Ohio · Private / Regional Grant

Battelle Memorial Institute: STEM Education

Battelle Memorial Institute is one of the world's largest science and technology organizations, headquartered in Columbus. Its education philanthropy funds STEM programs across Ohio, focusing on research-aligned, high-quality CS and STEM education.

Funding

$25,000–$500,000

Eligibility

Ohio nonprofits, schools, and STEM organizations (Columbus priority)

Grade Focus

K-12

Subject

STEM / CS / Science

Deadline

Rolling (strategic partnerships)

Type

Private / Regional Grant

About This Grant

Battelle is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, and runs one of the world's largest independent research and development organizations. Its philanthropic investments reflect its scientific identity, funding rigorous, evidence-based STEM education programs that help Ohio students develop research skills, analytical thinking, and scientific literacy.

Battelle's education investments are concentrated in central Ohio — Columbus, Franklin County, and surrounding communities — though statewide programs may be considered. The organization has a long history of supporting STEM initiatives at Ohio State University, Columbus City Schools, and regional STEM-focused organizations. Battelle employees also volunteer significantly as STEM mentors and judges at science fairs.

Applications to Battelle should demonstrate scientific rigor. Programs that use data, conduct experiments, and engage students in the scientific process — not just fun activities — resonate with a research organization. Physical computing programs that have students collecting real data, testing hypotheses, and analyzing results are well-positioned for Battelle support.

View Battelle Memorial Institute: STEM Education →

Eligibility

Ohio nonprofits and educational organizations, priority for central Ohio
Programs with evidence-based approaches to STEM education
Initiatives that engage students in genuine scientific or technological inquiry
Organizations with demonstrated impact and strong program evaluation

Allowable Uses

Physical computing hardware (coding kits, micro:bits, robotics)
CS and AI literacy curriculum
Teacher professional development
Research tools, data analysis software, and science investigation 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

Scientific rigor matters to Battelle — frame your program as a research-based intervention, not just an enrichment activity.
Battelle employee volunteer engagement is a real opportunity; mention openness to Battelle scientist mentors in your proposal.
Columbus-area programs have the strongest case for funding, but statewide Ohio initiatives with strong science alignment can compete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Battelle fund programs outside Columbus?

Battelle prioritizes central Ohio but has supported statewide and regional STEM initiatives. The stronger the evidence base and Ohio connection, the more competitive your proposal.

Can a school apply directly to Battelle?

Battelle typically partners with nonprofits and educational institutions rather than individual schools. A school-nonprofit partnership is the typical funding structure.

What types of STEM programs does Battelle fund?

Battelle favors programs with scientific integrity — data collection, hypothesis testing, and evidence-based curriculum. They also fund teacher PD that builds STEM instructional capacity.

Is Battelle involved in competitions or events?

Yes. Battelle supports science fairs, STEM competitions, and events. Employee volunteers are active in these events across Ohio.

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.