The STEM Fund was created to address a persistent gap in Latin America: organizations delivering STEM education in vulnerable communities often lack the institutional capacity, flexible funding, and tools needed to scale their impact. At the same time, youth from underserved contexts face major barriers to accessing quality, relevant STEM learning. The Fund responds by strengthening organizations as key drivers of inclusive, sustainable STEM ecosystems.
In practice, the STEM Fund is a pooled philanthropic fund that combines unrestricted grants with tailored non-financial support. Selected organizations receive funding alongside mentoring, masterclasses, and technical assistance in theory of change, impact measurement (MEL), innovation, and communications. This enables them to redesign or strengthen STEM educational programs adapted to local contexts.
The model was first implemented in Mexico and Brazil, supporting grassroots organizations and building a regional learning network. Based on its results, it is now expanding to Argentina, with a clear pathway for replication across Latin America through new cohorts and donor partnerships.
We continuously adapt the model by incorporating learnings from each cohort. This includes clearer definitions of innovation and scalability, stronger pre-application support, enhanced focus on emerging technologies (e.g. AI), and improved tools for measurement, visibility, and peer learning.
Organizations can apply through an open call when a new cohort launches. Donors or partners can join the Fund by aligning around a shared impact vision and contributing to its collaborative funding and learning model.
