British Association for the Advancement of Science

The Association funds science engagement activities in schools and community settings across the UK. This includes practical science projects, CREST Awards for underrepresented students enabling hands-on experiments and skills development, and community grants supporting outreach events, science festivals, and British Science Week programs delivering inclusive workshops, demonstrations, and after-school science clubs. Funded uses include equipment, salaries, events, transport, and training. Interventions focus on breaking down barriers to STEM participation through community-led events, school-based science activities in underserved regions, capacity-building for local organizations, and national initiatives promoting equity in science access and diversity in STEM careers.

The Association funds community groups, registered charities, schools, and other eligible organizations including charitable incorporated organisations, community interest companies, and social enterprises. Priority is given to groups that include girls and women, ethnic minorities, people in remote or rural areas, those with physical or mental health conditions, and people from low socio-economic backgrounds. The Association is distinctive in its focus on reaching audiences who may not self-identify as having an interest in science, particularly hard-to-reach sectors. Schools are eligible for some programmes, while community grants exclude schools.

The Association does not fund large capital projects or activities outside of science engagement. Exclusions include core organizational overheads, capital builds, and short-term narrow interventions lacking broader cultural impact.

The Association offers one-off grants through distinct programmes tailored to different applicant types, including schools and community groups. They welcome unsolicited applications. Match funding is not required. Their funding style supports practical science projects, community events, and capacity-building initiatives that expand participation in science among underrepresented groups.