Funding
Finding the funds to start a new club can be a big issue; so do we know of any specific funding streams you can apply for? Depending on what you want to do, there are a number of sources you could try. A point to note is that the amount of money needed for a club is generally small and most science based grant funds are only available for much larger projects. Nevertheless, here are some suggested starting points:
When applying for funding make sure you are specific about:
- Your first port-of-call should be your head of department or headteacher. Explain what you are setting up and what the benefits to the school will be.
- The best sources of funding are likely to be Local businesses – talk to your Education and Business Partnership (EBP)
- Local government – try your local authority for funding e.g. Gifted and Talented, Extended Schools funding.
- National Lottery Awards for All - £300 to £10000. You can apply any time and get a decision in 8 weeks http://www.awardsforall.org.uk/england/index.html
- Directory of Grant Making Trusts - available at your local reference library; look for details of local grant funds that you could apply for.
- Talk to your PTA – could they raise some money for start-up costs?
- Try your local STEMNET Contract Holder – they may know of resource boxes you could borrow, likely local sources of money or local sponsorship schemes.
When applying for funding make sure you are specific about:
- What you want to do.
- Who your target audience are.
- What specifically you will spend the money on.
- Any collaborative or partnership work.
- The outcomes (preferably measurable).
- How you are going to evaluate success.
- This will enhance the chances of being successful with your application.
