3M Foundation: STEM Education
STEM education grants from 3M Foundation supporting K-12 schools and nonprofits across the US.
About This Grant
3M Foundation invests in K-12 STEM education as part of 3M's long-standing commitment to science and innovation. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $100,000. 3M has manufacturing operations and a significant employee base in Michigan.
The foundation supports programs in science, technology, engineering, and math. Projects focused on scientific inquiry, hands-on experimentation, and building student interest in STEM careers align well to 3M's priorities.
Michigan schools near 3M facilities, including the Muskegon and Detroit metro areas, should note that local community presence often strengthens a 3M Foundation application.
View 3M Foundation: STEM EducationEligibility
- K-12 public and private schools
- US nonprofit organizations with STEM education programs
- Priority for communities where 3M has operations
- Programs with measurable STEM learning outcomes
Allowable Uses
- Physical computing hardware (coding kits, micro:bits, robotics)
- CS and AI literacy curriculum
- Teacher professional development
- Scientific equipment, lab supplies, and hands-on experimental materials
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- micro:bit Starter Kit — Physical computing for CS education. Aligns to Michigan CS standards for computational thinking and programming at grades K-8.
- MicroChat AI Literacy Kit — AI literacy curriculum for middle and high school. Addresses AI and data literacy components of Michigan CS standards.
- Coding for Good Kit — Project-based coding curriculum with real-world connections. Strong alignment to Michigan standards.
- micro:bit Robotics Kit — Robotics and physical computing for grades 5-12. Supports CS standards across computational thinking and programming.
Keep in Mind
If your school is near a 3M facility, mention this. 3M prioritizes communities where their employees live and work.
3M is a science company. Proposals built around rigorous scientific process will resonate with reviewers.
3M Foundation grant cycles vary. Check their website before investing significant time in a proposal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 3M Foundation only fund projects near 3M facilities?
No, but community proximity strengthens applications.
What is the application process?
Applications are submitted through 3M's online grant portal at 3m.com.
Can we apply for equipment only?
Yes, but proposals combining equipment with PD and a curriculum plan are stronger.
Does 3M fund multi-year grants?
Some grants are multi-year. Ask about renewal options when applying.
How can Forward Education help?
We provide curriculum alignment documents mapped to Michigan CS standards, pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support. Contact us before you apply.
Related Michigan Grants
Explore more Michigan funding resources
View all Michigan 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 — Michigan CS 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
Download the Forward Education Grant Guide
Our grant guide helps educators find the right funding sources and build strong applications for STEM and coding programs.
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