The Glenn W. Bailey Foundation funds STEM programs across the United States that build pathways to STEM careers. Its named programs cap grants at $25,000, bigger ideas start with a letter of inquiry, and there are no deadlines: the board reviews requests every month.
Programs
- STEM Sprouts (grades K-8): introduces students to foundational STEM concepts and skills, and can cover professional development. As of 2027, only organizations with an operating address in Florida, New York, Connecticut or Washington, D.C.
- STEM Stars (grades 9-12): supports advanced, non-remedial STEM programs for students headed toward STEM degrees.
- Teen-Tech (ages 10-18): supports schools and organizations that create, run or take part in a tech competition, such as robotics, cybersecurity or game development.
- STEM Scholars: supports organizations that serve post-secondary STEM students.
- Letter of inquiry: for ideas outside the named programs or above the $25,000 cap.
Rules to know
- Apply through the foundation's website only. It doesn't accept proposals or letters of inquiry by email or mail.
- Submit one letter of inquiry or one program application at a time, and wait for a decision.
- First-time grantees can't receive multi-year awards.
- No more than 10% of a grant can go to administrative costs or salaries.
Projects that fit
The Coding for Good Kit brings coding, robotics and engineering to grades 3-12 with 11 plug-and-play sensors and modules, 4 servos and a water pump. Every lesson includes timing, standards, an assessment and Use, Modify and Create paths, which gives your proposal clear activities and outcomes.
- Teen-Tech: a school or district robotics challenge where teams design, code and test a solution to a real-world problem.
- STEM Sprouts (FL, NY, CT and DC): coding and robotics for grades 3-8, with teacher training included in the request.
- A $25,000 program: five classroom sets (15 Coding for Good Kits and 15 micro:bit V2 Go Packs each) come to $22,274.25 before shipping, with room for live virtual teacher training (from $1,000).
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Glenn W. Bailey Foundation give?
Average grants run $20,000 to $35,000. Named programs are capped at $25,000; larger requests start with a letter of inquiry.
Is there a deadline?
No. Letters of inquiry and applications are reviewed monthly, and the process takes 60 to 90 days.
Which program fits a K-8 school?
STEM Sprouts serves grades K-8, but as of 2027 only for organizations operating in Florida, New York, Connecticut or Washington, D.C. Elsewhere, look at Teen-Tech or a letter of inquiry.
How can Forward Education help?
We can build a project plan from our lessons, align it to your state's standards, write an official quote for your budget and provide a letter of support. Contact our grant team.
Source: Glenn W. Bailey Foundation website (About, Program Grants, Funding Criteria and FAQs), checked November 1, 2026.
