APS Foundation Grants

The APS Foundation Grants support programs aimed at enhancing academic achievement in STEM fields. Since 1981, the foundation has invested over $44 million into educational projects in Arizona, focusing on developing a workforce skilled in science, technology, engineering, and math. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that improve educational outcomes and access, while occasionally offering support for capital requests from longstanding partners.

Advancing STEM Education in Arizona
The APS Foundation is committed to supporting programs that strengthen academic achievement in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in Arizona. Our funding focus is projects and programs that enhance STEM education and attainment, with a signature emphasis on professional development for STEM teachers. These projects are prioritized in our grantmaking process, though we welcome applications for any initiatives that support Arizona educators and students and enhance STEM learning.
Building a workforce proficient in STEM skills is essential to Arizona’s future. A strong STEM workforce helps attract and retain high-quality businesses and industries, fueling long-term economic growth and innovation across the state. This program is funded by APS shareholders and is not included in customer rates.
This program is funded by APS shareholders and not included in customer rates.

Eligibility

To be eligible, organizations must:
Be a registered 501(c)(3) public charity in good financial and public standing for 3+ years.Deliver programming that is facilitated within the state of Arizona.Submit a program that demonstrates the ability to:Improve educational outcomes in STEM,Increase access to STEM learning, and/orProvide an innovative approach to education.
All grantees are required to submit a final evaluation report before being considered for future funding.

Ineligibility

Individual K-12 schools
Religious organizations, churches and programs that are purely denominational in purpose
Political, labor or fraternal organizations, associations or civic service clubs
Animal shelters or agencies
Foundations or organizations which are grant-making entities or that distribute funds to other nonprofit organizations (pass through)
Start-up organizations defined as nonprofits whose ruling year has been granted by the IRS for less than three years
Organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, protected veteran status or any other classification protected by law
Health organizations whose primary focus is funding programs or services for a specific disease or illness