Ohio · Private / Regional Grant

KeyBank Foundation: Education Grants

KeyBank Foundation, headquartered in Cleveland, funds education programs across Ohio and its operating states, with a focus on financial literacy, STEM, and programs that help low-income students access quality learning opportunities.

Funding

$5,000–$100,000

Eligibility

Nonprofits in KeyBank operating areas (Cleveland priority for Ohio)

Grade Focus

K-12

Subject

Education / STEM / Financial literacy

Deadline

Rolling / annual cycles

Type

Private / Regional Grant

About This Grant

KeyBank Foundation is one of Cleveland's most significant corporate philanthropy programs, funding education, community development, and financial empowerment across Ohio and KeyBank's 15-state footprint. In Ohio, KeyBank's education funding concentrates on northeast Ohio — Cleveland, Akron, and surrounding communities — with a strong equity lens.

KeyBank's education investments span financial literacy, STEM enrichment, and college access programs. Technology and CS programs that serve low-income Cleveland and northeast Ohio students can qualify for KeyBank Foundation support, particularly when framed around economic empowerment and career pathways in technology and finance.

KeyBank employees are active volunteers and mentors in the communities they serve. Proposals that incorporate KeyBank employee engagement — career speakers, financial literacy workshops, or mentorship connections — tend to build stronger relationships with the foundation and more competitive applications.

View KeyBank Foundation: Education Grants →

Eligibility

Nonprofits in KeyBank operating areas, priority for northeast Ohio and Cleveland
Programs serving low-income youth with education and career development focus
Organizations with strong financial management and accountability practices
Programs that connect learning to economic opportunity and career pathways

Allowable Uses

Physical computing hardware (coding kits, micro:bits, robotics)
CS and AI literacy curriculum
Teacher professional development
Financial literacy components, career exploration activities, and college access support

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

Cleveland and northeast Ohio are KeyBank's home territory — regional programs are most competitive.
Connecting STEM to financial capability or economic opportunity aligns well with KeyBank's core giving philosophy.
Employee volunteer engagement is highly valued; mention specific opportunities for KeyBank employees to participate in your program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does KeyBank fund programs outside Ohio?

Yes, KeyBank operates in 15 states. Ohio programs are prioritized, but you can apply in any KeyBank state.

Does KeyBank fund STEM specifically?

STEM is one of KeyBank's education priorities, especially when connected to economic opportunity and career development for underserved youth.

What's the typical grant timeline?

KeyBank Foundation makes grants on a rolling basis with annual review cycles. Build the relationship before submitting a formal proposal.

Can a school apply directly to KeyBank Foundation?

Schools may apply, but nonprofits are the most common applicant type. School-nonprofit partnerships are also well-accepted.

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.