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Looking for STEM Education Grants in California? Find the perfect grant for your nonprofit on Instrumentl.
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$52.4M
Total funding
$5K
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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
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:
"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:
In addition, the following considerations should be addressed in a proposal for funding:
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.
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.
Project Lead the Way inc.
School and district leaders need a solution that cultivates confidence and career readiness—and PLTW checks all the boxes. As a nonprofit organization founded by educators and driven by education leaders, we've spent more than 28 years equipping students with the technical knowledge, transferable skills, and career confidence they need to thrive—through programs that integrate real-world industry partnerships, best-in-class teacher training, and our proven activity-, project-, problem-based (APB) instructional model. At PLTW, we're on a mission to create a transformative learning environment and empower students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an evolving world.
PLTW Gateway
PLTW Gateway (6-8) opens paths that create meaningful futures. It connects students to careers in areas they can, and can't, imagine. Through explorations of skilled trades, coding and robotics, flight and space, human body systems, and more, PLTW Gateway fuels students’ passion for discovery. As they engage in hands-on, collaborative problem solving focused on real-world challenges, students use and stretch their imaginations in brand-new ways that connect their learning to life. All the while, students step into roles spanning the career landscape—a crucial experience during this transitional time in their lives, long before they enter their degreed or skilled trade professions.
PLTW Gateway - Program Expansion (3M)
3M forms lasting partnerships with communities and provides resources to help them succeed and grow – ensuring a more interconnected and thriving world. 3M inspires the next generation of science leaders through the following goals:
3M has partnered with PLTW to ensure students and teachers have the tools, resources and knowledge they need to succeed in STEM.
Project Lead the Way inc.
School and district leaders need a solution that cultivates confidence and career readiness—and PLTW checks all the boxes. As a nonprofit organization founded by educators and driven by education leaders, we've spent more than 28 years equipping students with the technical knowledge, transferable skills, and career confidence they need to thrive—through programs that integrate real-world industry partnerships, best-in-class teacher training, and our proven activity-, project-, problem-based (APB) instructional model. At PLTW, we're on a mission to create a transformative learning environment and empower students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an evolving world.
PLTW Launch (PreK-5)
Young learners are naturally wired for discovery. PLTW Launch is designed with activities that let them see what they can be and build skills to discover what they can do. Students are immersed in hands-on activities, projects, and problems that build upon each other and relate to the real world. They experience integrated learning that blends computer science, engineering, biomedical science, and more. Throughout the modules, even the youngest learners apply their math and English Language Arts (ELA) skills, learn science to standards, and adopt skills that are foundational across disciplines.
PLTW Launch - Program Expansion (3M)
3M forms lasting partnerships with communities and provides resources to help them succeed and grow – ensuring a more interconnected and thriving world. 3M inspires the next generation of science leaders through the following goals:
3M has partnered with PLTW to ensure students and teachers have the tools, resources and knowledge they need to succeed in STEM.
About PLTW Computer SciencePLTW Computer Science students are technology trailblazers who are empowered through transportable skills and prepared to start their career, whether that is in computer science or not.3M has partnered with PLTW to ensure students and teachers have the tools, resources and knowledge they need to succeed in STEM. 3M inspires the next generation of science leaders through the following goals:
Program Requirements:
Grant Award and Distribution Schedule:
About PLTW EngineeringPLTW Engineering students adopt a problem-solving mindset, are engaged in compelling, real-world challenges that help them become better collaborators and thinkers, and are prepared with skills to step into any career path they take.3M has partnered with PLTW to ensure students and teachers have the tools, resources and knowledge they need to succeed in STEM. 3M inspires the next generation of science leaders through the following goals:
Program Requirements:
Grant Award and Distribution Schedule:
About PLTW GatewayPLTW Gateway (6-8) opens paths that create meaningful futures. It connects students to careers in areas they can, and can't, imagine.3M has partnered with PLTW to ensure students and teachers have the tools, resources and knowledge they need to succeed in STEM. 3M inspires the next generation of science leaders through the following goals:
Program Requirements:
Grant Award and Distribution Schedule:
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.
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.
AAUW International Fellowship- Doctoral Degree
AAUW’s International Fellowships promotes education and equity for women by investing in international applicants who will be pursuing graduate studies in the U.S. in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) disciplines, with the intention of applying their expertise, professional skills, and leadership in service of their home countries and/or the communities in which they reside. In addition, a limited number of awards are available for study in any country other than their own. International Fellowships are specifically designed for women who are non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents, with a track record of academic excellence and empowering other women and girls. The Program has been supporting international women pursuing full-time postgraduate studies in the United States since 1917.
International Fellowships carry a stipend of $25,000 for a doctorate degree. Stipends are payable to fellows only and are disbursed in two equal payments at the beginning and the midpoint of the fellowship term.
Looking for stem education grants in California?
Read more about each grant below or start your 14-day free trial to see all stem education grants in California recommended for your specific programs.
What's the typical amount funded for California?
Grants are most commonly $145,539.
What's the total number of grants in STEM Education Grants in California year over year?
In 2024, funders in California awarded a total of 256,564 grants.
Among all the STEM Education Grants in California given out in California, the most popular focus areas that receive funding are Education, Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Foundations, and Human Services.
1. Education
2. Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Foundations
3. Human Services
How is funding for STEM Education Grants in California changing over time?
Funding has increased by -1.38%.
How does grant funding vary by county?
Los Angeles County, San Francisco County, and San Mateo County receive the most funding.
| County | Total Grant Funding in 2024 |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles County | $10,841,756,858 |
| San Francisco County | $5,409,542,294 |
| San Mateo County | $5,358,878,304 |
| Santa Clara County | $3,811,026,208 |
| Alameda County | $3,749,322,182 |