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.

Focused on safety, education, and community development, State Farm Companies Foundation invites Oklahoma educational institutions, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies, and government programs to seek support for eligible initiatives. Funding may benefit STEM and STEAM education, K–12 academic performance, college and career pathways, and related community safety and development efforts.

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.

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.

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 Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

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.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Oklahoma working on basic needs, community development, or cultural enrichment may be eligible for Ameriprise Financial’s national Community Grants. Focus areas include hunger relief, shelter and supportive housing, adult self-sufficiency, economic and business development, and arts access and education, with priority for sites engaging Ameriprise employee or advisor volunteers.

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.

Oklahoma STEM and other education-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through the Dr Scholl Foundation for projects in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, and environmental work. U.S.-based organizations may receive US $5,000 - US $25,000 for one year of program support, with one application allowed per grant year.

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 J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

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 can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support education, youth programs, and community services, which can include STEM and STEAM initiatives. Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help U.S. organizations where modest funding can significantly enhance museums, schools, skills-training, and other community-based programs.

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.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.