Best STEM Education Grants in Illinois

Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits and accredited educational institutions expanding STEM education, life skills, or related youth programs can apply for community support grants over More than US $1,000. Grants from Amcor Cares Foundation help organizations in eligible Illinois counties address education, health and wellness, hunger, homelessness, disaster relief, and arts and culture needs.

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services programs can apply for Creag Foundation’s invitation-only grants, including those based in Illinois. Funding supports new approaches to existing social problems or previously unaddressed social issues. Eligible organizations must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year before seeking consideration.

Illinois 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth through education, early childhood development, or child welfare programs can access funding through Dan Paul Foundation for projects that advance children’s health, development, and enrichment. Grants up to US $15,000 may also support STEM-related workshops, scholarships, or scientific endeavors that improve quality of life for young people worldwide.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofit and mission-driven for-profit organizations in Illinois working on scalable social or environmental solutions, including STEM education, can receive up to US $300,000 over three years for growth capital and capacity building. Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation supports ventures serving underserved communities in Africa, Europe, India, the U.S., and select other regions.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology-driven programs in STEM education, crisis response, or economic empowerment in Illinois can access funding through Cisco Systems Foundation. Grants support innovative, early-stage solutions serving mostly economically underserved communities, with awards up to US $100,000. Eligible applicants must meet public charity equivalency and adhere to Cisco’s grant policies.

Focused on STEM and community programs, State Farm Companies Foundation invites Illinois educational institutions, government programs, and eligible 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations to seek support for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Funding may benefit K–12 STEM, academic performance, college and career pathways, and related community-strengthening projects.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering early childhood or youth STEM and STEAM education, or community economic development programs, can seek funding to serve low- and moderate-income families. Focused on education and community development, PNC Foundation invites organizations in Illinois PNC markets to propose programs in math, science, reading, arts, financial education, or job readiness.

Illinois STEM and STEAM education nonprofits can access funding through La Roche for innovative, charity-managed programs. Eligible projects worldwide span science education for youth, humanitarian and social development, community and environmental initiatives, and contemporary arts and culture, with local Roche affiliates supporting organizations based and operating in the same country as the affiliate.

Nonprofit and humanitarian organizations providing health, education, or disaster relief services can apply for support benefiting marginalized communities in Illinois and worldwide. With a mission to empower vulnerable populations, Semnani Family Foundation provides funding for initiatives such as literacy, medical education, and child and family services, which may include STEM or related educational programming.

Illinois 501(c)(3) organizations working in charitable, scientific, medical, or educational fields can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust for programs carried out in the U.S. Eligible nonprofits must be tax-exempt under federal law and, when applicable, California law, and seek support for broad-impact services or initiatives.

Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on community development, workforce education, basic needs, arts, environment, or inclusion can seek sponsorship support for programs and events that advance economic mobility and social progress. With a mission to strengthen communities, Bank Of America Charitable Foundation provides regional U.S. sponsorships that may benefit STEM and workforce education initiatives in Illinois.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving the Southern U.S. with education, youth, family, or related programs may be eligible for Robinson Foundation support. With a mission to relieve hardship, Robinson Foundation provides single-year funding to established charities active for over three years, excluding capital projects, with an emphasis on tangible, meaningful impact and clear results.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in Illinois may be eligible for support from the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. With a mission to respect all life, the environment, and all people, the foundation provides grants that could complement STEM or STEAM education initiatives with related community or environmental programming.

Grants from Georgia-Pacific Foundation help Illinois education and community organizations fund programs in education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and the environment. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and qualified government entities located within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing community and serving communities where the company operates; STEM education initiatives may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Illinois providing basic needs, youth enrichment, or workforce readiness programs may be eligible for support; projects with STEM or academic enrichment components for at-risk youth could fit. The TJX Foundation requires nonprofits to be within 15 miles of a TJX location and to meet its mission and nondiscrimination guidelines.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Illinois can apply for Lawrence Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000 to support environmental and human services programs, including general operating or project needs. STEM education initiatives housed within eligible organizations may be supported if they fit these funding priorities.

Nonprofit organizations in Illinois seeking support for education, youth programs, and community services can apply for grants of US $1,000 - US $20,000. With a mission to help impactful community-based efforts, Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides funding for schools, skills-training, and related programs, which may include STEM and STEAM education initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Illinois working on hunger relief, housing, adult self-sufficiency, or community vitality programs can apply for Ameriprise Community Grants. Ameriprise Financial provides U.S. nonprofits with support for food access, shelters, economic development, arts access, and volunteer-driven causes; STEM education programs may be eligible when aligned with these priorities.

Illinois 501(c)(3) organizations seeking program support in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural work, or environmental initiatives can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Dr Scholl Foundation primarily funds U.S. nonprofits, including those offering STEM and STEAM education programs, through an annual application cycle running October 1 to March 1.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief in communities with an O’Reilly Auto Parts presence, including Illinois, can apply for O'Reilly Automotive Foundation support. Funding is available for project, general operating, or capital support for programs improving quality of life for underserved people.

Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving youth education, housing, hunger, or environmental programs can access funding through Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards. Grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000 support character and leadership development, academic enrichment, food security, family services, and environmental stewardship, which may include STEM-related educational initiatives for underserved youth.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.