Search Through STEM Education Grants in the U.S.

American Electric Power Foundation

The AEP Foundation focuses on improving lives through education from early childhood through higher education in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and by providing support to help meet basic needs such as emergency shelter, affordable housing and eliminating hunger.

The Foundation also supports organizations whose mission and/or programming is committed to positive social justice outcomes. Other Foundation support may be offered to protect the environment, promote healthcare and safety, and enrich life through art, music and cultural heritage.

Focus Areas

The following focus areas will be eligible for consideration by the Foundation:

• Improving lives through education from early childhood through higher education, with an emphasis in the areas of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
• Providing basic human services in the areas of hunger and housing to assure that people have the necessities to build successful lives.
• Embracing change and equity through sustainable programs that move social justice forward.

About Us

Advancing patient and community health beyond the medicine. AZ US is dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the therapy areas and communities in which we operate. Our priorities are to improve health and increase access to care, provide opportunities for STEM education, and address community needs. We deliver on these priorities through a combination of collaborative partnerships, strategic financial contributions, employee giving and volunteerism.

Request Support

We believe a healthier world cannot come from medicines alone. Whether you’re a non-profit, patient advocate, medical professional or researcher, AstraZeneca realizes the value of collaboration and partnerships. We provide financial support for eligible programs through the following mechanisms.

Product Donations

AstraZeneca is committed to ensuring that patients receive appropriate medicine donations through reputable partners and that these donations are of the highest quality. To that end, AstraZeneca aligns our product donations with both the World Health Organization (WHO) “Guidelines for Medicine Donations”, as revised, and the Partnership for Quality Medical Donations (PQMD) “Guidelines for Quality Medical Product Donations”, as revised. Product donations are made to third-party non-governmental organizations and the company can not respond to individual requests.

About The Foundation

The Change Happens Foundation is dedicated to allocating our resources to charitable activities and programs that are aligned with our pillars and fall within our budgetary constraints. Organizations whose projects do not satisfy our eligibility standards or match to our focus areas are encouraged not to proceed with an LOI. For those seeking foundations with interests aligned to their work, the Foundation Center offers a valuable resource—a searchable database designed to assist nonprofits in identifying potential funding opportunities.

The Change Happens Foundation is dedicated to supporting charitable activities that align with our pillars areas, strictly adhering to the guidelines of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code and Treasury Regulations. We are committed to the effective use of our grants, which are monitored through comprehensive financial and performance reporting by our grantees.

Our Pillars

Environmental Science

Systemic Change

Fostering a future where innovation intersects with environmental stewardship, we are committed to strategically investing in forward-thinking programs that catalyze systemic and sustainable solutions. Our dedication lies in addressing and overcoming the critical environmental challenges that confront our planet. Through these targeted investments, we aim not just to contribute, but to set in motion a ripple effect of change, driving progress towards a healthier, more resilient, and greener world for generations to come.

Education

Creating Opportunities

At the heart of our mission is a steadfast commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a strong focus on early education and STEM learning. We are dedicated to empowering women and underrepresented communities, breaking down barriers to education and access in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics from the earliest stages of learning. By fostering opportunities that ignite curiosity, fuel aspirations, and open doors, we are laying the groundwork for lifelong learning and innovation. Our investment in these communities is an investment in a future where transformative change is not only envisioned but realized, shaping a society that celebrates diversity, practices equity, and embraces inclusion at every level.

Human Services

Nutrition & Support

Our approach to combatting food insecurity and bolstering community health is rooted in thoughtful and strategic funding initiatives that delve deep into the underlying causes of these pervasive issues. We are unwavering in our commitment to support and scale up programs that do more than just provide – they empower. By ensuring access to wholesome, nutritious food and comprehensive healthcare services, we are actively bridging gaps for those in dire need. Our mission transcends mere assistance; it's about nurturing a robust infrastructure that fosters long-term resilience and well-being, affirming our belief that everyone deserves the fundamental right to health and nutrition.

Community Grants

State Farm is committed to helping build safer, stronger and better-educated communities.

• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​We are committed to auto and home safety programs and activities that help people manage the risks of everyday life.
• We invest in education, economic empowerment and community development projects, programs and services that help people realize their dreams.
• We help maintain the vibrancy of our communities by assisting nonprofits that support community revitalization.

Good Neighbor Citizenship company grants focus on safety, community development and education.

Focus Areas

Safety Grants

We strive to keep our customers and communities safe. That's why our funding is directed toward:

• Auto safety — improving driver, passenger, vehicle or roadway safety
• Home safety — shielding homes from fires, crime or natural disasters
• Disaster preparedness and mitigation
• Disaster recovery

Community Development

We support nonprofits that invest and develop stronger neighborhoods. That's why our funding is directed toward:

• Affordable housing — home construction and repair
• Commercial/small business development
• Job training
• Neighborhood revitalization
• Financial literacy
• Sustainable housing and transportation
• Food insecurity

Education

Our education funding is directed toward initiatives that support the following programs:

• Higher education
• K-12 academic performance
• K-12 STEM
• Pathways for college and career success

Goodyear has a long history of supporting its communities around the world.

Guided by the company’s Better Future mission, our community efforts are focused in three areas: Safe, Smart and Sustainable. Volunteerism brings this commitment to life by creating positive outcomes for people, communities and the world around us.

Safe

Promoting safe mobility to protect our communities

Our commitment to safe mobility is inherent in every tire we sell. Beyond innovative products, we support programs that promote safe mobility to protect our communities, like child passenger safety seat installations, bike helmet education and safe driving instruction.

Smart

Inspiring students to reach their full potential and prepare for careers

We understand the success of our communities and business tomorrow starts with preparation today. That’s why we’re committed to inspiring students to reach their full potential in school and help them prepare for their careers. Our support of innovative initiatives, such as STEM education, serves as a catalyst for a smart future.

Sustainable

Supporting environmental and societal needs to help communities thrive

Our commitment to sustainability is outlined in our company’s Better Future framework. In the community, Goodyear supports environmental and societal needs to help communities thrive, such as assisting in hunger relief, improving public spaces and cultivating community leadership.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation

We believe every person deserves equitable care and education.

In 2020 Labcorp established a private charitable 501(c)(3) foundation to advance our desire to bring quality healthcare access to all by supporting education and our local communities. 

Common grant opportunities include:

• Supporting food pantries and meal programs
• Providing healthcare and patient services for underserved populations
• Encouraging STEM programming
• Advocating for healthy lifestyles through ongoing medical research and screening

Values and Strategy

Our funding and partnering approach focuses on meeting short-term critical needs and addressing underlying system-wide challenges. In both cases The Marcus Foundation seeks partners and grantees – organizations and foundations – that are looking for opportunities to explore new ventures, and bringing creative thinking to their work. Specifically, we work with organizations committed to developing innovative approaches to sustainability and community food resources. Our values include:

• Change and Support: We value efforts that further systemic change and those that provide immediate responses to critical needs in our communities
• Communication and Collaboration: We believe in the effective and timely exchange of information and the usefulness of collaboration that is both efficient and creative
• Listening and Partnership: We value the sharing of ideas, resources and initiatives, and we seek partnerships that leverage the assets and skills of all participants

Our focus on hunger stems from the fundamental reality that hungry people aren’t able to focus on anything else until this basic human need is satisfied. Unmet, this need undermines our communities and deprives our children of the ability to learn while at school. It forces our older citizens to choose between heat, medicine and food. This was clearly articulated in the 19th century by Ballington Booth, the founder of Volunteers of America in his statement: “You cannot talk to a man about God (or we believe, anything else) when he is hungry..." In 1943 Abraham Maslow captured this truth as part of the “Hierarchy of Needs” asserting that the basic needs of food and shelter must be met before humans can move towards the higher goals of education, family, employment and “self-actualization."

Our emphasis on sustainability is rooted in the awareness that we are all stewards of a world that will soon be passed on to the next generation, as a prior generation passed on to us our world. While the definition of sustainability has evolved over the decades since being introduced in 1987, by the UN World Commission on Environment and Development in the Bruntland Report, at its core it remains a principle of intergenerational equity. Sustainability is the imperative that we consider long-term consequences of our actions and behavior. Distilled to its essence, sustainability requires us to “meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

Strategically, we believe immediate and critical needs must be addressed, while also working to change the fundamental incentives and dynamics that cause these problems. Whether in business practices, environmental advocacy, or agricultural methods, sustainability is a prism that can generate new perspectives. It can be and must be the driving force that challenges us to live responsibly.

Partnerships

The Marcus Foundation funds primarily in two areas:

• Assisting organizations that work to increase awareness of hunger as a critical problem and/or deliver food resources to meet critical short-term needs; and
• Supporting efforts to change underlying structural obstacles and incentives that hinder efforts to bring sustainable practices into the mainstream.

Strategically, the Foundation now serves not only as a financial supporter of organizations, but also as a partner in order to enhance impact and reduce fundraising and operating expenses.

• We collaborate with other funding organizations to multiply the resources available to grantees.
• The Foundation serves as a broker between organizations and qualified vendors when this can advance the mission of grantees.
• We offer the experience of Foundation officers on short-term assignments to tackle specific problems or seize timely opportunities when a grantee needs immediate help and we have the internal capacity to respond.

Moderna Charitable Foundation

Our company launched the Moderna Charitable Foundation in 2022 to support organizations and causes that promote public health and access to quality healthcare, advancing scientific education and innovation, and advocating for diversity and inclusion, particularly in underserved populations. 

Together, we can work toward a long-lasting impact by:

• Grant-making to support organizations that align with our mission
• Philanthropic giving to provide support during humanitarian crises
• Employee matching to enable our people to support causes that matter most to them 

Our approach

The Moderna Foundation is an extension of the societal impact we have made with our COVID-19 vaccine. We are passionate about addressing the ongoing needs in communities impacted by COVID-19, including the societal conditions exacerbated by the pandemic along with the inequalities this challenging period has revealed.

Our grant-making areas of focus include:

• HEALTH: Building resilient health ecosystems by promoting public health and access to quality healthcare
• SCIENCE: Closing the opportunity gap for the next generation by advancing STEM education and innovation
• COMMUNITY: Strengthening local communities, particularly where we live and work, by addressing systemic barriers faced by underserved populations

Guidelines

Northrop Grumman seeks to support and strengthen the communities in which our employees work and live. In addition to in-kind and volunteer resources, our Corporate Contributions program provides funding to state and government accredited schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. These schools and organizations provide programming or services addressing STEM education, particularly engineering and technology programs, veterans and the military, health and human services, and the environment.

Charitable Donations

Sanofi provides donations to non-profit organizations that are aligned with our corporate social responsibility priorities: Health Equity, STEM Education Equity, and Local Communities (programs focusing on social determinants of health).

Everyone deserves equal opportunity to thrive...to be healthy...to be an innovator...to be part of a flourishing community. We aren't there yet. More needs to be done so all people, wherever they are in the world, have the same access to quality healthcare.

Sanofi purposefully partners with our patients and communities to learn where gaps exist and how we can develop sustainable solutions. Listening is a critical part of our process so we can focus investments and implement programs rooted in local cultures and populations where there is the greatest need.

• We collaborate for collective impact.
• We mentor and educate our next generation of talent to answer the medical challenges of tomorrow.
• We foster an inclusive community of purpose-driven employees who understand our responsibility is not just about driving innovation to improve health -- it goes deeper than that.

Our responsibility is to support society's fundamental right to health by contributing to healthcare access for the underserved, addressing environmental changes, and living by our code of ethics, so everyone has an opportunity to thrive.

Specialty Care, General Medicines, and Vaccines

 Areas of interest include:

• Cardiovascular (Atrial Fibrillation)
• Community Relations (Bridgewater, NJ, Cambridge, MA, and Swiftwater, PA areas)
• Dermatology
• Diabetes
• Eosinophilic Esophagitis
• Neurology
• Oncology
• Rare blood disorders
• Rare genetic diseases
• Researchers and Scientists
• Respiratory
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Transplant
• Vaccines
• Other Immunology

STEM Higher Education Program

The Foundation believes that increases in human welfare are largely driven by increases in our understanding and mastery of the forces of nature and society. The health of the scientific enterprise is thus an issue of fundamental concern to us. This includes the quality of scientific training and inquiry, the structure of scientific careers, the diversity of the scientific workforce, the strength of scientific educational institutions, and the openness and accessibility of scientific education and training to all.

Priorities

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are the central tenets of our program. As articulated in Sloan’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion statement, upholding these tenets is a matter of fundamental justice and our path to ensuring that the best science is done.

When educational settings are diverse, they comprise individuals with a variety of life experiences, whether they be racial, ethnic, economic, cultural, religious, geographic, or otherwise.

Equity and equity-mindedness is found in institutions and individuals who understand that while talent is evenly distributed, opportunity is not, and thus seek to transform organizational practices, policies, and cultures in order to provide all individuals with the tools, resources, and supports needed to succeed at the highest levels.

Inclusion ensures that everyone, regardless of their backgrounds or held identities, feel belonging in a given environment, whether that be a classroom, laboratory, academic department, or entire discipline.

Six equally important strategic priorities guide our grantmaking. In particular, we seek to:

• Invest in widening pathways to STEM graduate education. The pathway to STEM graduate education is broken for far too many students given systemic barriers faced by individuals and institutions. Among other investments, we seek to support educational pathways from Minority Serving Institutions to master’s and doctoral STEM programs.
• Empower universities to transform graduate education. Increasing diversity is crucial but not enough. Institutions and their STEM departments must also pursue new and creative ways of ensuring inclusive environments and equitable outcomes for their students. Through the Foundation’s University Centers for Exemplary Mentoring and Sloan Indigenous Graduate Partnership, we seek to empower STEM departmental leadership, faculty, and staff in doing just that.
• Support innovative efforts to increase diversity in the STEM professoriate. Widening the pathway to and through graduate education requires a diverse faculty body, as does the ability of the STEM enterprise to truly innovate. We are interested in investing in efforts by institutions and organizations that seek to transform the culture and climate of STEM departments and disciplines such that more individuals are attracted to the professoriate and supported once there.
• Pursue systemic change. For too long, systemic change efforts have gone underinvested in and understudied, resulting in stagnant progress on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the STEM disciplines. It’s not enough to promote individual advancement without also seeking to improve the capacity of STEM environments to attend to diversity, equity, and inclusion in their policies and practices, and in the standards and norms carried out by their community members. We seek to empower and equip institutions seeking this kind of change and to support research on how such change happens.
• Examine our own practices. Any grantmaking process also necessitates looking inward at one’s own practices. We commit to regularly revisiting and evaluating how we do things in order to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion at every stage of the grantmaking process – from the proposals we solicit to the reviewers we appoint.
• Coordinate and collaborate with others. We recognize that any one organization has a finite amount of dollars and finite amount of influence. We seek to engage private foundations, federal agencies, and corporate funders in enabling systemic change in STEM higher education and the field at large. This includes internal collaboration at Sloan, working alongside and in support of our colleagues in advancing their own DEI agendas.

About Takeda

Takeda is a patient-focused, values-based, R&D-driven global biopharmaceutical company committed to bringing Better Health and a Brighter Future to people worldwide. Our passion and pursuit of potentially life-changing treatments for patients are deeply rooted in over 230 years of distinguished history in Japan.

Commitment to Community

Takeda has a long history of supporting nonprofit organizations through corporate giving, employee volunteerism and employee giving. Our Growing Communities program enables us to engage our employees and make meaningful contributions to support the communities where we live and work in the U.S., aiming to build deep, impactful relationships with our community partners.

Philanthropic Giving

Takeda’s purpose of “better health for people, brighter future for the world” serves as the inspiration for our corporate giving efforts. We seek to reduce the social disparities affecting communities in need by supporting meaningful programs in two focus areas: Food is Health and Building STEM Foundations.

Food is Health

• Access to nutritional food
• Medically tailored meals
• Elimination of swamps and deserts
• Urban farming

Eating a healthy diet is essential for maintaining good health and preventing chronic diseases. By providing access to healthy food and promoting education and awareness around healthy eating habits, we can help support communities in need and take an active role in improving healthcare and overall well-being. This is why we support programs that focus on the role of food in improving health.

The lack of good, healthy food burdens the U.S. health care system with an estimated $53 billion in avoidable expenses each year, says Feeding America. The pandemic further increased the demand for nutritious food and inflation put affordable healthy food out of reach for many working families. Yet good nutrition is essential for people to stay healthy.

We work with partners to provide the right nutrition to those who need it the most. Incorporating healthy foods into diets can help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and certain types of cancer. In addition, a healthy diet can improve mental health, boost energy levels and promote healthy aging.

Building STEM Foundations

• K-8 math
• High school STEM enrichment
• College success

To solve many of the most pressing challenges facing the world, like climate change and population health, we need diverse perspectives in science and technology. By investing in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education, we can prepare the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers to drive progress and shape the future. We support programs in the areas of K-8 math, high school STEM enrichment and college success.

Building a strong foundation in STEM subjects is critical for students who aspire to pursue careers in science. STEM education provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to solve complex problems, think critically, and innovate. By developing a strong understanding of STEM fundamentals, students can pursue careers of tremendous impact.

STEM education can also help students develop important life skills such as teamwork, communication, and adaptability, which are essential for success in any career. By investing in STEM education, we can prepare the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers who will drive progress and shape the future. We focus on supporting programs in the areas of K-8 math, high school STEM enrichment and college success.

Giving and Grants

Our funding priorities are aligned around Digital Inclusion, Climate Protection and Human Prosperity. New applications are by invitation only. Verizon and the Verizon Foundation do not respond to unsolicited inquiries for funding.

Verizon and the Verizon Foundation are inclusive

Neither Verizon or the Verizon Foundation discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, religion, national or ethnic origin or physical disability. As a company with a highly diverse workforce serving an equally diverse set of customers, Verizon through its Foundation, supports a wide range of programs through direct and matching grants that benefit diverse communities, including without limitation minorities, veterans, gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender and others. Verizon and the Verizon Foundation each expect its grant recipients to comply with all applicable laws, including those governing tax-exempt status and non-discrimination laws.

All organizations must:

• Not duplicate or significantly overlap the work of public agencies on the federal, state or local level.
• Keep books available for regular independent outside audit and make the results available to all potential contributors.
• Comply with applicable laws regarding registration and reporting.
• Observe the highest standards of business conduct in its relationships with the public.
• Use the funding for initiatives that will benefit the broader community.

Guidelines

If you are eligible to apply, your grant application to either Verizon or the Verizon Foundation for consideration should abide by the following guidelines:

• At least 85% of the total grant funds should be composed of direct costs (costs that are directly attributable to the project.)
  • Accordingly, indirect (or “overhead”) costs should be no more than 15% of the total grant funds.
  • Grants with indirect costs greater than 15% will require a business justification to be considered for funding.  
• Grants with IT-infrastructure related costs (such as computer hardware, software, data or networks) that total more than 20 percent of the grant’s total direct costs should provide an explanation detailing the use of the IT assets and whether cellular connectivity is involved.

 For education grants, Verizon and Verizon Foundation funding is intended to support projects that promote digital skills development for students and teachers in grades K-12. This includes, for example, summer or afterschool programs in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), teacher professional development, and research on technology-infused pedagogy. Schools and districts that apply for grants from Verizon and are eligible for the Education Rate (E-Rate) program may not use grant funding to purchase technology hardware (computers, netbooks, laptops, routers), devices (tablets, phones), data or Internet service and access, unless approved by Verizon compliance.

Our Culture of Giving

Nurturing a culture of philanthropy and community involvement is one of the defining characteristics of our company.

By the very nature of its focus – addressing current and future healthcare challenges through innovative containment and delivery of needed medications – West is a company committed to making a difference in the global community. Throughout the company's history, West leadership has fostered a culture of giving. West and its employees around the world take their responsibility to give back very seriously, and as a result, donate considerable time and resources to help create a healthier world.

Community Support

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. and its employees endeavor to build upon our culture of giving back by demonstrating a commitment to the communities in which we live and work through financial support and volunteerism. West supports charities focused on children, disabled, hospital/healthcare and STEM education.

About Global Community Impact programs and events

At WWT, our culture and values are the key to our success. The impact is felt within our company, customers and partners. In its simplest form, our Global Community Impact (GCI) program was built around serving the community, our business and our employees. We focus on three pillars of impact:

• Career readiness
  • STEM education and workforce development
• Human services
  • Social justice and basic needs
• Health & Wellness
  • Supporting physical and mental health

WWT Foundation Grant Request

The World Wide Technology Foundation strives to support organizations aligned with our values. We understand that you have a busy schedule, so we welcome you to submit an application at any time of the year. 

Community Action Grants - Project Support

Community Action Grants fund projects that promote education and equity for women and girls in grades K-12 and that are implemented by nonprofit organizations, universities or AAUW branches and state organizations. AAUW holds an especially strong interest in projects with a STEM focus and has funded more than 63 STEM projects over the last 4 years, in addition to providing funding support for hundreds of communities across the United States since 1972.

Selection Criteria

• Project alignment with promoting equity for women and girls in grades K-12, preferably with an emphasis in STEM fields.
• Strength of project rationale; applicants must provide specific context to show how their project builds on existing work, addresses a need or tackles a topic or problem related to equity for women and girls in a new way.
• Clarity of anticipated results, which are convincingly connected to specific proposed activities and outputs and that are logically connected to the project’s goals.
• Project proposals must reflect how community/stakeholder participation is considered in the project’s design.
• Demonstrated organizational capacity and capability to achieve its objectives.
• Reflect a commitment to learning and evaluation by:
  • incorporating monitoring/evaluation methods that enable assessment of project outcomes; and
  • describing how results and/or learnings from project implementation will be shared with stakeholders and/or the communities which the project intends to serve.
• Feasibility of the programmatic work or project:
  • the programmatic work or project has realistic time frames;
  • the project budget is adequate, and expenses are reasonable and necessary;
  • there is adequate support from collaborative organizations and community partners, as appropriate.
• Potential for and/or commitment of additional funds and involvement from community organizations, businesses and funders (preferred).

Funding

Award Ceiling: $10,000

Our roots run deep.

The Ash Grove Charitable Foundation makes grants annually to support the work of public charities with tax exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code in the geographical markets that we serve.

As one of the largest cement companies in the United States and one of the oldest still in operation, Ash Grove plays an important part in the foundation and infrastructure of our country. And with plants from coast to coast, being a good neighbor in the communities in which we live and serve is a priority and part of our DNA.

Ash Grove territory is a lot of ground to cover. We believe in active participation to improve the existing and future quality of life in the communities we serve. This participation includes financial support to charitable activities. We aren’t just focused on building highways and buildings – we are also helping to build better communities.

Ash Grove is one of the largest cement companies in the United States and one of the oldest still in operation. Ash Grove plays a part in the foundation and infrastructure of our country. With plants from coast to coast, being a good neighbor in the communities we live and serve is a priority and part of our DNA.

The Ash Grove Charitable Foundation mission is to support communities today without compromising future needs, where nature is respected, minds challenged, opportunities created, and neighbors gather in the community. We stand together to build better communities. Communities that thrive today and for future generations.

Funding Priorities

The Foundation awards grants to charitable, educational, and scientific organizations, which are public charities.

The Foundation gives primary consideration to capital building and renovation projects for the following funding priorities:

• Nature – Protect or Preserve.
• Education – STEM
• Economic – Trade Skills
• Civic – Gather in Community
• Human Services – Shelter

Funding

The Foundation’s goal is to provide significant support to public charities for capital building and renovation projects. Grants for these projects generally are limited to $25,000. Consideration is also given to program grant requests. Grants for these projects are generally limited to $5,000.

Background:

In 2025, F5's STEM Education and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Grants are focused on supporting nonprofit organizations committed to helping build the pipeline of tomorrow’s female changemakers and future leaders, by investing in organizations and programs to increase access to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and career opportunities for women and girls of color.

This year, we have introduced AI as a focus area for our granting, to reflect the rapidly changing environment in the fields of both STEM education and careers in STEM. We want to ensure everyone has access to AI’s transformative potential.

Grant Details

• Those served through the grant funding must be majority (>50%) women of color and/or girls of color.
• Grant funding is unrestricted
• Grant amount is a one-time $50,000 USD grant
• Nonprofits in all countries are eligible for funding

About

The WISE Awards has celebrated over 90 groundbreaking innovative education solutions since 2009. With over 5,300 applicants from across 151 countries, the legacy of the WISE Awards has grown to span a global network of innovators in, early childhood education, EdTech, life-long learning, climate action, social emotional learning, education in emergencies, higher education, 21st Century skills, informal learning and many more. 

After 15 years of celebrating innovation, WISE is now launching the next generation of the WISE Prize to identify a group of finalists to partake in a new competition. WISE will identify and provide support through capacity building and mentorship to organizations tackling new challenges ahead. This iteration of the WISE Prize will work with the chosen finalists over the span of one year to develop solutions that address key education challenges. 

WISE Prize for Education

Since 2009, the WISE Awards and WISE Prize for Education have highlighted over 100 global innovative solutions and individuals in education and, throughout the past 15 years, many of them have grown to become more impactful, have contributed to the work of WISE, have scaled to new regions, and more. The legacy of the WISE Awards and WISE Prize for Education stemmed from the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, with the aim to elevate players in the field of education.

Now, in 2024, WISE is launching the next generation of the WISE Prize as one sole initiative, identifying a group of finalists to partake in this competition. WISE will identify and provide support through capacity building and mentorship to organizations tackling new challenges ahead.

Education Challenges

This iteration of the WISE Prize will work with the chosen finalists over the span of one year to develop solutions that addresses one of the following key education challenges:

Improving the teaching of Arabic language

• Develop a solution to improve the effectiveness of teaching, acquisition and use of the Arabic language.

Accelerating foundational literacies

• Create a personalized learning tool to accelerate basic literacy and numeracy skills, particularly in under-resourced areas.

Addressing challenges in A.I.

• Design a tech-based intervention to equip youth with skills to navigate challenges of increasing presence in an A.I.-driven market and society, such as biases and disinformation.

What type of applicants are we looking for?

Applicants should have evidence of the transformative impact on individuals, communities and society in education already achieved from previous ventures, with:

• A strong record of proven success
• Minimum 2 years in operation
• More than one source of funding
• At least one dedicated full-time team member (or full-time equivalent) to drive the solution development
• A clear plan indicating the project’s objectives and development in response to the education challenge it will address
• A scalable solution and ability to replicate in other contexts and regions

The Akamai Foundation

The Akamai Foundation is dedicated to encouraging the next generation of technology innovators by supporting STEM education, with a focus on the pursuit of excellence in mathematics in grades K-12. Grants focus on equal access to quality STEM education with grants supporting programs designed to attract more diversity to the technology industry. In addition, the Akamai Foundation provides disaster resilience, relief and humanitarian aid globally; and enables volunteerism by connecting employees to the communities in which Akamai operates.

Vision and Mission

Excellence in mathematics and innovation has always been and continues to be at the heart of Akamai’s mission. The Akamai Foundation promotes mathematics education and excellence among the next generation of technology innovators.

Through the Foundation and the programs that we partner with, we believe we will be able to help teach kids that math can be magical and fun. We hope our efforts will inspire young people to embrace math — and prepare for success in college and in their professional lives.

The Akamai Foundation is fueled by our belief in the wonderful possibilities for the future and grounded in the knowledge that our resources will be put to careful and thoughtful use.

Early Learner STEM Education Grant

The Akamai Foundation is pleased to launch the 2025 Early Learner STEM Education grant program. In addition to our core focus on STEM learning, we aim to help global education programs navigate the pandemic's economic impact and address digital inclusion gaps for young learners (pre-college students ages 5-19).

All applicants are required to provide a comprehensive plan outlining their STEM education program goals. This should include a digital inclusion strategy to address and eliminate barriers to access and use of technology in learning, especially for the most disadvantaged. Digital inclusion strategy examples include but are not limited to:

• Internet-enabled Device Access
• Digital Safety, Security & Citizenship Training (Digital Literacy training)
• Quality Technical Support
• Partnership with digital inclusion practitioners and advocates
• Digital content designed to encourage independent learning, participation, and collaboration
• Mental health support for online learners
• Development and implementation of new digital equity and inclusion strategies

What We Support

The Robert Lehman Foundation operates exclusively in the field of the visual arts. Grants are made to leaders in the field of the visual arts as well as innovative newcomers – museums, arts organizations, educational institutions and other cultural organizations – with the goal of enhancing the role of the visual arts within American and world culture. The Foundation supports museum exhibitions, art education programs, scholarly publications and art history lectureships that complement the strengths of the Robert Lehman Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art and advance the goal of identifying the Foundation with serious scholarly and creative endeavors. The art education programs we support share the goal of providing art education to underserved communities that have insufficient access to any type of arts learning. The Foundation believes that access to the arts improves the lives of individuals and communities.

Exhibitions

In the past, the Foundation primarily supported visual arts exhibitions that in some way complemented the strengths of the Robert Lehman Collection in Early Renaissance through Impressionist Art. In recent years, the scope of support for exhibitions has been expanded to include projects whose intellectual content and scholarly contributions advance both classical and contemporary art.

Art Education

We support programs that share the goal of providing art education to underserved communities, especially those having insufficient access to arts learning. Support for these endeavors stems from the Foundation’s strong belief that access to the arts creates opportunities that improve the lives of underserved people and communities.

Art Lectureships

The Edwin L. Weisl, Jr. Lectureships in Art History, provides Colleges with the opportunity to enrich their art history curricula by inviting noted art historians and/or artists to lecture on a topic related to at least one course offered in that particular semester. The Program’s ultimate goal is to extend the exposure of students, faculty and the surrounding community to the ideas of noted professionals in the field of the visual arts to whom they would otherwise not be afforded access.

Capital Projects

On occasion the Foundation provides funding for capital projects to museums and other cultural organizations. The Foundation supports impactful capital programs that meaningfully further the mission of an organization, expand cultural programming and increase access to new and diverse audiences.

Challenge Overview

Peace and stability are baseline conditions for economic prosperity and a thriving society, and both are at risk with escalating conflicts and economic shocks. Instability and conflict can severely erode economic prospects, reverse years of development gains, and exacerbate vulnerabilities. Poverty and lack of quality jobs contribute to conflict. With 114 million people forcibly displaced due to war, violence, and climate-related disasters, two billion workers worldwide in informal, precarious jobs, and disruptions from AI and other tech, the stakes are high.

Technology and innovation can be powerful tools to promote peace and prosperity. Social media has increased misinformation and polarization, but when well-designed, it also improved cohesion and civic participation and reduced the odds of violent conflict. Similarly, while technology can lead to more precarity, it can also facilitate more inclusive financial systems, new job opportunities, and more resilience. Ethically designing and implementing technology is a key component of building and maintaining more peaceful communities and inclusive economies. 

MIT Solve seeks exceptional solutions leveraging technology to increase peace and prosperity. Our focus centers on solutions that: 

• Promote and sustain peace by increasing community dialogue, civic participation, reconciliation, and justice efforts; strengthening cyber security, and monitoring or preventing violence, misinformation, and polarization.
• Foster financial and digital inclusion by supporting access to credit, digital identity tools, and insurance while securing privacy and personal data.
• Generate new economic opportunities and buffer against economic shocks for workers, including good job creation, workforce development, and inclusive and attainable asset ownership.

Special Call: Black & Brown Innovators in the US Program

Systemic inequities and institutional failures contribute to Black and Brown families in the US owning just 24 cents for every $1 of white family wealth. As part of Solve’s ongoing work on US racial equity, we encourage those from the US working to address these disparities to apply for the Challenge and receive additional support through our Black & Brown Innovators in the US Program.

Prizes

MIT Solve - Solver Award

All Solver teams selected for Solve’s Global Challenges and the Indigenous Communities Fellowship will receive a $10,000 grant funded by Solve.

The Seeding The Future Food Systems Prize

The Seeding the Future Food Systems Prize is open to high impact innovations focusing on transforming food systems to be more sustainable, and to enable equitable access to safe and nutritious food that is affordable and trusted. Solutions benefitting underserved communities, countries or regions are encouraged to apply. Up to $150,000 will be awarded to two or more high-impact solutions selected for any of Solve’s 2025 Global Challenges. This prize is supported by the Seeding The Future Foundation, a private nonprofit organization that seeds and supports innovative solutions to help improve the global food system.

The E Ink Innovation Prize

The E Ink Innovation Prize is open to solutions that currently utilize or propose to utilize ePaper materials, technology, or displays to address problems of global importance in any of Solve’s areas of impact, including topics such as architecture, education, or intercultural understanding. The prize is funded by E Ink, a corporation that advances healthy solutions and a sustainable future using ultra-low power, daylight readable displays. Up to $100,000 will be awarded to up to four Solver teams selected for any of the 2025 Global Challenges or Solve’s existing portfolio of alumni teams. E Ink may also opt to provide materials and technical support to its prize recipients.

The AI for Humanity Prize

The AI for Humanity Prize is open to solutions leveraging data science, artificial intelligence, and/or machine learning to benefit humanity. The prize is made possible by The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, a philanthropy committed to advancing AI and data solutions to create a thriving, equitable, and sustainable future for all. Up to $150,000 will be awarded across several Solver teams from any of the 2025 Global Challenges.

The GM Prize

The GM Prize is open to solutions that help create smart, safe, and sustainable communities around the world. The Prize is funded by General Motors, which is working toward becoming the most inclusive company in the world and is dedicated to making STEM education more accessible and equitable. Up to $150,000 will be awarded across up to six Solver teams from the 2025 Global Learning Challenge, the 2025 Global Climate Challenge, and the 2025 Indigenous Communities Fellowship.

The Citizens Workforce Innovation Prize

The Citizens Workforce Innovation Prize seeks to accelerate the development of solutions that will prepare people for today’s opportunities and the workplace of the future, advance new ways of working, and drive economic impact within communities. Funded by Citizens, the prize furthers the company’s commitment to helping communities meet today’s demands while positioning themselves well for the future. Up to $100,000 will be awarded to up to four Solver teams across all 2025 Global Challenges or Solve's portfolio of alumni teams. Preference will be given to solutions that can be implemented to address workforce development challenges in Boston, MA and New York, NY that also have scaling potential to other geographies.

The Crescent Enterprises ‘AI for Social Innovation’ Prize

The Crescent Enterprises ‘AI for Social Innovation’ Prize supports groundbreaking solutions that leverage data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to tackle critical global social challenges. Sponsored by Crescent Enterprises - a diversified conglomerate spanning industries such as ports and logistics, power and engineering, food and beverage, life sciences and business aviation - the prize reflects the company’s dedication to innovation, sustainability, and meaningful global impact.

Up to $100,000 will be awarded to as many as four Solver teams addressing the 2025 Global Challenges or selected from Solve’s portfolio of alumni teams. This prize aims to recognise and accelerate the growth of transformative solutions, driving positive change for a better future.

Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Ocean Innovation Prize

The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Ocean Innovation Prize is open to solutions supporting innovation for coasts, oceans, and the broader blue economy. The prize is funded by Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, which is committed to protecting and progressing planetary health. Up to $100,000 will be awarded to one Solver team.

The Community Innovation Prize

The Community Innovation Prize is open to innovative solutions for communities by communities. Up to $200,000, as well as custom workshops addressing innovator needs will be awarded to up to four Solver teams who are current or past Solvers across Solve's US Equity portfolio. Preference will be given to innovator teams based in or implementing/planning to implement in Chicago, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Houston, New York City, and/or Philadelphia in the areas of Health, Economic Prosperity, Climate, or Indigenous Communities.

Challenge Overview

The world faces persistent gaps in learning and educational opportunities. Globally, 250 million children are not in school, and hundreds of millions are in classrooms that lack adequate access to learning materials or disability-adapted infrastructure. In addition, the skills taught—in school or via other informal pathways—may not allow people to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Technology in education works best when centered on the needs of communities and learners, and when designed to complement rather than replace human interaction. In doing so, it can offer new assistive tools, help cross language barriers, and support educators in creating more adaptive and inclusive learning opportunities. High-impact ideas can use technology for efficient network and scale, even as the end goal remains learner success.  

MIT Solve seeks exceptional solutions leveraging technology to address equity gaps in learning. While we are excited to select and support innovators across any learning area, we have a particular interest in solutions that: 

• Ensure that all children are learning in good educational environments, particularly those affected by poverty or displacement.
• Use inclusive design to ensure engagement and better outcomes for learners with disabilities and neurodivergent learners, while benefiting all learners.
• Provide the skills that people need to thrive in both their community and a complex world, including social-emotional competencies, problem-solving, and literacy around new technologies such as AI.

Special Call: Black & Brown Innovators in the US Program

Pre-pandemic, closing the learning gaps between Black, Latine, and white students in the US was estimated to take 60 to 160 years. The pandemic has widened racial gaps, and new technology can address - or exacerbate - biases. As part of Solve’s ongoing work on US racial equity, we encourage those working to address racial disparities in US communities to apply for the Challenge and receive additional support through our Black & Brown Innovators Program.and receive additional support through our Black & Brown Innovators in the US Program.

Prizes

MIT Solve - Solver Award

All Solver teams selected for Solve’s Global Challenges and the Indigenous Communities Fellowship will receive a $10,000 grant funded by Solve.

The GM Prize

The GM Prize is open to solutions that help create smart, safe, and sustainable communities around the world. The Prize is funded by General Motors, which is working toward becoming the most inclusive company in the world and is dedicated to making STEM education more accessible and equitable. Up to $150,000 will be awarded across up to six Solver teams from the Global Learning Challenge, the Global Climate Challenge, and the Indigenous Communities Fellowship.

The GSR Foundation Prize

GSR Foundation will award a prize to solutions that use technology in an innovative way to address pressing issues in their communities, which have the potential to scale globally. Preference will be given to solutions that remove barriers to financial inclusion, and that place a strong emphasis on learning. The prize is funded by the GSR Foundation, an independent charity founded by GSR, a leading cryptocurrency trading firm. The Foundation seeks to advance education, promote equality of opportunity, and contribute to a sustainable world, emphasizing blockchain and innovative technology-powered solutions. Up to $150,000 will be awarded across several Solver teams from any of Solve's Global Challenges.

Morgridge Family Foundation AI Innovation Prize

Solutions that use AI to boldly spark change through innovation, disruption, and transformation are eligible for the Morgridge Family Foundation AI Innovation Prize. The Morgridge Family Foundation invests in leaders and organizations who are reimagining solutions to some of today's biggest challenges. Up to $50,000 will be granted across up to two Solver teams from Solve’s Global Challenges or from Solve's portfolio of Solver teams.

The AI for Humanity Prize

The AI for Humanity Prize is open to solutions leveraging data science, artificial intelligence, and/or machine learning to benefit humanity. The prize is made possible by The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, a philanthropy committed to advancing AI and data solutions to create a thriving, equitable, and sustainable future for all. Up to $150,000 will be awarded across several Solver teams from any of the Global Challenges.

Colocation America proudly supports the development and integration of STEM learning opportunities for youth in the communities we serve. One of the ways we support these activities is by funding innovative Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) youth programs. Youth organizations and K-12 educators with STEM programming may apply and be awarded upwards of $7,500 for their new or reoccurring program.

Purpose of Grant

The STEM Innovation Grant was created to fund programs that inspire and encourage K-12 students to pursue their interest and curiosity in STEM.

Eligible Programs:

Our STEM Grant Selection Committee is looking to fund programs or projects that offer students:

• An innovative (i.e. unique) approach to learning STEM
• Developmentally-appropriate STEM curriculum and/or resources
• Activities that support a real-life application of STEM knowledge

We support funding innovative pilot programs as well as long-proven STEM programs around the U.S.

Grant Funding:

For the 2022 Grant Cycle, we have changed it up so check it out:

• 5 grants will be chosen and awarded by 5 different Colocation America Staff Members. Each of these Staff Members will have $1,500 to award to their organization of choice.
• In addition, the STEM Grant Committee Member will award 4-10 grants ($2,000 - $7,500 per a project).

Funds awarded through the grant may be used to in the following ways:

• Tools/Equipment
• Stipends for Staff
• Field trips
• Travel expenses (e.g. buses)
• Curriculum Development and/or Curriculum Purchase
• Professional Development

The mission of the Vilcek Foundation is to raise awareness of immigrant contributions to the United States and to foster appreciation for the arts and sciences.  Grantmaking is a vital part of how the Vilcek Foundation achieves its mission. The foundation makes grants to nonprofit organizations whose mission and work complements the Vilcek Foundation’s own.  

The foundation invites nonprofit organizations that work with immigrant artists and communities, and that promote diversity in the arts, sciences, education, and humanities to apply for a grant. The Vilcek Foundation is committed to working with organizations that exemplify best practices in their field.  We seek to identify partners in all 50 states and in all U.S. territories whose work honors and celebrates immigrant contributions to the arts, sciences, and society.Past grant recipients include film festivals, museums, arts organizations including theatres, writers guilds,  galleries, nonprofits focused on science and STEM education, organizations focused on immigrant rights and provision of social services to immigrant communities, and organizations working at the intersection of arts, culture, biomedical science, and community.

Community Solutions Challenge 

The Community Solutions Challenge (CSC), launched in 2021, works to advance health equity through the support of community-based nonprofit programming that prioritize the social, cultural, and linguistic needs of historically excluded and disenfranchised populations. To date, CSC has provided more than $2.6 million to over 100 local nonprofit programs working to address health inequities and advance opportunities in STEM among underserved communities.

Program Focus: Community-based programs must cover one of the following areas:

Nutrition

Address nutrition as a social determinant of health, including reducing food insecurity and providing comprehensive nutritional education to improve health outcomes.

Healthcare Access

Improve access to quality healthcare by addressing barriers, including health education, access to preventive screenings, and transportation services.

Lung Health

Improve lung health and achieve improved health outcomes for those impacted by asthma, COPD and lung cancer

Promote STEM with Our Engineering Program

National PTA is committed to providing families hands -on exposure to science, technology, engineering, and math to educate families and inspire students to explore career possibilities in STEM through the Propelling Our World Program, sponsored by Huntington Ingalls Industries.

The STEM + Families Propelling Our World program aims to:

• Empower PTAs with resources to host hands-on engineering design challenges that bring students and families together
• Provide families with ready-to-go activity, facilitator, and family guides
• Help all kids experience and explore activities and careers in STEM, especially those in skilled-trades
• PTA’s vision is for all students to have the family and community support they need to access and pursue opportunities and careers in the STEM fields.

This program is for elementary school students and their parents/caregivers. Twenty (20) local PTAs will be selected, and each will be awarded $1,250. Propelling Our World provides hands-on engineering design challenges that bring students and families together and helps all kids experience and explore.