Best Grants for Science Teachers in Tennessee

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering STEM or environmental education programs, safety initiatives, workforce development, or community services can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, with awards of US $5,000 - US $30,000. Eligible projects must primarily serve a community on Union Pacific’s service list and align with one of the program’s stated cause areas.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations with education, environmental education, or STEM-focused programs can seek funding to benefit communities where Cleveland-Cliffs operates. Grants from Cleveland Cliffs Foundation help support projects that expand educational opportunities, protect and restore the environment, and promote healthy, vibrant communities, which may include initiatives led by science teachers and schools.

Tennessee public, private, and charter middle schools starting a PLTW Gateway STEM program for the first time can receive US $9,100 in non-cash support to cover participation and core training fees. Grants from Project Lead The Way help schools nationwide, including Tennessee, implement PLTW Gateway with six teacher training registrations and upcoming program fees applied directly to their PLTW account.

Public, private, and charter schools in Tennessee and other U.S. states can receive up to US $14,000 to launch a new PLTW Biomedical Science program for 2026–2029. Project Lead The Way provides funding for participation fees and core teacher training, supporting schools expanding STEM and science teaching capacity over three years.

Public charities and government units in Tennessee can seek funding for education, STEM initiatives, and environmental stewardship projects that strengthen local communities. Vulcan Materials Company Foundation supports K–12 and higher education programs, especially those connecting math and science to real-world applications and involving Vulcan employees in communities where the company operates.

Tennessee schools and nonprofits with conservation or environmental projects involving K–12 youth can seek US $2,500 - US $25,000 for education or health-related initiatives. With a mission to support environmental conservation, Simmons First Foundation provides funding for projects such as outdoor education, water, air, forestry, energy, and related activities that indirectly or directly benefit youth.

With a mission to support community development, the Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation provides Tennessee science and STEM education organizations with direct grants for STEM and manufacturing-related education, sustainability, and workforce development. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and accredited schools in U.S. communities where Saint-Gobain employees live and work, with priority for long-term partnership opportunities.

Nonprofit and NGO programs offering STEM or youth leadership education in Tennessee communities where H.B. Fuller operates can seek US $10,000 - US $25,000 for sustained, equity-focused programming. H.B. Fuller Company Foundation supports STEM / STEAM education and youth leadership initiatives that expand access, mentorship, and career pathways for students facing systemic educational disadvantages.

Nonprofit charities running humanitarian, educational, community, environmental, or arts programs in Tennessee and worldwide can seek philanthropic support for innovative, sustainable projects that engage Roche expertise and employees. La Roche supports accredited charities, including those offering STEM and environmental education, through local affiliate offices in countries where it operates.

High school seniors pursuing marine biology, environmental sciences, STEM, or education can receive scholarship support for post-secondary study through the Turtle Trackers - Linda Zambelli Family Scholarship Fund. Community Foundation of the Lowcountry supports students from Beaufort and Jasper Counties who show strong academics, personal achievement, and college acceptance, which may benefit future science educators and environmental education leaders.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee that expand STEM understanding and participation, especially among underrepresented groups, can apply for Society for Science’s STEM Action Grants. Focused on STEM and environmental education, these U.S.-based groups may receive up to US $5,000 for operating costs, existing programs, or expansion efforts serving at least 25 participants.

Tennessee schools and accredited institutions offering science or health-related education can access funding via Stealth Biotherapeutics for programs that inform patients, health care providers, or communities. Eligible projects may include STEM and environmental education on rare genetic, neurodegenerative, or ophthalmic disorders, provided they are innovative, cost-effective, and submitted at least 60 days before the funding start date.

Science education nonprofits and schools, including those in Tennessee, can seek funding for STEM, early learning, and environmental education programs that create equitable opportunities and systemic impact. Grants from Change Happens Foundation support U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities, and IRS-recognized tribes with national or global reach, plus occasional community-focused initiatives.

The Reid Sasnett Memorial Scholarship Endowment supports graduating seniors from Pungo Christian Academy and Beaufort County high schools pursuing higher education. This scholarship aims to aid students who exhibit strong character, leadership, and community service, especially those passionate about agriculture and wildlife. Applications open on Dec. 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026, with preference for volunteer firefighters and Pungo Academy alumni.

The Scottie W. Cox Memorial Scholarship of NCCCLA supports employees of learning resources centers in North Carolina pursuing advanced degrees in library and information studies. Eligible applicants must have at least a bachelor's degree and be enrolled in accredited programs. This scholarship, administered by the North Carolina Community Foundation, opens for applications on December 16, 2025, and closes on March 3, 2026. It aims to enhance professional development in the library sector.

The Sammy and Shirley Church Scholarship supports students from Ashe County, NC, including those graduating from the NC School of Science and Math. Eligible candidates must demonstrate academic excellence, physical vigor, and leadership in various activities. Financial need is considered but not the only criterion. Applications open on Dec. 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026. Ensure to meet specific eligibility requirements set by the donor for successful application.

The Ruby A. Trivette Ruritan Scholarship, administered by the North Carolina Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Ashe and Watauga counties in North Carolina. Eligible applicants must reside in Todd or be active members or children of active members of the Todd Ruritan Club. This scholarship opens for applications on December 16, 2025, and closes on March 3, 2026, providing crucial financial assistance for students pursuing higher education.

The Robert E. Barnhill, Sr. Scholarship Fund provides financial support for North Carolina high school seniors who plan to attend a four-year college or university as full-time students. Eligible applicants are evaluated on leadership potential, community involvement, academic achievement, and financial need. The scholarship may be renewed for up to three additional years, contingent upon maintaining a 2.0 GPA and continuous enrollment. Applications open on December 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026.

EEF Undergraduate College Scholarship

These scholarships are awarded to college students to support their programs in environmentally-related fields of study. Prior EEF HS winners are encouraged to apply for continued financial support.

The EEF Undergraduate College scholarship award can be as much as $4,000 for a student's sophomore, junior, or senior year. The Foundation generally awards four Undergraduate College Scholarships each year.​ These scholarships were established to benefit students from the Geneva Lake area.

The RAK Education Foundation Scholarship provides financial assistance to residents of Camden, Chowan, Gates, Pasquotank, or Perquimans Counties who have earned a high school diploma or GED. This scholarship supports students pursuing degrees or certificates in Career and Technical Education fields such as trade education, computer science, business, health science, and more. Applications open on December 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026, encouraging eligible students to apply.

The Emily and Frank Smiddy Scholarship Endowment, established by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, offers financial support to graduating seniors from Benzie County high schools pursuing postsecondary education in sciences or STEM fields. This scholarship can be renewed annually for up to four years, helping students achieve their educational goals and contribute to the community's growth and development.

The Peter S. Slomianyj Scholarship Fund offers financial assistance to Subway employees and their children who meet specific eligibility criteria, including a minimum of 500 work hours over the past year and a GPA of 2.0 in high school or 2.5 in college. Applications for this scholarship will be open from December 16, 2025, to March 3, 2026. It is part of a broader initiative by the North Carolina Community Foundation to support students pursuing education at various institutions.

The NC Hunter and Jumper Association’s Norah Morris Memorial Scholarship Endowment supports individuals pursuing higher education who have engaged in equestrian activities. Open to undergraduates, graduates, and adult re-entry students, the scholarship aims to assist those attending various educational institutions in the United States. Applications for NCCF scholarships will be accepted from December 16, 2025, to March 3, 2026. Be sure to check specific eligibility requirements for each scholarship.

The Joyce Price Johnson’s Samaritan Fund provides scholarships for young people in North Carolina who are exiting foster care or facing poverty. Eligible candidates include undergraduates, graduates, and adult re-entry students attending various accredited institutions. Applications for NCCF scholarships open on December 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026. Preference is given to applicants from Wayne County and adjacent areas, ensuring support for those with exceptional financial need.

The JADE Learning Electrical Technologies Scholarship supports students enrolled in North Carolina technical or occupational schools focused on electrical systems technologies. Eligible candidates include undergraduates, graduates, and apprentices who demonstrate financial need and strong academic performance. The scholarship application requires careful attention to specific donor-defined eligibility criteria. Applications open on December 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026, with preference given to those pursuing a two-year associate’s degree.

Scholarships

We partner with donors to administer scholarships for students across the state. Most NCCF scholarships open for applications on Dec. 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026.

Undergraduates, graduates, medical and professional school students and adult re-entry students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities, career/technical schools, teaching credential programs and graduate, medical or professional schools in the United States are eligible for scholarships offered at NCCF.

Each scholarship has specific eligibility requirements defined by the donor when the scholarship was established. Be sure to read the requirements of each scholarship carefully as directed through the universal application and address those elements as needed in your application.

Grayce Wills MacDonald and Ivan A. MacDonald Endowment

Shall support students who attended high school in Cherokee, Graham, Clay, Swain, Macon, Jackson, Haywood, Buncombe, and Henderson counties, and who are pursuing a college or post-graduate level degree in the field of nutrition with emphasis on the study of natural foods and the vegetarian lifestyle. Scholarships may be based on both need and merit.