Funding for UK Charities to Support STEM Projects

The Ironmongers’ Foundation offers grants of up to £10,000 to support initiatives that encourage young people aged 11 to 18 from disadvantaged backgrounds to study science subjects at school and go on to pursue STEM-related further education or vocational training, particularly in the area of Materials Science.

The Foundation considers Materials Science to be science applied to understanding the production, properties and engineering applications of materials. This may be considered from the perspective of physics, chemistry, mathematics or vocational studies.

Applications are accepted from registered or exempt charities in the UK. Projects involving corporate partners must have charitable purposes and be for public benefit, not private gain.

The funding is for activities that:

• Are additional to those funded by government or other sources e.g. covered by school budgets.
• Are within the UK, with a preference for urban areas outside London and particularly areas in the north and midlands with a manufacturing presence.
• Have clear objectives and measurable outcomes, providing repeat engagement and focusing on how they will enhance the Science Capital of young learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. A written evaluation report demonstrating how impact has been measured must be provided on completion.

The Foundation prefers to support smaller projects where it is the sole funder or its contribution makes a real difference.

Applications will not be accepted from schools.

Applications are considered three times a year.

The next deadline for applications is 1 December 2024.

Further details can be found here: STEM Projects | Ironmongers’ Company