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Funders database

This is not an exhaustive list! If you know of a grant that would be suitable for STEM Clubs and is not given on the list below, please contact us.

See also details about grants suitable for STEM Clubs from large national supporters of science and science education.

Biochemical Society

Supports scientific outreach events that communicate the excitement of molecular bioscience to young people and the community, to help develop their interests and skills. Applications are invited for sums up to £1000 to assist with the direct costs associated with an event and expenses incurred.

Grants and Bursaries – Biochemistry

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

BBSRC is one of 7 Research Councils that work together as Research Councils UK (RCUK). It is funded by BIS. They offer Public Engagement awards to support BBSRC-funded researchers, institutes & local coordinators to undertake PE activities. Priority is given to applications focusing on dialogue with public groups, particularly with the hard-to-reach groups.

https://www.ukri.org/councils/bbsrc/

British Ecological Society

The British Ecological Society actively encourages its members and others to engage the public with exciting and important aspects of ecology. The BES's Public Engagement Grant scheme is to provide support, up to £2000, to help them do it.

Outreach Grants - British Ecological Society

British Psychological Society

The British Psychological Society is the representative body for psychology and psychologists in the UK. Each year the Publications & Communications Board (P&CB) awards funding for public engagement activities which produce some form of sustainable resource. Up to £14,000 is available each year, either for one large project or to be shared amongst several smaller projects.

http://www.bps.org.uk/home-page.cfm

British Society for the History of Science

The BSHS aims to foster the understanding of the history & social impact of science, tech & medicine, in all their branches, in the academic and the wider communities. A Special Project Fund is available for those who have ideas for projects that will promote the general aims of the Society. Sums are variable, but grants can potentially range from £50 - £1,500.

Outreach and Engagement Project Grants – BSHS

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

EPSRC are the main UK government agency for funding research and training in engineering and the physical sciences. Their public awareness projects aim to communicate the excitement of research by EPSRC-funded researchers. It offers Starter grants (up to £20k) and Main grants (of any value).

Funding - EPSRC website (ukri.org)

Esmée Fairbairn Foundation

This is the largest independent UK foundation, and awarded £5.6m to education in 2005, with the average grant size £44,032. Current priorities of the foundation are: ‘New approaches to education’ (0-16 year olds) and ‘Hard-to-reach learners’ (3-18 yr olds).

http://www.esmeefairbairn.org.uk/

Natural Environment Research Council

NERC funds world-class science in universities and our own research centres that increases knowledge and understanding of the natural world. We are tackling the 21st century's major environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity and natural hazards. We lead in providing independent research and training in the environmental science.

http://www.nerc.ac.uk/site/guides/schools.asp

The Royal Society

The Royal Society Partnership Grants Scheme offers up to £3,000 to support teachers, scientists and engineers to bring science alive and inspire young people in primary and secondary schools across the UK. Projects must involve a teacher and a practising UK scientist/engineer. Grants are awarded to the school.

Partnership Grants | Royal Society

Royal Society of Chemistry

The RSC is the largest organisation in Europe for advancing the chemical sciences. Supported by a worldwide network of members and an international publishing business, our activities span education, conferences, science policy and the promotion of chemistry to the public.

The Royal Society of Chemistry (rsc.org)

Santander Foundation

Education and training funding could be for any activity disadvantaged people undertake where they improve their confidence in a skill or their understanding of a subject. This does not have to be formal training or lead to a qualification, although those activities would be eligible too. It could be any activity disadvantaged people undertake where they improve their confidence in a skill or their understanding of a subject.

http://www.santanderfoundation.org.uk/

Science & Technology Facilities Council

The STFC is an independent, non-departmental public body of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (DBIS). We are a science-driven organisation, making it possible for a broad range of scientists to do the highest quality research tackling some of the most fundamental scientific questions. They offer the opportunity of funding for up to £100,000 for projects in Public Engagement relating to STFC science.

Home - Science and Technology Facilities Council (ukri.org)

Sciencewise/DIUS

The Sciencewise Expert Resource Centre projects are commissioned directly with policy makers in line with priority areas for engagement in science and technology.  Funding is given for projects that carry out public dialogue to inform national science and technology policy making.  Sciencewise grants are given on a co-funding basis - typically, 50% of the total project costs are expected to be provided by the Commissioning Department and other stakeholders as appropriate.

Sciencewise: public dialogue on science and technology - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The Institute of Physics

The IOP is a scientific charity devoted to increasing the practice, understanding & application of physics. Their public engagement grant scheme provides up to £1,000 to individuals & organisations running physics-based events & activities in the UK & Ireland. Deadline for 2010 is 7 May.

Public Engagement Grant Scheme | Institute of Physics (iop.org)

The Physiological Society

The Physiological Society is a learned society with over 2,900 members drawn from over 50 countries. The majority of our Members are engaged in research, in universities or industry, into how the body works.  They provide an Outreach Grant up to £1000 per calendar year to support the outreach activity of their members.

http://www.physoc.org/grants

The Royal Academy of Engineering

As Britain’s national academy for engineering, we bring together the country’s most eminent engineers from all disciplines to promote excellence in the science, art and practice of engineering. They offer a grants scheme from £3000 - £30,000 for creative public engagement with engineering projects.

Ingenious: public engagement awards - Royal Academy of Engineering (raeng.org.uk)

The Wellcome Trust

The Wellcome Trust is a global charity dedicated to achieving extraordinary improvements in human and animal health. They also support public engagement and education about biomedical science. They provide grants of between £30,000 and £250,000.

Grant Funding Schemes and Guidance | Wellcome

Resources

  • Accessibility in science centres and museums
  • Young people’s perceptions of space
  • An animated guide to equitable collaborations with community partners
  • ASDC Decarbonisation Group
  • CaSE’s Discovery Decade study of public opinion on R&D
  • Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Reports and Research
  • IAP Report on The Value of Science Centres
  • Improving Primary Science Guidance Report
  • ASDC Inclusion handbook
  • Millennium Science Centres Historical Update
  • Parliamentary Debate on the importance of Science and Discovery Centres, March 24 2021
  • Parliamentary Select Committee Reports
  • Reports by ASDC
  • Science Capital
  • STEM Clubs for Schools
  • The Inspiring Science Fund
  • The National Forum for Public Engagement

Useful links

  • Accessibility in science centres
  • Climate Hub UK
  • Code of conduct
  • Inclusion handbook
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions

Where to find us online

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Our Address

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  • 30 Queen Charlotte Street
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  • BS1 4HJ
  • T: 0117 915 0181