Best STEM Education Grants in Oklahoma

Oklahoma STEM / STEAM education nonprofits and accredited educational institutions serving Garvin County can access funding through The Amcor Cares Foundation for programs expanding STEM learning, life skills, and health and wellness. Grants over US $1,000 may also support basic needs, disaster relief, arts and culture, and related community initiatives in Amcor facility communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible public entities working on STEM education, basic needs, or social justice initiatives in Oklahoma and other AEP service areas can seek support for their programs. American Electric Power Foundation funds early childhood through higher education in STEM, hunger and housing services, equity-focused efforts, and related environmental, health, and cultural projects.

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 with innovative approaches to human and social services and related fields can seek funding to address social problems, including those affecting STEM and education in Oklahoma. Grants from Creag Foundation help eligible organizations pilot or expand creative solutions once they have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year.

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.

Licensed childcare providers in Washington County, Oklahoma can apply for Bartlesville Community Foundation’s Early Childhood Education Support Fund; awards US $500 - US $1,000 for one-time emergency stabilization needs. Funding covers recent unexpected expenses that threaten continuation of care, such as facility damage, essential equipment failure, or required health and safety repairs, and may help sustain early learning and STEM-related programming.

Nonprofit and NGO programs using technology for STEM and broader education, crisis response, or economic empowerment in Oklahoma can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help organizations serving mostly economically underserved communities pilot or scale innovative, tech-enabled solutions that improve access, skills, and opportunity.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

Oklahoma STEM education organizations and other education-focused groups can access funding through the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation for projects serving urban children and youth in poverty. Eligible U.S. entities with a federal TIN may request more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling in education, childhood health, or family economic stability.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Nonprofit and humanitarian organizations working on health, education, or disaster relief can apply for support from Semnani Family Foundation, which funds projects in Oklahoma as part of its U.S. portfolio. Grants prioritize marginalized communities, focusing on healthcare access, women and children’s health, humanitarian aid, literacy, and related human and social services worldwide.

Oklahoma STEM / STEAM education nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status can access funding through Sidney Stern Memorial Trust for charitable, scientific, medical, and educational programs serving U.S. communities. Eligible organizations must use awarded funds within the U.S. and be exempt from federal income tax, with California exemption required where applicable.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities in Oklahoma can seek funding for capital projects that support secondary and post-secondary STEM education, skilled trades training, nature conservation, or community gathering spaces. Ash Grove Charitable Foundation supports these initiatives with program grants generally up to US $10,000 and capital project grants generally up to US $25,000 in its regional markets.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local governments supporting education and community enrichment near Georgia-Pacific facilities in Oklahoma can seek funding for local programs. Georgia-Pacific Foundation supports education and related initiatives in Oklahoma communities located within 30 miles of its manufacturing sites; STEM-focused projects may be eligible if they meet these priorities.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Teachers, schools, youth groups, and youth-focused organizations in Oklahoma can seek funding for student-centered environmental education projects through the Environmental Education Grant, with awards ranging from US $200 - US $1,500. Grants from Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality help Oklahoma STEM and environmental education programs connect classroom learning with hands-on conservation and sustainability activities.

Oklahoma principal investigators in adult stem cell or regenerative medicine research can apply for Oklahoma Center for Adult Stem Cell Research Education and Travel Grants to support STEM-related training and professional development. Funding may cover conferences, courses, lab training, or mini-sabbaticals for faculty at universities, research institutions, or private industry in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma investigators in adult stem cell or regenerative medicine research seeking enabling technology can apply for support from the Oklahoma Center for Adult Stem Cell Research. OCASCR provides one-year grants to principal investigators at universities, research institutions, or private industry to obtain tools like animal models, monoclonal antibody preparation, or genetic assays that strengthen competitive research programs.

Oklahoma universities, research institutions, and biotechnology companies conducting adult stem cell or regenerative medicine research may be eligible for flexible support in Oklahoma. Focused on advancing cutting-edge biomedical science, the Oklahoma Center for Adult Stem Cell Research invites qualified principal investigators to propose other valuable support mechanisms, such as partial salary for core facility personnel heavily used by OCASCR grantees.

Oklahoma universities, research institutions, and biotech companies conducting adult stem cell or regenerative medicine research can access funding through the Oklahoma Center for Adult Stem Cell Research. Eligible principal investigators hold advanced clinical or research degrees and lead independent labs; projects may include disease models related to smoking or obesity and other regenerative medicine studies.

Oklahoma universities, research institutions, and biotech companies conducting adult stem cell or regenerative medicine research can request funding for shared laboratory equipment through the Oklahoma Center for Adult Stem Cell Research. Oklahoma STEM education and research programs may be eligible if led by qualified principal investigators and the equipment is made accessible as part of a core facility.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving economic stability, workforce development, health, social services, or disaster relief in Oklahoma communities where O'Reilly Auto Parts operates can seek project, operating, or capital support. With a mission to strengthen underserved communities, O'Reilly Automotive Foundation provides funding that may benefit programs incorporating STEM or technical training elements.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Oklahoma working on youth education, leadership, basic needs, or environmental programs can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000. STEM and STEAM education initiatives for underserved youth may be competitive under the academic success and character development focus areas.

About Oklahoma CareerTech

For more than 100 years, Oklahoma’s system of career and technology education has focused on improving Oklahoma’s economy by offering individuals the training and skills necessary to be successful in the workplace and providing companies with the workforce necessary to compete globally.

Oklahoma CareerTech is often used as a model for programs across the United States and around the world. The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education provides leadership and resources and assures standards of excellence for a comprehensive statewide system of career and technology education. The system offers programs and services in 29 technology center districts operating on 62 campuses, 394 PK-12 school districts, 20 Skills Centers campuses that include three juvenile facilities and 49 Adult Education and Family Literacy service providers.

Perkins Innovative Grants

Things to know:

• All grants will be on a two-year award cycle (except CTE New Program Grant) to match the Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment timeline. To be eligible for awards, recipients will be required to complete and submit their Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment.

• Grant recipients will have to show progress towards goal completion by the end of the first year of funding to receive 2nd year funding. These Benchmarks will be developed in collaboration with the Program area innovative grant leads and the recipients.

• Districts can apply for multiple grants. 

There are 8 Innovative Grants that all eligible recipients can apply for: 1) Career Development and Programs of Study; 2) Career Pathways, Workforce, and Industry Partnerships; 3) Supporting CTE Special Populations; 4) High Growth and Emerging Technologies; 5) Innovation in Career Exploration; 6) Innovative Strategies to Recruit and Retain CTE Instructors - High Schools/Tech Centers That Work & Other; 7) CTE New Program; 8) Improving Academic Proficiency

Innovation in Career Exploration

Oklahoma Career and Technology Education supports innovative school improvement efforts to develop middle school STEM exploration programs that lead to increasing academic rigor and student achievement. STEM curriculum should provide project-based learning for the full range of students in grades seven and eight classrooms as well as career awareness and exploration activities for students in grades five, and six.

Nonprofit organizations in Oklahoma with strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award, recognizing collaborative efforts that address significant social issues. STEM and STEAM education initiatives that unite public, private, and social sector partners may be competitive if they measurably improve communities and model effective collaboration.