The Nordson Corporation Foundation concentrates its support on STEM education and innovation programs, mainly funding organizations that deliver hands-on K–12 STEM experiences and invention-focused learning. Grants are large and targeted, with repeated multi-grant support to a regional partner in Ohio and a national organization that promotes invention and entrepreneurship. The foundation favors program-focused investments that build STEM skills and pipelines for future technical careers.
A repeated pattern of seven-figure support for hands-on STEM education defines The Nordson Corporation Foundation’s recent grantmaking. The foundation has backed Tech Corps Ohio multiple times, including $564,000 in 2025 and $555,000 in 2024, to expand STEM programming for students in Columbus. It has also made consecutive grants to the National Inventors Hall of Fame, including $500,000 in both 2025 and 2024, supporting invention- and innovation-focused learning in North Canton. Those awards sit alongside large commitments to organizations that connect young people to education, scholarships, employment pathways, and workforce readiness. In Cleveland, College Now Greater Cleveland received both scholarship support and education-program funding, while Friends of Breakthrough Schools received recurring support for education programming and general operations. The foundation also funds capital and renovation projects, such as support for a Boys and Girls Clubs clubhouse expansion in Providence and a capital-improvements grant to Neighborhood Alliance in Lorain. Across the recent grants list, the common thread is program-specific funding that builds skills, access, and learning environments for children, youth, and students.
STEM education is the clearest thread in the portfolio. The foundation gave $564,000 to Tech Corps Ohio for a STEM program and $500,000 to the National Inventors Hall of Fame Inc for a STEM program, showing a preference for structured, hands-on learning. It also supported Girl Scouts of North East Ohio with $265,000 for a STEM program, extending that priority beyond school-based settings. Education and student access appear in grants such as $361,875 to College Now Greater Cleveland Inc for scholarships and $300,000 to the same organization for an education program. Workforce and employment support also shows up in a $500,000 grant to Towards Employment Incorporated for an employment program. Beyond programming, the foundation has funded physical improvements, including a $350,000 grant to Boys and Girls Clubs of Providence for renovation and expansion of its Wanskuck clubhouse.
Typical awards cluster in the five-figure range, with p25 at $7,500, median grant size at $10,000, and p75 at $15,000. The recent grants list also shows several much larger program and capital awards, indicating a layered approach that includes both smaller routine gifts and major targeted commitments. Recurring support is evident: Tech Corps Ohio, the National Inventors Hall of Fame, College Now Greater Cleveland Inc, and Friends of Breakthrough Schools each appear in multiple years. The foundation is a regular funder and also funds individuals, but the supplied records emphasize organizational grants. An application/how-to-apply page is listed for foundation grants, and a separate community grants program accepts unsolicited applications.
$6.6M
$34.2M
$3.7M
$6.6M
Most grants fall between $8K and $15K, with a median of $10K.
25th Percentile
$8K
Median
$10K
75th Percentile
$15K
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Concentrated giving: few, high-value grants rather than many small gifts; repeat funding to core grantees (notably Tech Corps Ohio) and multi-year or multi-grant commitments focused on program support in STEM.
Notable grantees: Tech Corps Ohio, National Inventors Hall of Fame, Other local Ohio STEM education partners (regional recipients of program support)
Grantmaking is national, with every recipient in the U.S. In the recent grants list, Ohio cities appear most often, including Columbus, Cleveland, Lorain, Elyria, North Canton, Macedonia, and North East Ohio recipients. Rhode Island is the top state by grant count, and Providence appears in multiple awards, including support for Boys and Girls Clubs of Providence and Save the Bay. California recipients include San Marcos and Vista, while Massachusetts appears through Boston. The foundation’s HQ is in Westlake, Ohio, but the giving footprint extends well beyond the headquarters state.
Recent grants show a strong emphasis on STEM education, invention and innovation learning, education access, and workforce-related programming. Examples include STEM support for Tech Corps Ohio and the National Inventors Hall of Fame, scholarships for College Now Greater Cleveland Inc, and an employment program grant to Towards Employment Incorporated.
Yes. Several organizations appear in multiple years in the recent grants list. Tech Corps Ohio received grants in 2023, 2024, and 2025; the National Inventors Hall of Fame appears in 2023, 2024, and 2025; and both College Now Greater Cleveland Inc and Friends of Breakthrough Schools received repeated awards across years.
The typical grant profile is centered on smaller awards: p25 is $7,500, median grant size is $10,000, and p75 is $15,000. The recent grants list also includes much larger program, operating, scholarship, and capital grants, including awards above $500,000.
The foundation has an application/how-to-apply page for Nordson Corporation Foundation grants, and the scraped page states that this program accepts unsolicited applications. It also lists a Community Grants program that accepts unsolicited applications, while Community Education Grants are invitation only and use invited online applications.
The top state by grant count is Rhode Island, with Providence appearing in the recent grants list through Boys and Girls Clubs of Providence and Save the Bay. Ohio also receives a large share of awards, including grants to Columbus, Cleveland, Lorain, Elyria, North Canton, and Macedonia.
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
Current and upcoming funding from Nordson Corporation Foundation that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Organizations serving communities where Nordson has operations; typically tax-exempt nonprofits. Specific eligibility details are provided on the Foundation's application page and may vary by region.
Deadline: Rolling / not specified on the page
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Create a free accountDeadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TECH CORPS OHIO | COLUMBUS, OH | $564,000 | 2025 | STEM PROGRAM |
| NATIONAL INVENTORS HALL OF FAME INC | NORTH CANTON, OH | $500,000 | 2025 | STEM PROGRAM |
| COLLEGE NOW GREATER CLEVELAND INC | CLEVELAND, OH | $361,875 | 2025 | SCHOLARSHIPS |
| FRIENDS OF BREAKTHROUGH SCHOOLS | CLEVELAND, OH | $300,000 | 2025 | EDUCATION PROGRAM |
| NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE | LORAIN, OH | $250,000 | 2025 | CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS |
| CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY SAN MARCOS FOUNDATION | SAN MARCOS, CA | $100,000 | 2025 | CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS |
| BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF NORTHEAST OHIO | LORAIN, OH | $85,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY | WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS, OH | $80,000 | 2025 | LEADERSHIP TRAINING |
| ACES LORAIN COUNTY (ACHIEVEMENT THRU COMMUNITY EDUCATION & SUPPORT) | LORAIN, OH | $75,000 | 2025 | EDUCATION PROGRAM |
| SECOND HARVEST FOODBANK OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO | LORAIN, OH | $75,000 | 2025 | FOOD PROGRAM |
| ELYRIA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT | ELYRIA, OH | $57,500 | 2025 | EDUCATION PROGRAM |
| THE WILLOW HILL HERITAGE AND RENAISSANCE CENTER INC | PORTAL, GA | $55,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| LORAIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY | LORAIN, OH | $50,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| SAVE OUR CHILDREN OF ELYRIA INC | ELYRIA, OH | $50,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| SUNSHINE HOUSE REGIONAL CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY CENTER | SWAINSBORO, GA | $50,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| LORAIN COUNTY URBAN LEAGUE INC | ELYRIA, OH | $50,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF GEORGIA INC | ATLANTA, GA | $40,000 | 2025 | EDUCATION PROGRAM |
| ARMED SERVICES YMCA OF THE USA | SAN DIEGO, CA | $40,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF RHODE ISLAND FOUNDATION | LINCOLN, RI | $40,000 | 2025 | EDUCATION PROGRAM |
| COMPUDOPT | FOREST PARK, GA | $40,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT SERVICES |
| COMMON GROUND - THE CINDY NORD CENTER FOR RENEWAL | OBERLIN, OH | $35,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| LITTLE LIGHTHOUSE LEARNING CENTER | LORAIN, OH | $35,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| NEIGHBORHOOD COOPERATIVE MINISTRIES | NORCROSS, GA | $30,000 | 2025 | EMERGENCY SERVICES |
| A STEP BEYOND | ESCONDIDO, CA | $30,000 | 2025 | ENRICHMENT PROGRAM |
| OASIS INSTITUTE | LA MESA, CA | $30,000 | 2025 | CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS |
| CASA DE AMPARO | SAN MARCOS, CA | $30,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| FEEDING SAN DIEGO | SAN DIEGO, CA | $30,000 | 2025 | FOOD PROGRAM |
| FAMILY PROMISE OF SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE | NASHUA, NH | $30,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| NORTH COUNTY LIFELINE INC | VISTA, CA | $30,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| WOONASQUATUCKET VALLEY COMMUNITY BUILD INC | PROVIDENCE, RI | $30,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| OLD GLOBE THEATRE | SAN DIEGO, CA | $30,000 | 2025 | ENRICHMENT PROGRAM |
| BEST BUDDIES IN CONNECTICUT | NEW BRITAIN, CT | $30,000 | 2025 | EDUCATION PROGRAM |
| MADONNA PLACE INC | NORWICH, CT | $30,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| CATHOLIC CHARITIES CORPORATION | CLEVELAND, OH | $30,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| PASSAGES CONNECTING FATHERS AND SONS INC | CLEVELAND, OH | $25,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| SAN DIEGO CENTER FOR CHILDREN | SAN DIEGO, CA | $25,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT PROGRAM |
| COASTAL ROOTS FARM | ENCINITAS, CA | $25,000 | 2025 | STEM PROGRAM |
| RAKSHA INC | ATLANTA, GA | $25,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| FILL MINISTRIES INC | CUMMING, GA | $25,000 | 2025 | CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS |
| C5 YOUTH FOUNDATION OF GEORGIA INC | ATLANTA, GA | $25,000 | 2025 | EDUCATION PROGRAM |
| CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY | CLEVELAND, OH | $25,000 | 2025 | EDUCATION PROGRAM |
| CLEVELAND ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY | CLEVELAND, OH | $25,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF SAN MARCOS | SAN MARCOS, CA | $25,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| RAINBOW VILLAGE INC | DULUTH, GA | $25,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| DANCECLEVELAND | CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH | $25,000 | 2025 | ENRICHMENT PROGRAM |
| FAMILY SERVICES OF THE MERRIMACK VALLEY INC | LAWRENCE, MA | $25,000 | 2025 | CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS |
| CUYAHOGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION | CLEVELAND, OH | $25,000 | 2025 | STEM PROGRAM |
| UNITED THROUGH READING | SAN DIEGO, CA | $25,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF METRO ATLANTA INC | ATLANTA, GA | $22,000 | 2025 | MENTORING PROGRAM |
| BLESSING HOUSE | ELYRIA, OH | $20,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
TECH CORPS OHIO
$564,000STEM PROGRAM
NATIONAL INVENTORS HALL OF FAME INC
$500,000STEM PROGRAM
COLLEGE NOW GREATER CLEVELAND INC
$361,875SCHOLARSHIPS
FRIENDS OF BREAKTHROUGH SCHOOLS
$300,000EDUCATION PROGRAM
NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE
$250,000CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY SAN MARCOS FOUNDATION
$100,000CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF NORTHEAST OHIO
$85,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
$80,000LEADERSHIP TRAINING
ACES LORAIN COUNTY (ACHIEVEMENT THRU COMMUNITY EDUCATION & SUPPORT)
$75,000EDUCATION PROGRAM
SECOND HARVEST FOODBANK OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO
$75,000FOOD PROGRAM
ELYRIA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
$57,500EDUCATION PROGRAM
THE WILLOW HILL HERITAGE AND RENAISSANCE CENTER INC
$55,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
LORAIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
$50,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
SAVE OUR CHILDREN OF ELYRIA INC
$50,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
SUNSHINE HOUSE REGIONAL CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY CENTER
$50,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
LORAIN COUNTY URBAN LEAGUE INC
$50,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF GEORGIA INC
$40,000EDUCATION PROGRAM
ARMED SERVICES YMCA OF THE USA
$40,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF RHODE ISLAND FOUNDATION
$40,000EDUCATION PROGRAM
COMPUDOPT
$40,000SUPPORT SERVICES
COMMON GROUND - THE CINDY NORD CENTER FOR RENEWAL
$35,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
LITTLE LIGHTHOUSE LEARNING CENTER
$35,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
NEIGHBORHOOD COOPERATIVE MINISTRIES
$30,000EMERGENCY SERVICES
A STEP BEYOND
$30,000ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
OASIS INSTITUTE
$30,000CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
CASA DE AMPARO
$30,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
FEEDING SAN DIEGO
$30,000FOOD PROGRAM
FAMILY PROMISE OF SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE
$30,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
NORTH COUNTY LIFELINE INC
$30,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
WOONASQUATUCKET VALLEY COMMUNITY BUILD INC
$30,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
OLD GLOBE THEATRE
$30,000ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
BEST BUDDIES IN CONNECTICUT
$30,000EDUCATION PROGRAM
MADONNA PLACE INC
$30,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
CATHOLIC CHARITIES CORPORATION
$30,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
PASSAGES CONNECTING FATHERS AND SONS INC
$25,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
SAN DIEGO CENTER FOR CHILDREN
$25,000SUPPORT PROGRAM
COASTAL ROOTS FARM
$25,000STEM PROGRAM
RAKSHA INC
$25,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
FILL MINISTRIES INC
$25,000CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
C5 YOUTH FOUNDATION OF GEORGIA INC
$25,000EDUCATION PROGRAM
CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
$25,000EDUCATION PROGRAM
CLEVELAND ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY
$25,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF SAN MARCOS
$25,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
RAINBOW VILLAGE INC
$25,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
DANCECLEVELAND
$25,000ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
FAMILY SERVICES OF THE MERRIMACK VALLEY INC
$25,000CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
CUYAHOGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION
$25,000STEM PROGRAM
UNITED THROUGH READING
$25,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF METRO ATLANTA INC
$22,000MENTORING PROGRAM
BLESSING HOUSE
$20,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT