North Carolina Science Museums Grant

The North Carolina Science Museums Grant provides over $2.4 million annually to support science museums across the state. This competitive program aims to enhance science literacy by prioritizing funding for museums in economically distressed areas, with awards based on attendance and community engagement. Eligible applicants must operate as nonprofit organizations, exhibit STEM education, and maintain a full-time professional staff. Grants range from $50,000 to $75,000 depending on the county's economic tier.

The competitive North Carolina Science Museums Grant program is one of the many ways that the State of North Carolina invests in sustaining and advancing one of the most diverse and widespread networks of science museums in the country. These museums are critical resources for schools and communities in providing learning experiences in and out of the classroom that enhance science literacy.
Grant awards are based on criteria that promote the priorities of state government per general statute 143B-135.227, especially in the areas of economic development and education.
Funding
The North Carolina Science Museums Grant program is currently funded at more than $2,400,000 annually. Applications will be accepted on a two-year cycle that coincides with the state’s biennium budget.
Award amounts will be determined by the following criteria:

• When compared to other museum applicants:

Are located in counties that are more economically distressed according to the annual rankings prepared by the Department of Commerce pursuant to G.S. 143B-437.08(c).
Generate a larger portion of their operating funds from non-State revenue.
Have a higher attendance-to-population ratio.
Partner with other museums in the State to share exhibits, programs, or other activities.
Are not located in close proximity to other science or STEM education museums.
Award maximums are based on each applicant’s county tier designation:

• Tier One – up to $75,000
• Tier Two – up to $60,000
• Tier Three – up to $50,000

Eligibility

Potential awards are given to eligible applicants based on criteria set forth by state government per G.S. 143B-135.227. Applicants must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for an award:The museum must be a science center or museum or a children’s museum that is physically located in the State.
The museum must be open, operating, and exhibiting science or science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education objects to the general public at least 120 days of each year for the past two or more years.
The museum must be a municipal or nonprofit organization that is exempt from federal income taxes pursuant to section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.
The museum has on its staff at least one full-time professional person.
The museum’s governing body has adopted a mission statement that includes language that shows the museum has a concentration on science or STEM education.