Burns & McDonnell Foundation – STEM Grant Program (2026–27 School Year)
Up to $5,000 for K–12 STEM Classrooms & Programs
Burns & McDonnell Foundation is partnering with schools nationwide to spark curiosity, creativity, and confidence in the next generation of STEM leaders. Through its annual STEM Grant Program, the Foundation awards grants of up to $5,000 to strengthen classroom learning and school-based STEM initiatives in communities where Burns & McDonnell employee-owners live and work.
Organization
Burns & McDonnell Foundation
Support Type
Charitable grants (up to $5,000)
Geographic Focus
Schools located within 75 miles of eligible Burns & McDonnell communities (see full list below)
About the Program
The STEM Grant Program supports hands-on, project-based STEM learning that builds problem-solving, critical-thinking, and real-world skills.
Applications are reviewed by Burns & McDonnell employee-owners and evaluated based on how well proposals:
- Expand access to STEM learning
- Benefit groups of students (classrooms, grades, clubs, or school-wide programs)
- Support ongoing project-based learning and design thinking throughout the year
Grants must be used during the 2026–27 academic year (fall 2026 through summer 2027).
2026–27 Timeline
📅 Application Deadline: March 13, 2026
📅 Award Notification: By April 17, 2026
📅 Grant Agreements Sent: April 24, 2026
💰 Funds Distributed: Within four weeks of signed agreement
⏳ Grant Use Period: Within 12 months of award
Grant Categories
Eligible STEM funding areas include:
Robotics, Coding & Circuitry
Examples: LEGO/FIRST Robotics, VEX, Sphero, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, drones
STEM Labs
Examples: 3D printers, AR/VR headsets, laser cutters, durable lab equipment
Life Sciences
Examples: Microscopes, greenhouses, hydroponic towers, weather stations
Educator Professional Development
Conference registrations, STEM training, and certification programs
What the Program Does Not Fund
- Personal-use devices (iPads, Chromebooks, laptops)
- One-time events (Family STEM Nights)
- Field trips
- Staff salaries or stipends
- Transportation or lodging
- Scholarships or grants to individuals
- Consumable supplies
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- K–12 public, private, parochial, charter, independent school, or homeschool consortium
- Application submitted by a school staff member
- School located within 75 miles of an eligible Burns & McDonnell community
- Grants are remitted to the school, district, or school/district foundation (not individuals)
Multiple staff from the same school may apply, but multiple awards to one school are unlikely.
Eligible Communities
Schools must be within 75 miles of one of the following locations:
Alabama: Huntsville
Arizona: Phoenix, Tucson
Arkansas: Springdale
California: Brea, Los Angeles, San Diego, Walnut Creek
Colorado: Denver
Connecticut: Wallingford
Florida: Melbourne, Miami, Orlando
Georgia: Atlanta
Hawaii: Honolulu
Illinois: Chicago, Downers Grove
Kansas: Wichita
Kentucky: Lexington
Maine: Portland
Maryland: Baltimore
Massachusetts: Boston
Michigan: Detroit
Minnesota: Duluth, Minneapolis, St. Paul
Missouri: Kansas City, St. Louis
Nebraska: Omaha
New Jersey: Morristown
New Mexico: Albuquerque
New York: Boonville, New York
North Carolina: Charlotte, Raleigh
North Dakota: Bismarck
Ohio: Akron, Columbus
Oklahoma: Oklahoma City
Oregon: Portland
Pennsylvania: Conshohocken, Philadelphia
Puerto Rico: San Juan
Rhode Island: Providence
South Carolina: Aiken, Greenville
South Dakota: Sioux Falls
Tennessee: Chattanooga, Nashville, Oak Ridge
Texas: Austin, Beaumont, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston
Virginia: Norfolk, Hampton Roads, Richmond, Roanoke
Washington: Richland, Seattle, Vancouver
Washington, D.C.
Wisconsin: Appleton, Madison
Reporting Requirements
Grant recipients must provide impact updates:
- Two updates (January & April 2027) for equipment/material grants
- One update (April 2027) for professional development grants
Reports must summarize:
- Student impact and experience
- Spending to date against approved budget
Grantees are encouraged to share impact stories on social media.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online by March 13, 2026.
Applicants receive a confirmation email upon submission and will be notified of funding decisions by April 17, 2026.
Questions may be directed to: stem@burnsmcd.com
Apply / Learn More
➡️ https://info.burnsmcd.com/stem-grant-program
Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit
This program is ideal for:
- Schools launching or expanding hands-on STEM initiatives
- Robotics teams and coding clubs
- Classrooms building maker spaces or STEM labs
- Educators seeking STEM-focused professional development
- Schools in eligible communities seeking modest, targeted project funding
With grants of up to $5,000 and a clear focus on sustained, project-based learning, the Burns & McDonnell STEM Grant Program is a strong opportunity for educators building long-term STEM capacity.
Corporate Grants Guide Notes
Deadline: March 13, 2026
Award Amount: Up to $5,000
Use Period: 2026–27 Academic Year
Best Suited For: K–12 schools within 75 miles of eligible Burns & McDonnell communities
