Ohio · National Grant

3M Foundation: STEM Education (Ohio)

The 3M Foundation funds STEM education across the U.S. that inspires students in science and technology, with Ohio programs benefiting from 3M's significant manufacturing presence and employee volunteer network in the state.

Funding

$10,000–$100,000

Eligibility

U.S. nonprofits, schools, and educational institutions

Grade Focus

K-12

Subject

STEM / Science / Technology

Deadline

Annual (check 3m.com/foundation)

Type

National Grant

About This Grant

3M is a global science and technology company with significant Ohio operations, including manufacturing facilities and research activities. The 3M Foundation's STEM education investment reflects the company's belief that inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers is essential to continued innovation.

Ohio STEM programs that engage students in authentic science experiences — real data collection, genuine experimentation, and evidence-based conclusions — align with 3M's approach to science education. The company's employee volunteer network in Ohio provides opportunities for STEM mentorship and career exposure that complement formal education programs.

3M is particularly interested in teacher development as a lever for lasting STEM improvement. Ohio programs that invest in building teacher capacity — through professional development, coaching, or STEM professional mentorship — resonate with 3M's long-term approach to education quality.

View 3M Foundation: STEM Education (Ohio) →

Eligibility

U.S. nonprofits, K-12 schools, and higher education institutions
Programs with measurable impact on student STEM interest and learning
Teacher professional development programs building STEM instructional quality
Initiatives engaging underrepresented Ohio students in STEM

Allowable Uses

Physical computing hardware (coding kits, micro:bits, robotics)
CS and AI literacy curriculum
Teacher professional development
STEM professional mentorship, science fair support, and lab materials

Forward Education Products for This Grant

Forward Education offers classroom-ready kits that align with Ohio CS standards and fit cleanly into grant budgets. All kits include teacher guides and curriculum.

micro:bit Starter Kit — Entry-level physical computing, perfect for introducing coding and computational thinking.
MicroChat AI Literacy Kit — Hands-on AI literacy curriculum covering machine learning concepts for K-12 classrooms.
Coding for Good Kit — Project-based learning kit connecting coding skills to real-world community challenges.
micro:bit Robotics Kit — Advanced robotics and engineering challenges for deeper CS exploration.

Keep in Mind

3M employees in Ohio are potential mentors and volunteers for your program — mention this openness.
Authentic science inquiry is the key message for any 3M application: show students doing real science, not just activities.
Teacher development programs that build lasting instructional capacity are among 3M's highest priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 3M fund programs near Ohio facilities?

3M makes both local grants near facilities and national foundation grants. Ohio organizations can apply nationally through the 3M Foundation.

What's the 3M Young Scientist Challenge?

A separate national STEM competition for grades 5-8. It's distinct from foundation grants but aligns with 3M's education values.

Can coding activities qualify for 3M STEM funding?

Yes, especially when connected to science or engineering investigations. Frame coding as a tool for scientific discovery.

Does 3M fund robotics?

Robotics programs with genuine engineering and STEM content can qualify. Competition teams that develop real technical skills are good fits.

How can Forward Education help?

We provide curriculum alignment documents mapped to Ohio CS standards, pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for qualifying applications. Reach out before you apply.