The North Carolina Science Museums Grant Program has awarded $2.4 million to 58 science institutions statewide, the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) reported. The funding is intended to strengthen STEM education and support communities that typically have limited access to science learning opportunities.
The DNCR announced that grant awards range from $11,338.50 to $75,000 and will be included in the 2025–2026 fiscal year budgets of the recipient institutions. North Carolina, home to a wide network of science museums, is using the funding to support informal science education and expand access to STEM experiences across the state, according to DNCR Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell.
The grants have been awarded to institutions across North Carolina’s East, Piedmont, and West regions, reflecting the state’s diverse geography and communities. Applications were evaluated based on alignment with state priorities, ensuring funding targets meaningful educational improvements. Recipients include museums, gardens, and interactive science centers, showcasing a range of STEM learning environments.
Institutions receiving the maximum $75,000 grant include A Time for Science in Pitt County, the Aurora Fossil Museum in Beaufort County, and Discovery Place Kids – Rockingham in Richmond County. Smaller grants, such as the $11,338.05 awarded to Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge, reflect a tailored approach to funding based on the size and needs of each museum or center.
Additional information on the awarded funds and opportunities for future grant applications is available on the DNCR’s grant program page. Through these efforts, the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources continues to support science education and community engagement across the state.
