Funding

Grants of up to £1,000 Available to Fund Biochemical Outreach Projects (UK)

The Biochemical Society has announced that its Outreach Grants programmer has re-opened for applications. Grants of up to £1,000 are available to increase participation in the molecular biosciences at school level and the community through engagement activities. 

Within school projects the Society is looking to support projects with emphasis on molecular bioscience for upper secondary school age audiences and above. For primary school age audiences, the focus can be on biology or on all sciences. The type of events funded could include activities for a science club; workshops for students or teachers; and Lectures from research scientists (including PhD students and post-doc). 

Past projects include Science Week: 

·       Detective Sciences - an event that formed part of the Science week activities at Abercanaid Community School, Martyr Tidily. The focus of the event was centered on promoting scientific investigation, scientific thinking and enhancing English language skills.

·       'Introduction to DNA, fun activity for all', a DNA workshop led by Dr Sharon Williams, Coventry University. The event has allowed 7-11 years old to do hands-on activities related to Molecular Biosciences, with the support of families as well.

There are two round of applications per year, in September and April. 

Institute of Physics: School Grants to Promote Physics (UK)

UK schools and colleges can apply for grants of up to £600 for small-scale projects or events linked to the teaching or promotion of physics and engineering to pupils aged 5 - 19. Grants can be used to support a wide range of projects such as school based science weeks, extracurricular activities, science clubs, careers event or a visit from a working physicist or engineer. 

Previous projects to receive funding include Ampleforth College for a visit to Jodrell Bank Radio Observatory; and St John's High School for a Practical Rocketry workshop to design a water propelled rocket. 

There are 3 rounds of applications per year, in February, June and November.

Ernest Cook Trust Grants Programme (UK)

Schools and not for profit organisations wishing to encourage young people's interest in the countryside; and literacy, numeracy and science can apply for funding to the Ernest Cook Trust (ECT). 

The Trust operates two grant making programmes. The small grants programme (under £4,000); and the large grants programme (grants between £4,000 and £12,000). The small grants programme deals mainly with requests for support from state schools and small charitable organisations and trustees meet every two months to consider applications. For the large grants programme, the Trustees meet twice a year, to consider applications. 

Following a review of the work of The Ernest Cook Trust in 2018, the Trustees have agreed that the Trust should focus its grant giving activity on inspiring young people to achieve better educational and life outcomes by learning from the land. As a result, the Trust will now concentrate on projects relating to learning from the land. Projects that fall within the categories of arts, literacy and STEM remain welcome, but must demonstrate a clear link to learning from the land in their application.

This new focus for grants will apply to all applications considered at grants meetings from 2019 onwards.

Previous projects supported can be found here: 

Funding for Projects that Promote a Better Understanding of the Environment and Countryside (UK)

UK based not for profit organisations and schools can apply for funding to the Nineveh Charitable Trust for a broad range of projects and activities that promote a better understanding of the environment and countryside, whilst facilitating improved access, education and research. 

Whilst the Trust does not specify a minimum or maximum grant amount that can be applied for, an analysis of previous grants would suggest a maximum of £5,000 per year for up to three years. Previous projects supported include:

·       Busby Primary School which received a grant of £2,000 to build a 'vertical garden' for environment enhancement as well as the children's educational value; 

·       St Joseph's Specialist School & College, which received a grant of £4,000 towards a community garden expansion; and

·       Teesmouth Field Centre which received a grant of £3,150 to enable a full-day visit to the Centre from 15 local Primary Schools for their 'Hands on Habitats Project'.

Applications can be submitted at any time.

B&Q Community Re-Use Scheme for Schools and Community Groups (UK)

DIY store B&Q operates a community re-use scheme through all its branches across the UK. The scheme donates unsellable products and materials for re-use by local schools, other educational institutions and community groups, for the benefit of the local community and the environment.

All items are donated on the understanding that they will be re-used or disposed of responsibly if they aren’t used. Eligible groups include:

Schools and colleges

Child minders, playgroups and nurseries

Allotment associations, community gardening projects

Youth groups including scouts, guides and cadets

Registered charities; Hospices

Conservation groups including The Conservation Volunteers and Forest Schools

Community projects organised by local churches and other religious groups

Women’s Institute, Lions Clubs, Rotary, Townswomen Guilds

Royal British Legion

Adult education projects, University of the Third Age

Other local community groups.

B&Q also works with Community Repaint, a network of schemes that collects any surplus, re-usable paint and redistributes it within their communities to individuals and families on low income, charities and community groups. For more information please contact your local store directly and speak to a duty manager.

Royal Society of Chemistry – Outreach Fund (UK)

Individuals and organisations such as researchers, museums, schools, community groups, not-for-profit organisations, arts groups and libraries can apply for grants of up to £2,000 to run chemistry-based events and activities for public audiences and in schools.

Priority will be given to projects that raise awareness of the place of chemistry in people’s everyday lives, especially those not already interested in chemistry, and/or develop the science communication skills of people who are already highly trained in chemistry.

Previously funded projects include:

“Cool chemistry at the seaside” where the Society awarded a grant of £2,000 to volunteers in Ramsgate who transformed an empty town-centre shop into a makeshift theatre, delivering free chemistry demonstrations to anyone.

They run a rolling application process for small grants.  The large grants programme opens for applications in January each year.