The Bayer Fund, a philanthropic arm of Bayer, aims to contribute positively to society by supporting initiatives that improve the lives of people in the communities where Bayer operates. This includes investing in education, community development, and other philanthropic efforts.
The grant program focuses on supporting educational programs in STEM fields for students in grades K-12, particularly targeting underserved students who qualify for free or reduced lunch. The programs supported by the grant include a wide range of activities such as in-school educational programs that take place during the school day, after-school and summer programs offered by youth development organizations, technical training programs, and academic programs that enrich or supplement in-school learning. Priority is given to programs that occur during the school day, but the initiative also encompasses after-school and summer activities designed to enhance students' skills and interest in STEM. The grant funding is aimed at program activities and expenses starting after the funding decisions are made, and all programs must be completed within one year of their start date, except in special circumstances where longer-term programs are approved. Grant award amounts vary based on several factors including the size of the community, type of programming, and reach/impact of the organization.