Best STEM Education Grants in District of Columbia

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth through education, health, development, or welfare programs, including STEM and science education in District of Columbia, can seek support for direct services and enrichment initiatives. With a mission to enrich children’s lives, DanPaul Foundation provides up to US $15,000 for eligible projects worldwide that match its goals.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for crisis response, education, or economic empowerment programs in the District of Columbia can apply for Cisco Systems Foundation’s Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. STEM and digital skills education initiatives serving mostly economically underserved communities may be eligible through a year-round LOI process.

Educational institutions, government programs, and eligible nonprofits in the District of Columbia can seek funding for safety, community development, and education initiatives, including K–12 STEM and higher education programs. State Farm Companies Foundation supports long-term, sustainable projects that improve academic performance, STEM learning, and pathways to college and career success.

Focused on STEM and arts education, William Randolph Hearst Foundation invites District of Columbia cultural and educational nonprofits to seek support for impactful arts, science, and STEAM programs. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations with audited expenses over $2 million can request more than US $100,000 for program, capital, or limited general support that serves large populations.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million can apply for more than US $100,000 to support social service programs that address chronic poverty and strengthen families. Grants from William Randolph Hearst Foundation help organizations, including those in District of Columbia, expand proven efforts in areas like affordable housing, job training, youth development, and reentry services.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations offering STEM education, health, or community programs in the District of Columbia can apply for the Labcorp Charitable Foundation’s grants. Funding supports STEM programming, healthcare and patient services for underserved populations, food pantries and meal programs, and initiatives promoting healthy lifestyles through research and screening, with requests reviewed in March and September.

Nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, and other eligible organizations improving education and youth outcomes in the District of Columbia and beyond can seek more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Focused on education, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation funds work benefiting urban low-income children in the U.S., India, and South Africa.

Nonprofit charities in the District of Columbia seeking support for STEM/STEAM education, humanitarian, social, community, environmental, or arts initiatives may be eligible for Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy. Roche supports accredited, high-quality projects that promote sustainable development and can actively involve its expertise, logistics, local affiliates, and employees in education and community-focused activities.

Nonprofit organizations providing health, education, or humanitarian services to marginalized communities can apply for Semnani Family Foundation grants, including work in the District of Columbia. Funding supports health care access, disaster relief, child and women’s health, literacy, and related human services, which may include STEM or medical education initiatives serving vulnerable populations.

Education and STEM-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in District of Columbia can seek support for charitable, scientific, medical, or educational programs that significantly benefit their communities. Focused on broad public welfare, Sidney Stern Memorial Trust funds tax-exempt organizations whose projects serve U.S. populations and demonstrate strong management and substantial impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the District of Columbia can seek sponsorship for community programs that advance economic mobility and social progress. With a mission to strengthen low- and moderate-income communities, Bank of America Charitable Foundation provides support for basic needs, workforce development and education, community development, arts and culture, the environment, and diversity and inclusion initiatives that may include STEM education components.

Grants from Robinson Foundation help District of Columbia 501(c)(3) education organizations address community needs through single-year projects. Eligible nonprofits must be at least three years old and serve communities in the Southern region, including D.C., in areas such as education, children and families, poverty relief, disaster relief, health, veterans, animal welfare, conservation, or religious and spiritual endeavors.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations near TJX locations that support basic needs, at-risk youth education, workforce readiness, or safety from domestic violence can apply for The TJX Foundation’s grants. District of Columbia groups offering STEM or other enrichment programs for at-risk youth may be eligible if they meet the mission, distance, and nondiscrimination requirements.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in the District of Columbia can seek $5,000 - $10,000 in unrestricted operating or program support for environmental and human services work. Focused on community and environmental programs, the Lawrence Foundation invites eligible organizations to apply for flexible funding that can include reasonable indirect costs.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Education-focused 501(c)(3) organizations, including those offering STEM or STEAM programs in the District of Columbia, can apply for Cowles Charitable Trust grants of up to US $10,000 to support education, social justice, health, arts, or ethical journalism initiatives, including general operating support. National efforts that align with the Trust’s mission may also be considered.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

501(c)(3) nonprofits with education, STEM, or related programs in the District of Columbia can seek project funding from the Dr Scholl Foundation, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $25,000. The foundation primarily supports U.S. organizations in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, and environmental fields through one-year grants.

The Hansen Family Foundation Grant seeks to empower organizations that uphold the American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Focused on diverse causes like children, education, animals, environmental conservation, humanitarian efforts, and arts, the foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that create positive change. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while political campaigns and organizations with high budgets or overheads are ineligible. This grant fosters impactful contributions to society.

Education-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits and aligned for-profit organizations in the U.S., including those in District of Columbia, can use this grant to tell powerful stories about their impact. Grants from Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation support storytelling projects for programs in education, preservation, or wellness, with awards of more than US $50,000.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits in communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates can apply for O'Reilly Automotive Foundation funding for project, general operating, or capital support that improves quality of life. Organizations in the District of Columbia working on economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief, including related STEM literacy or job-readiness efforts, may be eligible.

District of Columbia youth-serving organizations offering STEM career exploration and education programs can apply for the MBSYEP Pathways to STEM Grant, with awards up to US $150,000 for a 6-week learning experience. Funding from the District of Columbia Department of Employment Services supports in-person STEM career exploration and college visits for local youth.

District of Columbia youth-focused nonprofits can access funding through Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards to support education, leadership development, housing, food security, and environmental stewardship programs. U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations may receive US $30,000 - US $350,000 for initiatives serving underserved young people and their families, including projects that incorporate STEM or related educational components.

Nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that lead strong, replicable community partnerships can receive national recognition and support for collaborative programs through the Mutual Of America Foundation Community Partnership Award. With a mission to honor impactful cross-sector initiatives, this award highlights models that may benefit District of Columbia groups advancing STEM or related education efforts.

Non-sectarian human and social service nonprofits working to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including those in the District of Columbia, can apply for US $5,000 - US $250,000 to support their programs. Gupta Family Foundation funds smaller 501(c)(3) and qualifying foreign organizations focused on poverty, disability, social alienation, and disaster relief across several countries.