Preliminary_Schedule About the STEM Funders Network-The SFN was formed in 2011 by a small group of funders from the Grant Makers for Education community to focus attention and better coordinate funding in support of robust STEM programs across the country. The SFN members fund individually as well as collectively, and their work has supported the adoption and implementation of NGSS in all 50 states as well as dozens of STEM programs of promise.