The Funding Landscape for STEM Education in K-12: Grants for your next project!

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1 The Funding Landscape for STEM Education in K-12: Grants for your next project! Presented by: Elizabeth Evans & Ashley Schultz Grants Development Consultants Grants Office LLC

2 Sources of Funding Federal Agencies Private & Corporate Foundations State Agencies

3 Top STEM Education Grant Funders Include:

4 Innovative Technology Experiences for Students & Teachers Research on the development/implement- ation/dissemination of innovative STEM strategies, tools, models, best-practices, and processes within K-12 learning. Aimed to engage K-12 students and motivate them to participate in STEM areas of study through technology-rich experiences. Eligibility is open to all organizations with an education mission, however, evidence of partnership/collaboration is required. Projects may last up to 36 months with awards up to $1,200,000 total, or months with awards up to $2,000,000 total.

5 Navy & Marine Corps STEM Education, Outreach and Workforce Program Game changing solutions to establish and maintain a diverse pipeline for Naval STEM related workforce opportunities. Specifically interested in High-school and Post-secondary education, but open to all stages of the STEM pipeline. Eligibility is open to all responsible sources from academia, nonprofit organizations, and industry members. Projects last months, with awards up to $250,000 per year.

6 Environmental Literacy Grants Strengthen the public's and/or K- 12 students' environmental literacy to enable informed decision-making necessary for community resilience to extreme weather events and other environmental hazards. NOAA Mission Areas: Ocean, Coastal, Great Lakes, Weather, and Climate Sciences & Stewardship NOAA Mission Areas: Healthy Oceas, Weather-Ready Nation, Climate Adaption & Mitigation, Resilient Coastal Communities & Economies Eligibility is open to LEAs, IHEs, non-profit organizations, information education institutions (museums, libraries, zoos, aquariums, etc.) or tribal organizations. Projects may last 24 to 60 months with awards between $250,000 and $500,000.

7 Technology Being funded by Grants Classroom presentation and instructional tools smartboards, tablets, laptops, desktops Productivity tools for student data management, analytics, and real-time feedback apps, learning management software, desktop virtualization Connectivity Initiatives & Data Storage Devices wifi, inside wiring, routers, switches

8 But How Do You Know a Grant is REALLY Tech-Friendly? Check the guidance! What are the allowable or unallowable expenses? Read between the lines with program priorities Look at what has been funded in the past Ask the funder for clarification

9 Building a Technology-Rich STEM Project It s the project (not the product) that gets funded Start with the need for the project Involve vendors to ensure your project will work Document your project details and budget Remember: There is no shortage of money.

10 10 Tips For Getting More Grants 1. Learn as much as possible about each program to which you intend to apply. Know thy funder! 2. Involve others in your project, but be judicious; have a purpose for their involvement. 3. Customize each proposal to the requirements of the funder. 4. Get reviewers comments for non-winning proposals and use their feedback in future proposals ( 5. Include only support letters that demonstrate a real commitment on the part of the sender.

11 10 Tips For Getting More Grants 6. Make grantseeking part of your agency s strategy; don t put all your eggs in one basket. 7. Be specific in your budget; most funders have generous allowances for budget length. 8. Don t include materials other than those specifically requested by the funder. 9. Get an outside set of eyes to edit your proposal before you submit it. 10. Follow directions!

12 Good Sources of Information Dept. Websites ( Federal Electronic Grants Clearinghouse ( Federal and state program staff ( Other grant databases (

13 QUESTIONS? Thank you for attending!