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Mace Educational Fund Programme (UK)

Deadline: 26 October 2025

The Mace Educational Fund aims to support the development of young people who are 18 to 25 years old and are in or have been in care with Hampshire County Council (HCC) and are entering education.

Theme

  • This fund is administered by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation. Its core aim is to tackle poverty and inequality. This grant programme is designed to support this goal through meeting their impact theme around ‘Employability’.

Funding Information

  • The Mace fund offers grants of up to £400 for individuals who are or have been in care of Hampshire County Council (HCC). Mace scholarships are primarily for students on or due to start a course of Higher Education which includes drama or poetry. Scholarships may also be awarded to students formerly in the care of Hampshire County Council for them to pursue a course of Higher Education in any suitable subject.
  • Duration: Applicants may only receive one grant in a 12 month period.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Applications to this fund will need to meet the following criteria:
    • Individuals who are or have been in the care of Hampshire County Council (HCC).
    • Individuals who are resident in Hampshire (excluding Portsmouth and Southampton) are eligible to apply.
    • An offer of a place in education should be held or on offer.
    • Applicants must be aged between 18 and 25 years.
  • Consideration will be given to those who can demonstrate they are entering:
    • Further Education (A Level and above), BTEC Extended Diploma (Level 3), NVQ 3, Higher Education (Degree Level and above), HNC, HND, Internships, Apprenticeships and associated extracurricular activities.
    • Have a place on a course leading to a nationally recognised qualification relevant to their chosen career.

Ineligibility Criteria

  • Applications that do not meet the criteria listed above (local authority, age, no other grant from this fund in 12 previous months).
  • Applications that do not show how they will support your needs as a care leaver.
  • HIWCF does not fund projects/travel outside of the UK or activities promoting political or religious themes.
  • HIWCF does not fund retrospective costs (these are costs you have already incurred) such as equipment purchased before application submitted and debt.

For more information, visit HIWCF.