About STEM Action Grants
Society for Science is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) membership organization dedicated to public engagement in scientific research and education. Our vision is to promote the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement: to inform, educate, and inspire.
The Society’s STEM Action Grants program is designed to award innovative organizations using creative solutions to do work that supports our mission—work that takes action to inform, educate, and inspire people from all walks of life to pursue scientific endeavors.
Grant Types
Foundational Grants: Organizations with an operating budget below $500,000 (for new grantees) may request Foundational Grants 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.
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 Grants: Organizations 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 are intended to increase the capacity or capabilities of the organization or program in the long term. These grants may not be used for single year initiatives, existing programming, or consumable expenses.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Represent a U.S. section 501(c)(3) public charity or be a non-profit initiative with a fiscal sponsor that is a U.S. section 501(c)(3) public charity.
- 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 access and exposure to STEM in your organization’s community, especially with populations that are less likely to participate in STEM.
- Serve minimally 25 U.S. residents of any age in STEM learning and experiences. Funding may not support non-U.S. residents.
- Have an operating budget at or below $500,000 (for new grantees, not renewals). If your nonprofit is a subsidiary of a section 501(c)(3) public charity, the operating budget does not include the budget of the parent organization, such as a university.
Eligibility is at the discretion of Society for Science. If you have questions, please email grants@societyforscience.org.
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 OK).
- Chapters or teams of national nonprofit organizations, such as Scouts, Boys and Girls Clubs, Robotics Teams, or a national professional society.
- Teams that are associated with competitions (Robotics, STEM Fairs, STEM competitions).
- 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.
Application
I have questions about my organization’s eligibility or the application. Can I schedule a call or meeting?
We do not schedule calls or meetings to answer questions about individual organizations or applications. If you have questions, please carefully review the eligibility and FAQ information. If you still have questions, please email us.
How much funding is available each cycle?
The amount of funding available each cycle varies but generally ranges from $200,000 to $400,000.
What should I include in the question about program timeline and dates?
The list does not need to be exhaustive but rather illustrative. For example, this could include program registration, dates of large events such as festivals or expos, start dates for camp or other classes, or dates of virtual programming. You should include whatever events and dates you think would be good for the selection committee to be aware.
I need to change some information on my application. How do I do that?
When filling out the application, make sure to “Save as Draft” early and often. You can save and come back to your application at any time before the submission deadline. You will log in using your username and password to edit your application. You can also edit your application after it has been submitted as final until the submission deadline.
I applied last year and was not selected; should I reapply?
Yes! If your organization meets the eligibility requirements, we encourage you to reapply. The size and composition of the entry pool and amount of funding available vary from year to year, as do your organization’s needs and priorities. Tell us what’s new, about exciting projects we could support, and perhaps this will be your organization’s year.
Selection
What is expected of me if I am selected?
We expect that grantees will submit a short final report outlining program successes, measuring goals, sharing anecdotes and photos.
My organization was not selected. May I receive feedback as to why?
Due to the large number of applicants, we are unable to provide feedback on applications.
When do I receive the funding?
Selected grantees will be notified of their selection by spring. Funds are disbursed in mid-spring and the grantees are officially announced on the Society’s website in the summer.