The aim of the National Science and Engineering Week Small Grant Scheme for Schools, as set by the DIUS, is to widen access to science, engineering and technology activities to schools with either a high proportion of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds or a high proportion of pupils from black and minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds. Grants are mainly for £150 though slightly more may be available for specific proprosals. Other sources of funding can be found in the BA guide to funding.
The Royal Academy's Public Engagement Grants Programme
Ingenious - engaging citizens; engaging engineers. Funding is available (£5,000 to £30,000) for projects that enhance the public engagement skills of engineers; and that provide opportunities for engineers to engage in debate with the public (both young people and adults) on engineering and its impact on society. Deadline 30th November 2007.
'Money,Money,Money!'
An overview of various funding sources from the Royal Society together with the Institute of Physics, the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC), Gatsby Technical Education Projects (GTEP), Rolls-Royce, SETNET and Wellcome Trust.
Rolls Royce Science Prize
Although the deadline for 2007 has now passed, this is open to all teachers of science from all schools and colleges in the UK and Republic of Ireland to fund science-teaching project ideas that meets needs in your schools or college. Every year £120,000 is awarded for you to invest in science education in your schools. The next major deadline is in 2008. Application details will be made nearer the time.
Nuffield Science Bursaries
This scheme helps students to take part in science based projects, lasting 4-6 weeks, in universities, industry or research institutions during the summer holidays.
STEM Access Grants
Designed to increase the engagement of African and Caribbean boys, and Bangladeshi and Pakistani girls in STEM. The closing date for applications was November 2006 but you may be interested to see what projects are ongoing in your area.
EPSRC Holmes Hines Memorial Fund
Small awards are available to help individuals or organisations with activities related to science and engineering for which public funds are not available. Applications can be in any area of science and engineering.
Funding for science and discovery centres/museums - enrichment activities
Grants were available to small consortia of 3 – 4 science and discovery centres/museums for activities conducted on-site at science centres, targeting youngsters at the end of primary school, at the key transition point when they can ‘switch off’ from science or outreach activities conducted off-site by young enthusiastic role models, targeting areas and schools that rarely make a visit to a science centre. The closing date has passed but check their website to see the outcomes.
Kalpana Chawla Bursaries
The Kalpana Chawla Foundation has been set up by the National Space Centre, Leicester, to honour the memory of Dr Kalpana Chawla who died in the Columbia Shuttle disaster in 2003. The Foundation provides the opportunity for educational and community groups who experience financial or social barriers, to either visit the Space Centre, or to participate in its outreach programme, for free.
Wellcome Trust - Arts Awards
This new funding scheme has been launched by the Wellcome Trust to support arts projects that engage with biomedical science. The scheme is part of the £3.2 million Wellcome Trust Engaging Science programme. It aims to build on the success of previous initiatives (Sciart, Pulse and Science on Stage and Screen) and bring together a diverse range of individuals and organisations to develop innovative and highly creative activities. For more information on how to apply for this scheme and deadlines, please contact the Wellcome Trust.
Other usefeul overviews and sources of information
The Science Learning Centres have a webpage overviewing various grants available to teachers and schoools, including grant for professional development opportunities. Also the Chemlabs funding overview (on the website associated with the Chemistry department at the University of Bristol) has a very thorough overview which is not just for Chemistry.
It's recognised that making applications can be time consuming for teachers! If you need help and assistance in putting together a proposal, or shaping up an idea, then please contact the STEM Communication Manager for your region.