STEM Action Grants

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.

Society for Science
As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) membership organization, our mission promotes the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement: to inform, educate, and inspire.
The STEM Action Grant program provides small grants of up to $5,000 to innovative nonprofit organizations led by social entrepreneurs
The STEM Action Grant program aims to bolster and support community-driven nonprofit organizations that are working to enhance the public’s understanding of science and to increase participation of underrepresented populations in STEM fields. Since its launch in 2016, the STEM Action Grants program has awarded a total of $1.15 million to 144 impactful organizations.
Grantees may apply for up to $5,000 in funding and may apply to renew for up to three years. Organizations that receive funding for three years are also eligible to apply for a $10,000 capacity building grant.
Grant Types
Foundational GrantsOrganizations with an operating budget below $1.5M may request a Foundational Grant to be used for:General organizational operating costs such as staff working across the organization, utilities, office space, insurance, etc.Existing Programs, including program staff, equipment, space rental, lowering student fees, etc.Expansion of any work of the organization, including pilot programs, new audiences, or additional offerings not previously in existence.Award Details:Applicants may request up to $5,000 in funding per calendar year. The total sum awarded is at the discretion of the Society’s selection committee.The STEM Action Grant may be awarded up to 3 times to any organization, but organizations must reapply each year. The Society may choose to reduce the amount awarded over time.Capacity-Building GrantsOrganizations that have received STEM Action Grants funding for a full 3 years are eligible to apply for a one-time $10,000 Capacity-Building Grant. These grants may not be used for single year initiatives, existing programming, or consumable expenses, and are intended to increase the capacity or capabilities of the organization or program in the long term.

Eligibility

Applicant organizations must meet all of the following requirements:Represent a U.S. non-profit organization with a 501(c)(3) non-profit designation or be a non-profit initiative with a fiscal sponsor.Organizations must be headquartered in the U.S. and funding may only serve people residing in the U.S.Be a mission-driven organization whose goals align with the Society’s mission, to promote the understanding and appreciation of STEM and the vital role it plays in human advancement: to inform, educate, and inspire.Perform one of the following functions:Advocate for the general public’s increased understanding of STEM fields.Aim to spark life-long interest in and appreciation for STEM fields through programming.Aim to increase participation of underrepresented populations in STEM fields through increased accessibility and exposure to science.Serve minimally 25 U.S. residents of any age in STEM learning and experiences.Have an operating budget at or below $1.5. If your nonprofit is a subsidiary, the operating budget does not include the budget of the parent organization, such as a university.

Ineligibility

Funding may not support non-U.S. residents.The following organizations are not eligible for this grant program:Organizations associated with private institutions, such as programs at private universities or private nonprofit foundations associated with for-profit companies.Teachers and organizations tied to a specific school or school district (such as PTSA or nonprofit designed to accept funds on behalf of a school). Teachers should apply for the Society’s STEM Research Grant program instead.Organizations and programs managed by anyone under the age of 19, nor anyone enrolled in traditional K-12 education (GED programs are okay).Chapters or teams of national organizations, such as Scouts, Boys and Girls Clubs, Robotics Teams, or a national professional society.Religious, political, or similar organizations whose beliefs or teachings are integrated with their STEM offerings such that they are required as part of participation in the STEM learning.Newly-formed organizations who will not begin serving people in the next year.