Updated 5/29/24
A timeless challenge for educators is often funding. Let us offer some resources to get your grant planning off to a good start.
We’ve compiled a list of grant opportunities that can be used to fund everything from robotics and PD to makerspace, STEM, and 3-D engineering programs.
The Brown Foundation is a good place to start. Funded grants include a program built on closing the opportunity and achievement gaps for middle school students, robotics training camps, teacher training programs, and a career and education day.
Projects that meet one or more of the following criteria stand the best chance of being funded:
- Addressing root causes of a concern rather than treating symptoms
- Serving as a catalyst to stimulate collaborative efforts by several sectors of the community
- Resulting in a growing, long-lasting impact on the situation beyond the value of the grant itself
- Reflecting and encouraging sound financial planning and solid management practices in administration of the project
The Halliburton Foundation makes direct grants to US-based elementary and secondary schools and higher education institutions and programs with focuses on community involvement and general education.
The Toshiba America Foundation is another great place for grant shopping. Their Grants for Grades K-5 can be up to $1,000 and focus on innovative ideas and programs for hands-on, project-based learning with an aim to improve science and math education. Recently funded grants include a “Jr. Paleontologist” project, “Forensic Joe Fridays,” a robotics program, and a maker program.
The Grants for Grades 6-12 fall into two main categories: requests for $5,000 or less (deadlines are throughout the calendar year) and requests for $5,000 or more (deadlines are May 1 and November 1). Successful projects make math and science more engaging for students and encourage students to use their natural curiosity to explore the world around them. Previously funded projects have included “STEM Lessons with Robots,” an inquiry-based exploration lab, a greenhouse, and a course on digital models and rapid prototyping using 3-D printing and laser cutting.
To find more grant resources, visit our Grants and Funding page. You’ll find examples of how schools across the country are using federal funds, funding sources, our guide to applying for grants, and links to apply for Pitsco grant opportunities – our chance to pay it forward.
Pitsco awards an Educator Grant (valued at $350) for PreK-college educators and a Team Grant (valued at $150) for K-12 competitive teams each month. You can apply as many times as you want – once or every month of the year – but can be awarded our grants only one time during a 12-month period.
Grants can be tricky, and the application process might take some practice, so don’t forget about our guide, and let us know if there’s anything we can help you with.
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