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.
Grant Overview
Asterion Foundation provides $500-$5,000 grants in support of science education, with a particular focus on astronomy.
Previous grants have been awarded to establish meteorite exhibits, provide educational materials to planetaria, provide assistance to K-12 teachers with special projects, and cooperative outreach projects with public library systems. Other eligible projects may include but are not limited to educational programming/curricula for K-12 school children, community events that educate the public about astronomy, and research projects/events on college campuses.
At this time we are unable to provide funding for salaries, field trip transportation, computers and computer accessories or recurring events with ongoing maintenance requirements. Within 14 days of submission of a new grant application, Asterion will confirm receipt of that application. Initial review may take up to 90 days; thus, we strongly encourage applicants to apply early. By the end of the 90-day cycle, applicants will receive either a final decision regarding funding or a request for additional information about the project along with an estimated timeline for the second review (review times are typically much shorter). Please provide us with the information specified below to the best of your ability. We realize that not every answer will neatly fulfill our questions. We will reach out to you when we need clarifications pertaining to your request. If you are already accustom to making grant applications, feel free to abbreviate your answers below and include your preferred documentation (see Section IV for attaching relevant documents.)
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:
- Asterion Foundation
- 5745 SW 75th St #288
- Gainesville, FL 32608
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?
No, you can submit your application at any time. However, from Thanksgiving through the first week of January, our response times may be slower as we are an all-volunteer board.
Do we need to provide a detailed budget?
While not mandatory, most successful grant applications include a detailed, itemized budget. Providing a clear breakdown of expenses significantly increases your chances of approval and speeds up 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 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.
How To Apply
Download Application
Download the grant application form here.
Complete Application
After downloaded, fill out and complete your application.
Submit Application
Once you have completed, attach your application and send it through email to info@asterionfoundation.org.