Stocker Foundation Grants

The Stocker Foundation is a private philanthropic organization headquartered in Elyria, Ohio, with a mission to invest in literacy and STEAM-focused programming for children. The foundation seeks to build stronger communities by promoting equitable access to high-quality education, supporting initiatives that eliminate systemic barriers, and helping students develop the foundational skills needed for lifelong learning. With a focus on literacy as well as science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM), the Stocker Foundation aims to prepare students to succeed in today’s rapidly changing world. The foundation’s grantmaking priorities include programs that support kindergarten readiness, ensure students are reading at or above grade level by third grade, and implement cross-disciplinary, project-based learning through STEAM. Additionally, the foundation funds safety-net services designed to ensure students are healthy, engaged, and supported, recognizing that these conditions are critical to academic achievement. The targeted grade levels for funding are pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, reflecting the foundation’s belief that early and middle-grade learning years are pivotal in shaping long-term educational outcomes. Geographically, the Stocker Foundation provides funding in selected communities where it has chosen to focus its investments. These include Lorain and Cuyahoga counties in Ohio, Pima County in Arizona, Alameda and San Francisco counties in California, Hartford County in Connecticut, and King and San Juan counties in Washington. By limiting funding to these areas, the foundation is able to concentrate its impact and work more closely with nonprofit partners to address educational equity and literacy gaps. Eligibility is restricted to 501(c)(3) charitable organizations that demonstrate the capacity to deliver high-quality, impactful programming in the specified service areas. The foundation works with both new and existing partners, emphasizing that applicants should be able to realistically and effectively address the focus areas outlined in the guidelines. While funding is competitive and limited, especially in larger metropolitan areas such as Cleveland, Oakland, San Francisco, and Seattle, the Stocker Foundation maintains a transparent and fair process. The application process is multi-staged. Stage One consists of an eligibility quiz and a short questionnaire about the applicant’s organization and programming. Only applicants invited to proceed will receive a code to access Stage Two, the full proposal application. Applicants are advised not to wait until the last days of the cycle to begin the process, as review and notification delays may occur. The foundation staff provide assistance throughout the process to ensure clarity and smooth review. Stage Two proposals are due annually at the end of November. For the 2025 cycle, the application deadline is November 30, 2025, with board decisions announced in Spring 2026. Evaluation reports for awarded grants are due approximately one year after funding, typically in October of the following year. This recurring cycle provides nonprofits with predictable timelines for planning and application. Applicants can contact the foundation at pobrien@stockerfoundation.org or mwilson@stockerfoundation.org, or by phone at 440-366-4884 for additional support during the application process.

Begin early; align with literacy and STEAM priorities; show measurable impact for pre-K–8 students; highlight community alignment