend the organization’s impact. While connected by a shared purpose, the Foundation operates independently, guided by its own Board of Trustees, strategic plan, and initiatives.

Grants & Fellowships

Dissertation Mini-Grant

The Mensa Foundation empowers the next generation of researchers through its Dissertation Mini-Grant program.

Designed to support advanced doctoral students, this grant funds innovative studies that broaden our understanding of intelligence, creativity, gifted education, and related fields.

Details

The Mensa Foundation Dissertation Mini-Grant provides $2,500 to advanced doctoral students conducting research on intelligence and gifted education. By funding innovative studies, the grant promotes research that addresses the complexities of intelligence, creativity, and related fields.

Grant Components

The National Parks Business Plan Internship aims to enhance the operational health of national parks through a graduate-level program that trains students in business management and NPS operations. Participants will engage in substantive analysis, gain insights into park management, and promote federal careers in conservation. This initiative seeks to involve underrepresented graduate students from disciplines such as business administration and public policy, fostering a commitment to stewardship of public lands.

Benefitting people in the places making the AI future possible

The Future is for Everyone Fund

Meta is investing directly in education, community enhancement, workforce development and sustainability projects in locations where we have a data center in the United States.

The AI future we are building is for everyone. That starts with making sure everyone in the places that are home to a Meta data center feel the benefits in their communities. We want students to have bright futures, small businesses to flourish and communities to be prosperous.

Our commitment to the communities we call home.

The Future is for Everyone Fund supports investments and programs that address local community priorities in the United States, where we have a Meta data center:

We invest in the people and shared spaces that help a community thrive. That includes the parks, trails, and gathering places where neighbors come together, the technology and access that keep them connected, and first responders - like police officers, firefighters, and paramedics — who keep our communities safe.

We support the people and organizations that power local economies - helping workers gain the skills, certifications, and hands-on experience the modern economy rewards, and backing initiatives that create jobs and give a community its character.

We fund the programs, spaces, and tools that help learners of every age discover what they're capable of - from early literacy and the arts to hands-on science, technology, and problem-solving - and we equip the educators who make it happen with the resources to bring their most ambitious lessons to life.

We invest in the long-term health of the land, water, and wildlife that make our communities home - supporting things like habitat restoration and resource conservation that connects people to the natural world.

What is the Future is for Everyone Fund?

The Future is for Everyone Fund is Meta’s $1 billion commitment to invest directly in the U.S. communities that are home to a Meta data center. The Fund supports local schools, nonprofits, and community organizations and is organized into four focus areas that reflect local priorities: Community Enhancement, Economic Vitality, Education, and Sustainability. It builds on the over $70 million in grant funding we’ve provided to our data center communities since 2011.

In collaboration with Cummins Inc., the American Library Association (ALA) invites applications from U.S. public libraries to participate in A Year of STEM, 12 months of curated STEM programming to foster curiosity and STEM-mindedness in early childhood learners across the country. 

Twenty-five libraries will be chosen to participate in A Year of STEM, receiving professional development to prepare them for the project, copies of a newly created A Year of STEM programming guide developed by librarian advisors, a $5,000 programming stipend, four STEM kits (to be delivered quarterly), and support from ALA’s Public Programs Office staff throughout the project implementation period.

Grant Guidelines

To advance its mission to build a responsible and equitable technology ecosystem, the Kapor Foundation makes strategic grants across three focus areas: (1) Computing Education, (2) Innovation, and (3) Governance.

Within each focus area, we fund research on critical topics at the intersection of racial equity and tech, capacity-building that strengthens coalitions and movement-building infrastructure, and policy advocacy that drives systemic change.

Funding Priorities

We fund organizations and initiatives aligned with our core focus areas:

Given advances in Al, a new vision of education is urgently needed — one that ensures students are equipped with the technical skills to build emerging technologies and the critical skills to navigate their socio-technical implications. We fund computing education initiatives across K-12, postsecondary, and alternative pathways that expand computing participation at scale, shift policy to ensure equitable access, and expand the pipeline of educators prepared to teach computing.

2. 

Al is being designed, developed, and deployed rapidly, yet the communities most affected by its impacts are largely excluded from its creation and subsequent economic benefits. We support organizations and individuals that build responsible Al technologies, leverage technology to close gaps in access and opportunity, and invest in initiatives and coalitions that advance responsible Al in the entrepreneurship and venture capital ecosystems.

3.

As Al adoption accelerates, bolder approaches to regulation are necessary to protect marginalized communities from technological harm, expand economic opportunity, and ensure the benefits of technology reach everyone. We support efforts that build awareness of key policy issues, develop policy agendas, and mobilize coalitions.

For 2026, our priority advocacy areas are: 1) computing education, 2) algorithmic bias, 3) Al safeguards for children, 4) data center development, and 5) surveillance and civil rights.

Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation

The Foundation was established in September 1977 by Dr. Arnold O. and Mrs. Mabel Beckman to give back to the scientific community.

“The mission of the Foundation is to support leading edge research, in the fields of chemistry and life sciences, broadly interpreted, and particularly to foster the invention of methods, instruments, and materials that open up new avenues of research and application in these sciences and related disciplines. My preference is to favor young investigators, new ideas, and a variety of projects rather than fund large, established ones of long duration.”

Current Foundation Initiatives

Today, the Foundation continues according to the vision laid out by Dr. and Mrs. Beckman:

• Supporting Young Scientists: through our annual grant programs, focused on the most promising young scientists
• Community Support activities: that promote science education and excellence in our local community
• Streamlined operations: so that we don't "spend money to give money away"

"Beckman Family" Awardee Community Support Grants

The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation’s "Beckman Family" Awardee Community Support Grants are open to all current and former Foundation grant awardees and Executive Committee members, specifically from the Beckman Scholars Program, Arnold O. Beckman Postdoctoral Fellowship, Beckman Young Investigator, and Instrument Grants programs.

As a current or former Beckman awardee or Executive Committee member, if you are actively engaged as a volunteer or Board member in a youth STEM or STEAM organization in your local area, you may apply to this program for funding for a particular project with that organization.

Funding Priorities

Projects should be aligned with the Foundation’s aim of “supporting young scientists today for tomorrow’s breakthrough discoveries” and oriented toward achieving positive outcomes in at least one of the Foundation’s current funding priorities:

• Engaging youth in hands-on science and math activities to encourage curiosity and student-driven exploration and learning.
• Using technology to engage youth in STEM/STEAM.
• Promoting the Beckmans’ legacy of technology innovation and leadership amongst youth.

In addition, the following considerations should be addressed in a proposal for funding:

• Where possible, the Foundation’s contribution to a project or activity should help to build capacity within the nonprofit organization to continue the activity beyond the one-time grant.
• The Awardee/Executive Committee member should discuss how the program will increase access to STEM/STEAM opportunities for the target audience.
• The costs associated with the request should relate to a stand-alone STEM/STEAM project, event, or activity and not part of a broader program, event, or target audience outside the Awardee’s or Executive Committee member's local area.
• Youth registration to participate in the STEM/STEAM project, event, or activity should be open to all in the local area, when possible.

Process & Timeline

Grant funds are directly issued to the organization by the Foundation and include for acknowledgement an indication that the gift was made because their volunteer or Board member is a Beckman Awardee or Executive Committee member.

Requests must be submitted by the Beckman Awardee on behalf of a U.S. nonprofit 501(c)(3), or equivalent, organization exclusively serving youth in their local community. As a matter of policy, the Foundation does not provide grants to non-U.S. organizations or institutions. This program defines the terms “youth” and “youths” as individual(s) 17 years of age or younger.

The IUSE: Innovation in Two-Year College STEM Education (ITYC) program, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), aims to enhance STEM education at two-year colleges. This initiative encourages innovative projects that promote student success in foundational STEM courses. Eligible institutions can request up to $500,000 for three years, with an extra $100,000 for those without NSF funding in the last five years, facilitating a total budget of $600,000 for impactful educational projects.

Hispanic Heritage Foundation

Established by the White House in 1988, the Hispanic Heritage Foundation—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization—continues to advance its mission through award winning programs that adapt to the needs, aspirations, and vision of our community while delivering a strong value proposition for the country.

HHF’s mission and programs have been recognized by The White House, US Congress, Fortune 500 Companies, US Army, other nonprofits, and even the Government of Mexico, in five areas of focus: education, workforce development, societal impact, and leadership, with culture serving as the cornerstone of its mission.

Youth Awards

The 28-year-old Youth Awards have recognized thousands of high school students from all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C., for their achievements in the classroom, community, and focus on career paths in STEM fields, entrepreneurship, media, public service, and other categories.

Gold, Silver, and Bronze recipients are selected in each category and receive a one-time innovation grant to fund their college education or support a community service effort addressing a social issue. Additionally, one national awardee is selected in each category.

Once selected, recipients are celebrated in virtual ceremonies and become part of the LOFT (Leaders On Fast Track) Network, a collective of 300,000+ students and young professionals with access to mentors, resources, networking opportunities, workshops, symposia, summits, internships, and full-time positions with Fortune 500 companies.

The Research and Education Program for HBCUs and TCUs provides funding for essential equipment and instrumentation, enhancing research capabilities in STEM fields. This initiative aligns with the FY 2026 NDAA and aims to increase participation and graduation rates in critical scientific disciplines. The program is overseen by the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering and administered by various defense agencies, promoting educational advancements in historically underrepresented institutions.

The Blackstock Family Foundation Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, offers scholarships to Georgia students pursuing degrees in healthcare, special education, or STEM fields. With a focus on supporting individuals with special needs, the fund provides at least one award annually, with renewal options for prior recipients. Eligible candidates must be Georgia residents, high school seniors or currently enrolled students, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7. Preference is given to students from Upson County.

The Annual Recurring University Training and Research grant aims to foster the next generation of engineers and scientists by funding research and development at U.S. colleges and universities. This initiative focuses on supporting early-stage research and enhancing opportunities for underrepresented communities, ensuring that students gain essential skills for successful careers in the U.S. workforce and economy. It is a vital step toward inclusive educational advancement and workforce development.

About Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

Whirlpool Corporation One Power STEM Scholarship

Whirlpool Corporation, in conjunction with One Energy LLC, created a scholarship fund at Marion Community Foundation in 2017 to support education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). For each wind turbine installed as part of a Wind for Industry® project, Whirlpool/One Energy scholarship partners are giving back to the community with scholarships. These scholarships will impact Marion County high school seniors and graduates pursuing studies in STEM fields.

Annually, this scholarship fund awards one $5,000 scholarship to a student attending any eligible educational institution. An additional $10,000 in scholarships is available to students attending The Ohio State University at Marion, Marion Technical College, or other eligible educational institutions.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Rob’s Hauling & Vance Family Scholarship

The Rob’s Hauling & Vance Family Scholarship Fund was created in 2019 by James and Lyndsey Vance. The Vance family places a priority on and a commitment to protecting, preserving, conserving, and sustaining the environment. Their scholarship gives special consideration to applicants who are pursuing an education in Ecology, Natural Science, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Management, Natural Resource Management, Renewable Energy Engineering, Sustainability Management, Urban Planning and Sustainability, Climate Science, Conservation Science, Conservation Biology, or Environmental Health and Economics. Consideration is also given to students studying Agricultural Engineering, Agriculture Production, Animal Science, Food Sciences and Technologies, Horticulture, Plant Science, Soil Science, and related fields.

Recipients may be a graduate or senior from any school located in Marion County who have been a resident of the area for their entire high school career and maintained a grade point average of 3.0 or greater.

Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. Kannan Family ScholarshipThe Kannan Family Scholarship is open to students from any high school in Marion County, with preference to seniors or graduates of Pleasant High School where the Kannan’s children attended. Their scholarship supports students pursuing a career in a STEM field – science, technology, engineering, or mathematics – or health care and special consideration will be given to those with demonstrated financial need.

The Central Lake School District Osborn Scholarship Endowment, established by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Central Lake Public Schools who rank in the top 20 percent of their class and show exemplary academic performance. This initiative reflects the Foundation's commitment to empowering local students and fostering educational excellence within the community. The scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to help deserving students pursue their higher education goals.