Ironmongers’ Foundation – STEM Funding for 2026

The Ironmongers’ Foundation will open its next funding round in January 2026, offering grants of up to £10,000 to support UK charities delivering STEM-focused work with young people.

The Foundation aims to encourage disadvantaged young people (aged 11–18) to study science subjects and progress into STEM-related further education, apprenticeships or vocational training — with a particular interest in Materials Science.

(Materials Science includes the study, production and application of materials from the perspective of physics, chemistry, mathematics or vocational engineering.)

Who can apply

• Registered or exempt UK charities
• Not open to schools
• Projects with corporate partners are eligible only if the activity is clearly charitable and for public benefit

What they will fund

Projects must:

• Provide activities additional to what government or school budgets already fund
• Take place within the UK, with a preference for urban areas outside London, especially in the North and Midlands with a manufacturing history
• Offer repeat engagement and demonstrate how they increase the Science Capital of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds
• Include clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and a written evaluation report at completion

The Foundation particularly likes to support small projects where their funding makes a meaningful difference, or where they can act as the sole funder.

Application timeline

• Opens: January 2026
• Deadline: 1 April 2026

Applications are reviewed three times a year

This grant is provided by The Ironmongers’ Foundation, part of The Worshipful Company of Ironmongers, a City of London livery company. You can find the original funder details here:

Ironmongers’ Foundation – STEM Grants (Official funder webpage)

This page includes their funding criteria, deadlines and application form.