Supporting educators in Orange County high schools, providing project-based STEM learning opportunities
With a second OC Community Support Grant of $100,000 from the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) will open its fourth year offering of the Inspired Teacher Grant Program.
In 2025, a total of $315,291 in grants were awarded, benefiting 77 schools and facilitating 101 field trips and projects.
“Thanks to the continued support from the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, we can significantly expand the availability of exceptional educational programs that provide students with hands-on learning experiences. This collaboration ensures students have access to enriching opportunities that encourage them to discover their passions and contribute to a brighter future for our community.
About the Program
The Inspired Teacher Grant Program supports hands‐on classroom projects and field trips that encourage experiential learning, enhance student understanding, and increase student achievement in relation to the California curriculum standards.
Fulfilling the aim of "supporting young scientists today for tomorrow's breakthrough discoveries," the grant provided by Beckman Foundation will be used to fund STEM-focused projects and field trips for high school students.
Request for Proposals
Sept. 9, 2025:
The Orange County Community Foundation has opened the Inspired Teacher Grant Program.
The 2025-26 Inspired Teacher Grant Program presents an opportunity for Orange County public school teachers to seek funding for projects, field trips, tools, materials or ideas that will present an enrichment opportunity for their students & enhance the educational experience of their classroom, department, or school.
This year, the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation is partnering with the Inspired Teacher Grant program to provide funding for High School STEM requests.
For additional criteria, please review the PDF flyer shown below.
Who can apply:
- All credentialed K-12 public school teachers currently teaching in a school in Orange County
Logistics:
- Awards will be provided:
- Up to $1,000 per class project
- Up to $5,000 per grade level or dept project
- Up to $10,000 per school project
- Grant must be utilized by the end of the 2025-26 school year
- Limit of one grant request per teacher
- Consideration given to:
- Number of students impacted by grant request
- Socio-economic status of school and students
- Preference is given to:
- Classroom projects
- Field trips with ongoing, in classroom connections (rather than one time experiences)
Deadline: October 10, 2025 at 5:00pm PT
All applications must be completed and submitted online here.
“We’re excited to partner with the Orange County Community Foundation for a second consecutive year to support project-based learning and hands-on STEM activities into OC high schools. Opportunities like these deepen students’ appreciation for the excitement of science while simultaneously heightening their awareness of STEM careers, both of which play important roles in their future success. OCCF, through the Inspired Teacher Grant Program, is equipping our teachers with the STEM resources they need to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Learn More:
Apply Here:
Application portal for 2025-26 Inspired Teacher Grant Program
