Funding to improve Public Engagement with Science (United Kingdom)

The Wolfson Foundation generally awards grants towards refurbishing or creating new galleries and, occasionally, to education and learning spaces.

Funding Information

• Usual grant range: £100,000 – £250,000
• Minimum grant amount: £15,000
• Match funding required: Yes, if project cost is >£50,000
• Funding covers:
  • New buildings, refurbishment work and equipment to improve public engagement with science through the history of science

Ineligible Funding

• Examples of ineligible projects and costs include:
  • Purchase of land or existing buildings (including a building’s freehold)
  • Grants direct to individuals
  • Grants through conduit organisations
  • Overheads, maintenance costs and VAT
  • Non-specific appeals (including circulars) and endowment funds
  • Costs of meetings, exhibitions, concerts, expeditions, conferences, lectures, etc.
  • Salary costs
  • Running costs, including vehicle fuel and maintenance
  • Film, websites or promotional materials
  • Repayment of loans
  • Projects that have already been completed or will be by the time of award

Eligibility Criteria

• Who can apply:
  • Registered or exempt charity (or equivalent), local authority or university
• Your organisation should:
  • be operated by a registered charity or a local authority
  • be displaying scientific or natural history collections of national significance
  • be fully accredited under the Museum Accreditation Scheme, if applicable
• Your project should have at least one of the following aims:
  • Increased numbers of visitors and engagement of new audiences
  • Improved educational experience and understanding of science
  • Improved financial stability of the organisation.

For more information, visit The Wolfson Foundation.