Funding your event
Whatever you decide to do for British Science Week you will probably need to arrange for some support or funding. For small scale events, this may be support in kind – a loan of a venue, a donation of equipment, etc.
However, for larger events you may need a grant. If your event depends on funding, then getting financial support will be your first major task.
Available grant schemes
Check out the British Science Week grant funding.
There are some other grant schemes which you could be eligible to apply for to run British Science Week activities or events. Please note that this guide is indicative only and the British Science Association are not responsible for any third-party content, or actions taken on these sites.
Other organisations you could contact
Don’t underestimate the importance of the local area – many companies run community support awards and/or schemes which may be able to help with your project.
Your local STEMNET contract holder
Contact your local STEMNET contract holder (http://www.stemnet.org.uk) to see if they are aware of any local funding, potential sponsors, are running any activities or would be willing to collaborate on a project.
The Charity Commission
The Charity Commission also produce a variety of leaflets to guide registered charities, including one on VAT. Questions regarding various aspects of charitable operations can be dealt with by searching the site http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk.
Funding Central
Funding Central is a free website for charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises. The site provides access to thousands of funding and finance opportunities, plus a wealth of tools and resources supporting organisations to develop sustainable income strategies appropriate to their needs. http://www.fundingcentral.org.uk/
Big Lottery Fund
The Big Lottery Fund is a new organisation that will hand out half the money for good causes from the National Lottery. The fund will support charities, the voluntary sector and projects concerned with health, education and the environment. It will be a fund for community transformation, from smaller grants at local level through to big capital projects, intended to regenerate and revitalise communities.
http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk
Community Foundation Network
These are independent charities operating across the UK, they operate a range of schemes, and it is worth finding out whether your local foundation has a scheme that could benefit your event/project. http://www.communityfoundations.org.uk
Your local supermarket or high-street store
A large proportion of high street stores, such as Boots, WHSmith, Tesco, B&Q etc., have charitable trust funds set up for use in their local area. This is part of their corporate and social responsibility. Check individual websites for details.