Best STEM Education Grants in North Carolina

North Carolina STEM / STEAM education nonprofits and accredited educational institutions serving the Asheville area can access funding through the Amcor Cares Foundation for programs expanding STEM education, building life skills, and improving health and wellness. Grants over US $1,000 may also support hunger, homelessness, disaster relief, arts and culture, and scholarships in eligible communities.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture can apply for support that may include STEM or STEAM education components. Focused on community development, US Bancorp Foundation prioritizes organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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 supporting youth health, education, and development in North Carolina can seek funding for programs such as STEM-related education, early childhood development, scholarships, and youth enrichment. The Dan Paul Foundation offers grants up to US $15,000, and eligible projects may also address poverty, homelessness, child welfare, environmental stewardship, or refugee youth support.

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 to deliver STEM and other education, crisis response, or economic empowerment programs in North Carolina and worldwide can apply for Cisco Systems Foundation’s Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help tech-enabled programs serving mostly economically underserved communities, including STEM education initiatives, scale their impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, educational institutions, government programs, and volunteer fire companies in North Carolina can seek funding for K–12 STEM, academic performance, and college and career pathways initiatives. Focused on safety, education, and community development, State Farm Companies Foundation supports long-term, sustainable programs that strengthen local communities.

North Carolina K-12 schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits can receive up to US $2,500 for outdoor, on-campus visiting programs that include hands-on learning activities. With a mission to expand outdoor experiences, North Carolina Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission provides North Carolina STEM and environmental education programs with support for visits from aquariums, zoos, museums, gardening groups, and other STEM organizations.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working in health and welfare, education, or community programs, including STEM education in North Carolina, can apply for grants from the Labcorp Charitable Foundation. Funding may support STEM programming, food pantries, healthcare and patient services for underserved populations, or healthy lifestyle initiatives through research and screening.

North Carolina STEM education organizations can access funding through the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation to support or scale programs serving urban children and youth from low-income communities. Eligible U.S. applicants include nonprofits, schools, social enterprises, and public entities working in education, with awards of more than US $50,000 for project-based initiatives.

Nonprofits and community organizations running STEM education or water-related programs in North Carolina can seek support for initiatives that build STEM career pathways and improve water access, quality, and safety. Pentair Foundation supports efforts that reduce water stress, enhance drinking water, promote swim safety, and engage youth and young adults in STEM learning.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

North Carolina STEM and education nonprofits can access funding through La Roche for accredited charity projects in science education, humanitarian and social development, community and environment, or contemporary arts and culture. Programs must be innovative, sustainable, and may engage Roche expertise, logistics, and employees; local Roche affiliates support organizations operating within the same country.

North Carolina STEM and other educational 501(c)(3) organizations can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust for charitable, scientific, medical, and education programs carried out in the U.S. Eligible nonprofits must be tax-exempt under federal law, with funds used domestically, and should demonstrate strong management and broad impact on their target populations.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on community development, workforce education, basic needs, arts, environment, or inclusion can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s sponsorship program. Grants may benefit STEM and STEAM education initiatives that advance economic mobility, job readiness, or related community priorities in low- and moderate-income communities.

North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits and aligned for-profit organizations working in education can seek storytelling support to showcase their impact. The Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation supports projects that communicate real-world outcomes across its preservation, education, and wellness pillars, which may benefit STEM and STEAM education programs looking to share compelling narratives about their work.

With a mission to support charitable impact, Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides North Carolina 501(c)(3) organizations with funding for community services, environmental conservation, and peacebuilding initiatives. Nonprofit organizations advancing STEM or STEAM education within these broader program areas may be eligible to apply.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting basic needs, at-risk youth education, workforce readiness, or safety from domestic violence in North Carolina can apply for The Tjx Foundation’s grants. Eligible groups must be within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office, and STEM or enrichment programs that advance school success may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in North Carolina seeking support for environmental or human services work can apply for unrestricted grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Focused on environment and human services, the Lawrence Foundation invites applicants whose programs may include STEM or STEAM education components within these areas.

Nonprofit organizations in North Carolina offering education, skills-training, or youth programs can apply for grants of US $1,000 - US $20,000 to strengthen their work. Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help U.S. organizations, including those with STEM or STEAM education initiatives, museums, cultural programs, and community-based services, cover program or project needs.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with programs for underserved youth and families can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards in North Carolina and beyond; awards US $30,000 - US $350,000 for education, youth development, food security, housing, and environmental stewardship. STEM or STEAM education initiatives that fit these categories may be competitive.

Nonprofit organizations in North Carolina offering hands-on, inquiry-based STEM enrichment for K–12 students can apply for Burroughs Wellcome Fund’s Student STEM Enrichment Program, with awards up to US $180,000 over three years. Grants from Burroughs Wellcome Fund help North Carolina STEM education programs improve competence, enthusiasm, and interest in science and math careers, especially through after-school and out-of-school activities.

Nonprofit organizations in North Carolina with strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award, which honors collaborative efforts addressing significant social issues. Programs that unite public, private, and social sector partners to improve communities may be eligible for this recognition and support, including STEM education initiatives.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities in Western North Carolina can seek up to US $25,000 for human services and education programs, including STEM initiatives. With a mission to strengthen mountain communities, The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina supports early childhood, K-12, and adult education, workforce training, and evidence-based instruction in eligible counties.