For teachers, homeschoolers, and program coordinators
How to get funding for hands-on STEM
7 ways teachers and families fund STEM Discovery Boxes, often at little to nothing out of pocket depending on the program. Who qualifies: teachers and schools, homeschool families, and program coordinators at camps, co-ops, and after-school programs.
7 funding routes
3 projects + 3 lessons per box
NGSS aligned
No prep for teachers
3 projects + 3 lessons per box All supplies included, even batteries From $29.92/mo on the annual plan Cancel anytime 3 projects + 3 lessons per box All supplies included, even batteries From $29.92/mo on the annual plan Cancel anytime
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.
Many PTOs and PTAs love funding programs that directly impact students.
Ideas:
Request funding for one grade level or a 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:
Where it can fit:
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” plus 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, and community organizations.
Sweeten the ask by offering to:
Share photos of student projects
Thank sponsors on social media
Include their logo on a classroom STEM board
6
STEM nights & family events
Host a simple STEM night fundraiser at school. Funds raised can help sponsor classroom STEM subscriptions.
Ideas:
A small entry fee
Family build challenges
A student project showcase
STEM raffle baskets
7
Scholarship & ESA programs
Some families qualify for educational scholarship programs or ESA funding that can cover STEM materials for homeschool or supplemental learning. Programs vary by state, but many families already use ESA funds, ClassWallet, Odyssey, and scholarship reimbursement programs.
Don't see your program listed? Get us on your school's vendor list
Schools, districts, and funding programs across the country buy STEM Discovery Boxes. If we are not on your vendor list yet, send us the details or a direct link to your vendor application and we will complete it.
W-9 and vendor documentation on request
Purchase orders accepted, quotes and invoices on request
Bulk pricing for schools, camps, and clubs
Ready to bring STEM Discovery Boxes to your school?
Classroom sets with 3 projects per student per month, all supplies included, no prep.
