Best Grants for Science Teachers in Oregon

Oregon K–12 schools and community partners offering after-school or summer learning in high-poverty areas can apply for Oregon Department of Education’s Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC funding; awards US $250,000 - US $2,350,000 support academic enrichment and youth development. Science and STEM-focused programs in Oregon may be especially competitive.

Oregon 501(c)(3) arts and cultural nonprofits serving under-resourced communities can receive approximately US $10,000 in unrestricted support for arts, arts education, and cultural programming. With a mission to strengthen communities and the planet, Ronald W. Naito MD Foundation prioritizes imaginative organizations, including those advancing environmental or STEM/STEAM-related arts education and statewide arts advocacy in Oregon.

Nonprofit organizations in Oregon that engage youth with the environment through education, preservation, or job-skill development can apply for the Portland Trail Blazers Foundation’s LIVE Greener grant; awards Up to US $50,000 for multi-year support. Science teachers partnering with such programs may benefit through enhanced environmental education opportunities for students.

Oregon educators and organizations hosting environmental or marine science conferences and activities in Oregon can receive up to US $2,500 per event to foster engagement and discussion among Oregon Sea Grant stakeholders. Grants from Oregon Sea Grant help science-focused programs cover event costs that advance its vision, mission, and neutral, non-advocacy philosophy.

Oregon college students in forestry or public health at Oregon State University can receive scholarship support for their higher education costs. Focused on environmental and public health education, Benton Community Foundation invites eligible students to apply; preference is given to minority U.S. citizens and international graduate students pursuing these fields.

Oregon researchers and institutions working on coastal conservation, fisheries, aquaculture, environmental education, or climate resilience in Oregon can apply for approximately US $125,000 research awards. Oregon Sea Grant provides Oregon science and STEM educators, including those partnering with coastal communities, with biennial funding for engaged, community-informed research that addresses coastal ecosystems, hazards, and the needs of underserved communities.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant for schools to implement the PLTW Biomedical Science program for the 2026-2029 academic years. Eligible schools can receive up to $14,000 to cover participation fees and training costs. This grant encourages public, private, and charter schools across the U.S. to enhance their science curriculum, supporting students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Schools must commit to offering specific courses during the grant period to qualify for funding.

Oregon public, private, and charter middle schools starting the PLTW Gateway STEM program for the first time can receive US $9,100 in participation and teacher training support. Grants from Project Lead The Way help schools cover PLTW Gateway fees and six Core Training registrations, with eligibility open to schools across the U.S., including Oregon.

Oregon 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible government agencies can receive support for workforce development, sustainability, and thriving community programs, including STEM and environmental education. Marathon Petroleum provides funding for initiatives such as vocational and trade education, youth development, disaster preparedness, and environmental conservation, with preference for communities near its significant operational and employee presence.

K–12 schools, educators, and youth-serving organizations in Oregon can apply for Gray Family Foundation’s environmental education grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $20,000 for outdoor and environmental learning. Programs that provide environmental, land-based, or climate education and increase youth outdoor experiences, including science-focused activities, may be especially competitive.

The Oregon Wildlife Foundation Grants support the conservation of fish and wildlife and the enjoyment of natural resources in Oregon. These small grants are available to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, tax-exempt organizations, and qualified individuals for projects focused on habitat restoration, public access improvement, education, pollution reduction, and invasive species control. Priority is given to projects that align with the Oregon Conservation Strategy.

The WE Communications Scholarship, established by Waggener Edstrom Worldwide in partnership with UNCF, aims to support female undergraduate students in STEM fields at UNCF Member Institutions. With a focus on academic excellence, applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate financial need. This initiative reflects UNCF's commitment to fostering minority education and empowering future leaders, contributing to the overall rise in graduation rates among African American students.

The Outdoor School Grant provides immersive outdoor education experiences for Oregon’s 5th and 6th graders, promoting learning in the state's natural landscapes. It aims to empower youth through community-building and high-quality resources, ensuring equitable and culturally responsive programs. With a focus on fostering personal and environmental awareness, the grant supports programs that are a minimum of 3 days and a maximum of 6 days, encouraging schools to maximize outdoor learning time.

Public and charter schools in Oregon, Arizona, and New Mexico can receive US $40,000 to start or expand PLTW Engineering courses, covering fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and teacher core training. Project Lead The Way prioritizes schools serving students with demonstrated economic need, supporting hands-on STEM and engineering education over the 2027–2029 grant period.

Oregon public and charter schools offering PLTW Engineering can receive US $15,000 to expand their existing engineering courses, equipment, and teacher training. Project Lead the Way, with support from Intel Foundation, funds participation fees, required technology, supplies, and PLTW Core Training, prioritizing schools serving students with higher economic need.

K-12 schools and youth-serving organizations in Oregon seeking environmental and outdoor education support can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $20,000. With a mission to strengthen environmental learning, Gray Family Foundation provides funding for classroom, afterschool, summer, and family-based programs that connect youth with built and natural environments.

BIPOC-led nonprofit organizations in Oregon running youth programs in athletics, culture, or education, including STEM/STEAM, can seek support for youth ages 6–18. With a mission to increase racial equity for youth, Charlotte Martin Foundation provides flexible funding, including general operating support, with priority for rural communities and diverse leadership and staff.

About PLTW Gateway

PLTW Gateway (6-8) opens paths that create meaningful futures. It connects students to careers in areas they can, and can't, imagine. Through explorations of skilled trades, coding and robotics, flight and space, human body systems, and more, PLTW Gateway fuels students’ passion for discovery. As they engage in hands-on, collaborative problem solving focused on real-world challenges, students use and stretch their imaginations in brand-new ways that connect their learning to life.

Through this partnership, Intel Foundation has committed funds to support PLTW grants to schools interested in starting or expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2027-2028 academic year.

Program Requirements

• Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Gateway unit in the 2027-2028 academic year and must offer one additional unit in the 2028-2029 academic year (two different units in two years).
• Grantee may implement any PLTW Gateway units of their choosing.
• Grantee must complete two years of Grant reporting. 

Grant Award and Distribution Schedule:

• Total Award: $20,000
  • 2027-2028: $10,000
  • 2028-2029: $10,000

Public and charter middle schools in Oregon can use this grant to expand existing PLTW Gateway STEM programs, including new units, added class periods, or additional teacher training. Project Lead the Way supports equipment, technology, participation fees, and core training costs with US $10,000, prioritizing schools serving students with demonstrated economic need.

Graduating high school seniors in Oregon and other Idaho Power service areas planning full-time STEM, business, or communications studies can apply for the Scholarship for Academic Excellence, awarding US $2,500 for one year of college. Funded by Idacorp Employee Community Services Fund, this supports future science and technology students at accredited Idaho or Oregon institutions.

Oregon science and environmental education organizations, including those supporting teachers and students outdoors, can apply for Oregon Conservation & Recreation Fund grants to support conservation, recreation, and environmental education projects in Oregon. Administered by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, this program prioritizes impactful projects, including work with underserved communities and environmental justice groups, with awards up to US $25,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Oregon can seek funding for projects in environmental conservation, environmental education, habitat restoration, and community green spaces. Schwemm Family Foundation supports initiatives that enhance natural environments, preserve local history and culture, or promote healthy, equitable communities, offering up to US $8,000 for time-bound projects with clear, measurable outcomes.

Students pursuing health-related degrees in Oregon and other eligible states can receive scholarship support for higher education costs. With a mission to create a better Hawai‘i, Hawai'i Community Foundation provides the Robanna Fund to Hawai‘i residents studying medical and health fields at accredited colleges or universities in Hawaii or on the U.S. mainland.

American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation

At American Family Insurance, we believe in the power of dreams and the strength of community. Through the Dreams Foundation, we're committed to nurturing resilient and thriving communities, making a real difference where we live and work. Our employees and agency owners are passionate about giving back, and together, we're a force for good. Through volunteerism and matching gift programs, we're dedicated to creating lasting impacts that truly matter. The Dreams Foundation also supports organizations that are making a positive change through unrestricted grants and targeted program investments. If your organization is ready to make a difference, we invite you to apply for a grant through the link below.

The American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation is powered by our purpose—we champion dreams and opportunities so everyone can rise. We support our communities by offering unrestricted general operating grants and targeted programming investments to eligible non-profit partners. Our funding priorities align with our organizational efforts to invest in and improve the communities where we live and serve:

• Housing Access & Home Ownership
• Climate Ready Communities
• Supported Individuals & Families
• Future Ready Workforce
• Inspired & Innovative Communities
• College Access & Success 

The Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation Direct Grants program provides support to non-profit organizations in focus areas including STEM education, sustainable construction, and workforce development. The foundation aims to foster community development and environmental stewardship. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions in the U.S. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships that allow employee involvement and volunteer support, aiming to build meaningful relationships with grantees.

The Minnesota STEM and Youth Leadership Grants, offered by the H.B. Fuller Company Foundation, focus on empowering young individuals through STEM education and leadership development. These grants are intended for tax-exempt organizations that serve communities near H.B. Fuller facilities, aiming to address racial inequities in education and employment. The initiative underscores the company's commitment to community support and creating opportunities for youth to thrive in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.

The STEM Action Grants, offered by the Society for Science, support innovative nonprofit organizations with grants up to $5,000. Launched in 2016, this program has awarded $1.15 million to enhance public understanding of science and increase participation of underrepresented groups in STEM fields. Eligible organizations must be U.S.-based nonprofits focused on STEM education and outreach. Renewals for funding are allowed for up to three years, with additional capacity-building grants available to long-term recipients.