APS Foundation STEM Education Grant: Fall 2026 Cycle
Apply to Internal Competition // Limit: 2 // Tickets Available: 2
Limiting Language
The University of Arizona may submit two proposals for each cycle.
Program Description
The APS Foundation supports programs that enhance academic achievement in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Since 1981, the Foundation has invested more than $44 million in projects throughout Arizona that help prepare students to compete in a 21st century economy.
A workforce proficient in STEM skills is critical to attracting and retaining high-quality businesses and industries to the state. The APS Foundation targets projects that help educators increase content knowledge in STEM subjects as well as the ability to transfer this knowledge effectively to students.
Typical funding amount to universities if $50-75k.
Program Information:
- Organizations must be registered as a 501(c)(3) public charity in good financial and public standing. At this University of Arizona, this means that your proposal will route through the University of Arizona Foundation. For more information on this, please contact Cyndi Laughren.
- Programs should demonstrate their ability to improve educational outcomes, increase access and/or offer an innovative approach to learning. The impact should be described and quantified where possible.
- Programs that support teacher professional development is APS Foundation’s primary focus.
- Programs that impact students, supporting them in achievements in STEM, are the next priority.
- Pilot projects may be funded, and those awards are generally in the $10,000 - $30,000 range
- Programs requesting substantial funding (≥$75,000) should demonstrate proof of concept, detailed budget, and have a detailed execution plan.
- Strong measurements for proof of success are essential, especially for higher dollar asks. (At minimum, a pre, during, and post survey or variation of measurement will be required)
- Criteria used for evaluation include scalability, sustainability, and ability to leverage other funding (not required).
- Programs that serve underserved/under resourced students are well-received.
- All grantees will have specific reporting requirements and must submit a final evaluation before they can be considered for additional funding.
Please note, the APS Foundation will not support:
• Individuals
• Individual K-12 schools
• Religious organizations, churches and programs that are purely denominational in purpose
• Political, labor or fraternal organizations, associations or civic service clubs
• Legislative, lobbying or advocacy efforts or organizations
• Private or family foundations
• Animal shelters or agencies
• Foundations or organizations which are grant-making entities or that distribute funds to other nonprofit organizations (pass through)
• Start-up organizations defined as nonprofits whose ruling year has been granted by the IRS for less than three years
• Organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, protected veteran status or any other classification protected by law
• Health organizations whose primary focus is funding programs or services for a specific disease or illness
• Sports teams or sporting programs
• Scouting troops
While not a part of our traditional grant program, the APS Foundation occasionally supports capital requests of our long-standing partners on an invite-only basis.
Proposal Tips from the spring cycle webinar:
- Proposals should be written in lay language accessible to a broad audience.
- A detailed overview of the program is recommended. Instead of stating that you plan to support the professional development of teachers, outline how you plan to do so and what the deliverables will be.
- Describe and quantify the program's intended impact (number of students, teachers, etc) and reach.
- Multi-year funding is not available.
- Higher asks will be scrutinized at a higher level. Please ensure you have a solid description, strong success measurements, and have an established program/project for best chance of being successful.
- Pilot projects are allowable but tend to be funded at a lower dollar amount, typically in the $10,000 to $30,000 range.
Full sponsor guidelines are linked here.