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POET Grant Program

What will your community impact be?

For over three decades, POET has been changing the world, one big idea at a time. We believe that making a positive impact starts in the communities we call home. To cultivate widespread impact, we must begin by nurturing our roots-our friends, families, and neighbors. Through the POET Community Impact Grant program, we aim to empower those who are ready to make a difference by supporting local projects that improve our communities and enrich the lives of those around us. At POET, we believe that the future is shaped by the actions we take today. We're excited to partner with you and support your efforts to create lasting, positive change. Together, we can make a difference, one big idea at a time.

The application opens April 1, 2027 and closes May 15, 2027 at 11:59 PM.
Apply now
FAQ

Grant program frequently asked questions

The POET Community Impact Grant is a one-time grant, designed to support local nonprofits, schools, churches, earth-friendly groups, and individuals committed to leading projects that will benefit their communities. Whether it's improving local infrastructure, fostering education, or advancing sustainability efforts, we want to see your innovative ideas come to life.

The grant is open to organizations and individuals located near POET headquarters in Sioux Falls, our Wichita office, or any of our bioprocessing facilities across the country. Applications for the POET Community Impact Grant will be accepted from April 1 - May 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM.

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‍**Must be within 50 miles of a POET location**

We are seeking projects that reflect POET's values of innovation, community, and sustainability. To help us better understand the needs and dynamics of your community, we'd love to hear more about your organization and project.

To apply, submit your application during the open application period. Be sure to include a brief description of your project, the community it will serve, and the specific outcomes you aim to achieve.

To ensure smooth communication throughout the process, it is important to provide multiple points of contact. Having several contacts helps us keep all relevant parties informed and allows them to take appropriate action when your request is approved. Please include any team members who may need to be notified upon approval, such as those in awareness, accounting, marketing, or other relevant roles. Providing their contact information will help us reach them easily if needed and ensure effective coordination across departments.

We receive a high volume of requests, so we kindly ask that you submit applications for events that occur after our review process is completed. Our "grant" year differs from the calendar year, and we encourage you to apply for events happening between July 2026 and July 2027. This ensures we can thoroughly evaluate all requests and support your event in the appropriate timeframe.

You can apply for the Never Satisfied Scholarship here (hyperlink).
Scholarship recipients will be contacted via email on Friday, April 17, 2026.
Initial applications are reviewed by POET team members after the deadline closes on February 13, 2026. Finalists will be selected by Wednesday, March 27, 2026, and Zoom interviews will be conducted the weeks of Monday, March 30 - Friday, April 10. Scholarship recipients will be contacted via email on Friday, April 17, 2026. *We run every application question through an AI detection tool. We will discard any applications that overuse AI-generated content.
- Must be currently enrolled at an accredited two- or four-year postsecondary school or technical institute - High school seniors who will be attending a two- or four-year postsecondary school the following fall are eligible - Graduate students are eligible to apply - Must be majoring/minoring in Agriculture, Finance, Accounting, Communications, Engineering, Computer Science, Human Resources, or related degrees or minors. - Must be located in the United States - International students attending school in the U.S. are eligible; however, there may be withholding requirements
- Supports education - Door opening advantages - Hands-on learning and networking opportunities
Along with the opportunity to have a long-standing connection with POET, the world's largest bioethanol producer, our Sioux Falls headquarters offers shadow opportunities that allow selected scholars to explore their field of interest, connect with industry professionals, tour a POET facility, and gain a deeper understanding of our mission. These experiences can be customized based on each scholar's academic and career goals.