Informal Education Funding Opportunities
Informal Education Grants
The Connecticut Space Grant Consortium (CTSGC) supports museums, science centers, nonprofit organizations, and other informal learning institutions that promote STEM education and public engagement through innovative programming and outreach activities.
Informal Education Grants provide funding for projects that increase awareness of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, aeronautics, and aerospace while connecting learners of all ages to NASA-related content and experiences.
These grants are designed to support organizations that inspire curiosity, strengthen STEM literacy, and encourage participation in STEM education and careers throughout Connecticut.
Eligible Organizations
Informal Education Grants are intended for organizations that provide STEM learning opportunities outside of traditional classroom settings, including:
- Museums
- Science centers
- Planetariums
- Nonprofit organizations
- Community-based educational organizations
- Other informal STEM learning institutions
Previously Funded Organizations
CTSGC has supported a variety of informal education partners across Connecticut, including:
- Connecticut Invention Convention
- Connecticut Network for Children and Youth
- New England Air Museum
- Connecticut Science Center
- Discovery Museum and Planetarium
- Girl Scouts of Connecticut
- Scouting USA
These partnerships have helped expand access to engaging STEM experiences for students, educators, families, and communities throughout the state.
Examples of Fundable Projects
Proposed activities should support STEM learning and align with NASA-related themes in aeronautics, aerospace, science, engineering, or technology.
Examples of eligible projects include:
STEM Outreach Programs
- STEM presentations and demonstrations for K-12 students
- Community engagement events focused on aerospace and aviation
- Family STEM nights and public science programming
- NASA-themed educational workshops and activities
Curriculum and Exhibit Development
- Creation of STEM educational curriculum and instructional materials
- Development of exhibits focused on NASA missions, technologies, and discoveries
- Interactive learning experiences related to aerospace, engineering, and space exploration
- Programs highlighting careers in STEM fields
Youth Programming
- After-school STEM programs
- Weekend or summer STEM enrichment programs
- Hands-on engineering and design challenges
- Aerospace- and space-themed learning experiences for youth
Public Engagement Initiatives
- Community science events
- Citizen science projects
- Informal learning experiences that promote STEM awareness and exploration
- Programs designed to broaden participation in STEM fields
Program Goals
Informal Education Grants seek to:
- Increase public awareness of NASA missions and STEM careers.
- Expand access to high-quality STEM learning opportunities.
- Support innovative educational programming focused on aeronautics and aerospace.
- Encourage lifelong interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
- Strengthen partnerships between informal education organizations and the broader STEM community.
Before You Apply
Organizations are encouraged to review all eligibility requirements, proposal guidelines, and funding priorities before submitting an application. Successful proposals clearly demonstrate how the proposed project will engage participants, advance STEM learning, and support the mission of CTSGC and NASA.
Stay Connected
Join our Informal Educators mailing list to receive updates on funding opportunities, NASA resources, STEM programs, and educator events throughout the year.
Need Assistance?
If you have questions regarding eligibility, project ideas, or application requirements, please contact the CTSGC office:
- Phone: 860-768-4890
- Email: csgcinfo@hartford.edu
We encourage prospective applicants to contact us early in the planning process to discuss project concepts and ensure alignment with CTSGC funding priorities.