3M Foundation: STEM Education Grants
3M Foundation grants supporting K-12 STEM education and inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.
About This Grant
The 3M Foundation supports STEM education programs that inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. 3M has facilities in New York, and organizations near those facilities often have a geographic advantage. The foundation also funds national programs with demonstrated impact on STEM learning and student interest in STEM careers.
Awards range from $10,000 to $100,000. 3M focuses on programs that shift students' attitudes and career interests toward STEM, not just academic achievement. Hands-on, inquiry-based programs with clear connections to real-world science and engineering are most competitive.
View 3M Foundation GrantsEligibility
- Nonprofit organizations with K-12 STEM education programs
- Schools near 3M manufacturing or R&D facilities
- Programs that build student interest in STEM careers
- Established programs with measurable outcomes
Allowable Uses
- STEM curriculum and hands-on learning materials
- Science and engineering equipment
- Program operations for career-connected STEM
- Teacher professional development in STEM
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- micro:bit Robotics Kit — Engineering design and physical computing. Strong fit for 3M's focus on inspiring engineering and innovation careers. Students design, build, and test - a real engineering process.
- CHARGE Climate Sensor Kit — Applied science and environmental engineering. Students act as real scientists collecting data - the kind of authentic STEM experience 3M prioritizes.
- Coding for Good Kit — Problem-solving and applied STEM curriculum. Connects coding skills to real-world challenges in a way that builds student interest in STEM as a career path.
Keep in Mind
Programs that explicitly connect students to STEM careers - especially science, engineering, and innovation careers - are most competitive. Describe career awareness activities alongside your classroom work.
3M prioritizes communities where they operate, but national programs with demonstrated impact are also funded. Research 3M's New York facilities for a geographic advantage.
3M values programs where students do real science - collecting data, forming hypotheses, and communicating results. Frame your program around the scientific process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for 3M Foundation grants?
Nonprofit organizations and schools with K-12 STEM education programs, particularly those near 3M facilities or with national-scale impact.
How much can programs receive?
Awards range from $10,000 to $100,000.
What types of programs are most competitive?
Programs that build student interest in STEM careers through authentic, hands-on science and engineering experiences.
How do I apply?
Check 3m.com/foundation for the current application process and deadlines.
How can Forward Education help?
We provide curriculum alignment documents showing how our kits support authentic scientific inquiry and engineering design, pricing letters, and letters of support for 3M applications.
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View all New York AI & CS grants →Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements.
- Curriculum alignment documents — NY CS & Digital Fluency Standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing — classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing
- Letters of support — documentation for grant applications
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence — ready-to-use program outlines
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Our grant guide helps educators find the right funding sources and build strong applications for STEM and coding programs.
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