Asterion Foundation Science Education Grants

Asterion Foundation Science Education Grants is sponsored by Asterion Foundation. Supports science education projects, especially in astronomy, for K–12 teachers, libraries, museums, planetaria, observatories, and community-based astronomy groups.

Asterion Foundation Grant Application - Asterion Foundation Asterion Foundation Grant Application​ Asterion Foundation™ was founded in 2016 as a not-for-profit corporation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Application Window: March 15 – April 30, 2026 (Closed) The Asterion Foundation application window closed on April 30, 2026. We are now reviewing submitted applications.

Future application windows have not yet been scheduled. 2026 Grant Cycle Update (June 28, 2026) The Asterion Foundation’s Board of Directors has completed its review of the 2026 grant applications. Decision letters are now being distributed, including grant awards, requests for additional information, and notifications for proposals that were not selected for funding.

Because of the considerable number of applications received this year, it may take a few days for all correspondence to be completed. If you have not received a decision or status update by July 3, 2026 , please contact us and we will be happy to provide an update. We sincerely appreciate your patience throughout this review process and thank every applicant for their interest in the Asterion Foundation.

The Asterion Foundation awards $500–$5,000 grants to support science education, especially in astronomy. Past recipients include K–12 teachers, libraries, museums, planetaria, observatories, and community-based astronomy groups. Funded projects have ranged from meteorite exhibits and educational materials to public events and college-level outreach.

Eligible proposals may include astronomy education programs for schoolchildren, community events, or research-based campus activities. We do not fund salaries, field trip transportation, computers/accessories, or recurring events requiring ongoing maintenance. Applications are acknowledged within 14 days.

Initial review may take up to 90 days—early submission is recommended. By then, applicants will receive either a decision or a request for more information with a shorter follow-up timeline. Please answer the questions below as best you can; we understand not every project fits neatly into a form.

Experienced applicants may abbreviate responses and attach preferred documentation (see Section IV). Frequently Asked Questions May we send you a short email to ask if our application is something you might consider? Absolutely.

Please be as detailed as possible, and review the rest of this FAQ, as well as our previous grant recipients on our website and Facebook page . Do we have to use your online form? (Or, your online form is giving us issues.

Can we email you our application instead?) The online form is not required. It is primarily intended to ensure that applicants provide all necessary information.

If you prefer, you can email your materials to info@asterionfoundation. org . You can also mail your application to: Do I/we need to be a 501(c)(3) to apply?

Yes. If you are a member of an organization (such as an astronomy club or society) you must obtain written approval from your governing board before applying. Any approved funds will be sent to the organization, not to an individual member.

How long does an application take to review? Our goal is to review and approve, deny, or amend all applications within 90 days of receipt. Most applications are reviewed and decided within approximately 45 days .

Please review the rest of this FAQ to help expedite your grant response. Do you have specific application windows or deadlines? Yes.

The Asterion Foundation periodically opens application windows during which proposals may be submitted. When a window is open, the dates will be posted on the website and applications will be accepted during that period. Outside of these windows, new applications are not accepted.

When possible, we attempt to provide advance notice of upcoming application windows on the website. However, the Foundation does not maintain a fixed annual schedule, and future windows are announced as they are determined. Do we need to provide a detailed budget?

Yes. Applications must include a clear, itemized budget outlining how grant funds will be used. Providing a detailed budget allows the Foundation to understand the scope of the project and evaluate requests more efficiently during the review process.

Can we amend our application after submission? Generally, yes. We often work with applicants to refine their proposals, sometimes suggesting revisions that may increase or decrease the requested amount.

Our goal is to ensure the right funds go to the right hands for the right purposes. Do you offer funding for salaries, wages, stipends, or similar expenses? We are not a sustaining foundation, meaning we that do not provide recurring financial support or fund full-time salaries or wages.

However, we may consider funding temporary wages or stipends for short-term projects with a clear, specific goal; examples: telescope restoration, a special event, or a time-limited research initiative. Do you fund projects outside of STEM education (e.g., creative projects)? Sometimes.

However, scientific principles (including accuracy) and educational merit must be the primary focus of any funded project. Do you fund robotics, computer/computational science, and other engineering-style projects? Sometimes but there must be a strong astronomical component to the project.

These applications typically receive extra scrutiny, including the scientific and/or educational values. Safety might also be a consideration. How much of our grant request can we expect to receive?

We aim to fully fund all approved applications. However, if full funding is not possible, the approved award may be less than initially requested. The easiest way to apply!

Fill out and submit your grant application directly through our secure online form. Prefer the traditional way? You can still download the application form, fill it out manually, and submit it to info@asterionfoundation.

org .