Trusted and loved by 1,000's of families, homeschoolers, and educators nationwide
How to Get Funding for Hands-On STEM Enrichment Kits:
Often with
$0 Out of Pocket!
Who qualifies?
Teachers & schools
Homeschool families
Program coordinators (camps, co-ops, after-school)
Many families and teachers pay $0 out of pocket depending on their program
Bring STEM to Your Home or Classroom with STEM Discovery Boxes
Why Teachers Choose STEM Discovery Boxes
NGSS-aligned, prep-free STEM kits designed for PreK–8th grade students.
Each box includes:
- 3 complete STEM projects
- All materials included (even batteries)
- Photo instructions and science lessons
- Access to how-to video tutorials
- No prep for teachers
- Flexible for classrooms, STEM labs, clubs, enrichment, after-school programs, and summer learning
Easy Ways to Fund
STEM Discovery Boxes
1. DonorsChoose
Many teachers successfully fund classroom STEM materials through DonorsChoose.
Tips:
- Start small with a 2 or 3-month STEM project request
- Add photos and explain how hands-on STEM supports engagement and problem-solving
- Share your project link with parents, local businesses, PTOs, and social media groups
- Mention that STEM Discovery Boxes are NGSS-aligned and ready-to-use
Helpful Teacher Angle:
Research continues to show that students learn and retain concepts more deeply through hands-on exploration and active learning experiences.
2. PTO / PTA Funding
Many PTOs and PTAs love funding programs that directly impact students.
Ideas:
- Request funding for one grade level or classroom pilot
- Ask to present the program during a PTO meeting
- Tie the request to STEM nights, family engagement, or enrichment goals
3. Title I & Title IV Funding
Schools often use federal funding sources for STEM enrichment and support.
STEM Discovery Boxes may support:
- STEM enrichment
- Supplemental science learning
- After-school programming
- Student engagement initiatives
- Equitable access to hands-on learning opportunities
Ask your curriculum director, principal, or federal programs coordinator if these funds are available.
4. Education Foundations & Community Grants
Many districts and local education foundations offer mini-grants for classroom innovation.
Search for:
“Education Foundation” + your district name
Local community foundations
STEM mini grants
Teacher innovation grants
5. Local Business Sponsorships
Businesses often enjoy supporting local classrooms.
Great places to ask:
Banks
Engineering companies
Medical offices
Real estate agencies
Community organizations
Tip:
Offer to:
• Share photos of student projects
• Thank sponsors on social media
• Include their logo on a classroom STEM board
6. STEM Nights or Family Events
Host a simple STEM night fundraiser at school.
Ideas:
• Small entry fee
• Family build challenges
• Student project showcase
• STEM raffle baskets
Funds raised can help sponsor classroom STEM subscriptions.
7. Scholarship & ESA Programs
Some families may qualify for educational scholarship programs or ESA funding that can help cover STEM materials for homeschool or supplemental learning.
Programs vary by state, but many families already use:
ESA funds
ClassWallet
Odyssey
Scholarship reimbursement programs
Start Small
Many schools begin with:
A single classroom
A STEM club
A grade-level pilot
A short-term enrichment program
Then expand once they see student engagement and results.
Need Help?
We are happy to help with:
Quotes or invoices
DonorsChoose wording
Funding ideas
Pilot program options
Grant-friendly descriptions
*Funding eligibility varies by program. Check with your specific scholarship or grant provider for approval details.
Don’t See Your Program Listed?
Many schools add new vendors when teachers request them. If your program allows STEM materials, STEM Discovery Boxes may qualify.
How to Ask Your School
to Approve
STEM Discovery Boxes
Here's a helpful tool to get you started:
Would you like us to join your school's VENDOR LIST, MARKETPLACE or PROGRAM?
STEM Discovery Boxes is proud to be a vendor for schools all across the nation - and beyond! If you would like us to register as a vendor for your school or organization or for us to join your marketplace or program, please fill out the form, or include a direct link to your vendor application.
