Flexible funding to support STEM learning across Oklahoma
The STEM Funding Center is a one-stop shop for Oklahoma educators and STEM providers seeking flexible microgrants to support STEM learning. These investments help broaden access to and strengthen high-quality STEM experiences for students and educators across the state.
Curriculum & Resources
$500-$1,000
This funding supports instructional materials and resources used to enhance STEM learning during regular class time. Examples include hands-on kits, consumable supplies, lab materials, or curriculum resources that help educators bring STEM concepts to life.
Competitions
$500-$1,000
This funding supports materials used to prepare students for STEM competitions, such as robotics, drone challenges, science fairs, engineering design challenges, and similar events. Funds may be used for items like kits, equipment, or consumable supplies directly tied to competition participation.
Out-of-School Time
$500-$5,000
This funding supports MOMENTUM digital badge providers delivering out-of-school time learning experiences. Funds may be used for any program-related expenses, including materials, provider stipends, field trips, transportation, and other costs aligned to digital badge activities.
Eligibility
You may apply if you are:
An Oklahoma educator (formal or informal), school, nonprofit, or STEM program provider
Actively supporting STEM learning for PK–12 students or educators during the grant period
Offering programming that is free to participants
An applicant with at least two years of experience
The facilitator, manager, or lead of the proposed program
- For Out-of-School Time grants only, applicants must be an approved MOMENTUM Digital Badge Issuer (or actively working with Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance to become one)
Additional notes:
Schools may receive up to two awards per cycle
School-wide initiatives may not submit multiple applications for the same program
Funding Priorities
While all eligible applications are considered, priority consideration is given to programs that:
Serve Title I schools
Support underserved or underrepresented student populations
Are led by official TRSA partners
Have not received TRSA funding in the past three years
Connect to TRSA student events or educator professional development
Meeting one or more priorities strengthens an application but is not required.
Timeline
Funding Cycles
Funding cycles are structured to align with when STEM programming typically takes place. Awards are issued in advance of each cycle, allowing recipients to implement programs during the corresponding season. The application remains open year-round and does not change between cycles.
Summer
Application Deadline:
March 1, 2026
Applicants Notified:
March 23, 2026
Payment Issued By:
April 10, 2026
Fall
Application Deadline:
July 6, 2026
Applicants Notified:
August 7, 2026
Payment Issued By:
August 28, 2026
Winter
Application Deadline:
October 5, 2026
Applicants Notified:
November 5, 2026
Payment Issued By:
November 20, 2026
Requirements
Program Requirements
Programs must be free to participants
Funds may not be used for inherently religious activities
Applicants must implement the program as proposed
Awards are issued to the school or organization, not individuals
- All award recipients will be required to submit a report within 30 days of grant implementation or program completion.
Good to Know
A W-9 is required for non-school organizations
Out-of-school providers working in schools must submit a letter of support
Out-of-school providers not hosted by a school will be asked to provide a Certificate of Liability.
Resources
This is a competitive microgrant application, so we encourage applicants to take time to plan their project and thoughtfully respond to each question. The guidance below is designed to help you submit a clear, strong application.
What Makes a Strong Application
Strong applications clearly communicate a well-planned idea, its impact on learners, and how the funding will be used. As you complete the application, keep the following in mind:
- Clear Project Vision: Describe your project in a way that helps reviewers easily understand what students will do and why it matters. A strong proposal clearly explains the activities, setting, and timeline, and paints a picture of the learning experience.
- Meaningful Learning Goals: Successful applications identify specific learning objectives and explain what participants will learn or experience. Reviewers look for projects that engage learners in hands-on, relevant, and creative STEM learning.
- Strong STEM Connection: Clearly describe the STEM content or skills your project will address. Strong applications name specific concepts, practices, or standards (including Oklahoma Academic Standards, when applicable) and explain how the project deepens STEM understanding.
- Sustainability & Longevity: Competitive proposals consider what happens after the grant period. This might include plans to reuse materials, repeat the program, build capacity, or secure future funding.
- Thoughtful Use of Funds: A clear budget narrative helps reviewers understand how the requested funds will support your project. You don’t need an itemized budget, but explaining what you plan to purchase and how it supports learning strengthens your application.
- Broader Impact (Optional): If your project has additional impact—such as serving an underserved population, building community partnerships, or meeting an exceptional need—this is a great place to share that story.
Helpful Resources
Grant Writing Tips | STEMfinity
Practical guidance for clearly describing your project and its impactGrant Writing Guide | NSTA
Support for planning, budgeting, and aligning STEM learning to standards
Have a question before applying? Reach out—we’re happy to help.
Melissa Cobb, Senior Program Manager | melissa.cobb@tulsastem.org