2025 US Grants for Nonprofits Teaching STEM to Black Communities

Funding for nonprofits teaching STEM to Black communities is critical to address underrepresentation in STEM fields.
The good news: 2025 brings a deep bench of grantmakers that invest in STEM education for Black youth. Below you’ll find the biggest opportunities, plus practical tips to help your application rise to the top.

1. Chick-Fil-A True Inspiration Awards – Youth Education Grant

• Funding Amount: $30,000–$350,000
• Deadline: May 1, 2025
• Eligibility: US nonprofits (501(c)(3)) focusing on educational initiatives, including STEM, for underserved youth, especially Black communities.
• Description: Supports large-scale STEM programs that empower Black youth. Great for scaling impactful initiatives.
• Apply Here: Chick-fil-A Application

---

2. Motorola Solutions Foundation – Innovation Generation STEM Grant

• Funding Amount: $10,000–$100,000
• Deadline: Rolling
• Eligibility: US nonprofits offering hands-on STEM activities for students K–University, with priority for programs serving Black communities.
• Description: Supports interactive programs that inspire Black students to pursue STEM careers.
• Apply Here: Motorola Solutions Foundation

---

3. Sparkplug Foundation – Spring 2025 Grant Cycle

• Funding Amount: $1,000–$20,000
• Deadline: May 2, 2025
• Eligibility: US-based BIPOC-led nonprofits (501(c)(3)) focused on education, including STEM.
• Description: Perfect for small, grassroots Black-led STEM initiatives.
• Apply Here: Sparkplug Foundation

---

4. Truist Foundation Grant Program

• Funding Amount: Up to $25,000
• Deadline: Rolling
• Eligibility: US nonprofits (501(c)(3)) supporting career and economic mobility for Black communities.
• Description: Flexible funding for STEM pathways that uplift Black youth.
• Apply Here: Truist Foundation

---

5. Linde’s Global Giving Program – STEM & D&I Grants

• Funding Amount: Up to $15,000
• Deadline: Rolling
• Eligibility: US nonprofits (501(c)(3)) with a focus on STEM and diversity.
• Description: Supports inclusive STEM education programs serving Black communities.
• Apply Here: Linde Global Giving

---

6. Best Buy Foundation – Community Grants & Teen Tech Centers

• Funding Amount: Up to $15,000 for grants; larger support for Tech Centers
• Deadline: RFP opens May–June 2025
• Eligibility: US nonprofits working with teens near Best Buy locations.
• Description: Grants for STEAM access and tech tools for underserved youth, including Black teens.
• Apply Here: Best Buy Foundation

---

7. Verizon Innovative Learning

• Funding Amount: In-kind support (5G tech, curriculum, training); some cash grants
• Deadline: Winter 2025 (Jan–Feb recruitment)
• Eligibility: Title I schools and orgs serving students of color, including Black students.
• Description: Brings digital tools and training to underserved Black youth.
• Apply Here: Verizon Innovative Learning

---

8. Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF)

• Funding Amount: $10,000–$100,000 per year for up to 3 years
• Deadline: July 15–November 1, 2025
• Eligibility: US-based nonprofits (501(c)(3)) focused on tech/trade access.
• Description: Supports robotics, trades, and STEM education for Black youth.
• Apply Here: MEAF

---

9. Amazon Future Engineer – Community Partners & Scholarships

• Funding Amount: Up to $40,000 per student; club/org funding
• Deadline: Fall 2025 (Sept–Oct)
• Eligibility: Nonprofits and students from underrepresented communities, esp. Title I schools.
• Description: Scholarships and coding clubs to boost STEM equity for Black students.
• Apply Here: Amazon Future Engineer

---

10. Toyota USA Foundation – Driving Possibilities

• Funding Amount: Up to $10 million over 5 years (site-based)
• Deadline: Regional RFPs (check site)
• Eligibility: School districts and local nonprofits in Toyota markets.
• Description: Large-scale, career-focused STEM programs for Black youth.
• Apply Here: Toyota Driving Possibilities

---

11. Comcast NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants

• Funding Amount: $25,000–$100,000 (unrestricted)
• Deadline: March 11–April 11, 2025
• Eligibility: Local nonprofits in Comcast areas focusing on youth education.
• Description: Flexible funding for STEM and youth empowerment in Black communities.
• Apply Here: Comcast Local Impact

---

12. Nike – Black Community Commitment (BCC)

• Funding Amount: $25,000–$100,000
• Deadline: National partners announced June 2025
• Eligibility: Black-led US nonprofits (501(c)(3)) focused on education equity.
• Description: Funds Black-led efforts to close STEM and education gaps in 2025.
• Apply Here: Nike BCC

Tips for Successful Grant Writing

Align with Grant Goals

Clearly demonstrate how your program connects to the funder’s mission. For example: Verizon wants digital inclusion, Toyota funds career readiness, Nike backs systemic equity.

Tell a Compelling Story

Use both data and real-life examples. Add impact stories from students you serve.

Be Specific and Measurable

Set clear goals for instance “Train 100 Black students in coding.”

Tailor Each Application

Don’t send the same proposal everywhere: Focus on hands-on STEM for Motorola. Highlight community leadership for Sparkplug.

Build Strong Partnerships

Mention schools, libraries, or tech companies. Partnerships = bigger, longer-lasting impact.