GrantScape is inviting applications to the East Coast Skills Fund, which offers grants of £10,000 to £75,000 for projects that build science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills in parts of East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.
The fund supports both new STEM initiatives and the expansion of projects already delivering locally, for any age group from early years through to higher education. Projects can run for up to two years.
The deadline is midnight on 24 March 2027, which gives plenty of time to plan a strong project and gather quotes.
About the Funder
GrantScape is a grant-making charity that manages community funds on behalf of companies, including the East Coast Community Fund linked to Ørsted’s offshore wind activity. Each year, up to £75,000 of the main East Coast Community Fund is set aside for STEM education.
The thinking behind it is simple. The UK faces a shortage of technical and engineering skills, and this fund aims to give local people better learning opportunities, stronger skills and improved employment prospects.
What the Fund Supports
The fund backs experienced organisations that can develop and deliver extra-curricular STEM training, education courses, one-off events or a programme of targeted events. There are two main strands:
- Supporting, enhancing or expanding existing projects and networks already delivering local STEM benefits, such as STEM festivals, engagement days and pop-up events
- Creating new and innovative initiatives for one or more age ranges, from early years and primary through to secondary, further and higher education. Examples include wind turbine kits for school science classes, resource packs and other extra-curricular activities
How Much Funding Is Available
You can apply for between £10,000 and £75,000 per application. Up to £75,000 is available in total each year, so a single large award could take most of the pot. A realistic, well-costed request is likely to stand a better chance than asking for the maximum by default.
Who Is Eligible
The fund is open to all types of groups with relevant delivery experience. That includes charities, CICs, community groups, schools and experienced consultancies or private companies.
Key eligibility rules:
- Work must be delivered within the East Coast Community Fund’s benefit area, which covers parts of North Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire, East Riding of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. You can check the exact area on the benefit area map on GrantScape’s portal
- Projects can focus on just one part of the benefit area
- Projects can last up to two years
- Previous applicants are welcome to reapply
- Organisations with a live STEM grant from this fund (one with outstanding finance at the April deadline) cannot apply
- One application per fund. You can apply to the other Ørsted Skills Funds at the same time, but each needs a separate application
What Makes a Strong Application
Show clearly how your project improves local people’s skills and employment prospects. The link between STEM activity and future jobs is the heart of this fund, so make it explicit.
Some practical pointers:
- Evidence your delivery experience. The fund is aimed at experienced organisations, so include past STEM projects, reach and results
- Be specific about the age range and who will take part, and how you will reach them
- If you are expanding an existing project, show what it has already achieved and what the extra funding will add
- If it is a new initiative, explain what makes it innovative and how it will be delivered in practice
- Get your quotes sorted early. Any item over £10,000 needs at least three quotes or a tender
What You Will Need
Have these ready before you start:
- Your governing document (constitution, memorandum and articles, or trust deed)
- Your most recent annual accounts, or a 12-month income and expenditure statement for newer groups
- A bank statement dated within the last three months showing your organisation name, account number and sort code
- Independent written quotes for project costs: one for items up to £1,000, two for £1,001 to £10,000, and three or a tender for anything over £10,000
- A safeguarding policy if you work with children, young people or adults at risk
- Landowner permission, lease or planning permission if the project involves capital works
How to Apply
- Check your project sits within the benefit area using GrantScape’s map
- Read the application questions and guidance document
- Register or log in to the GrantScape application portal (SmartSimple)
- Select the East Coast Skills Fund as the fund you are applying to
- Complete and submit the online form before midnight on 24 March 2027
If you want to talk through your idea first, GrantScape can be reached on 01908 247630.
Note that this closing date is different from the main East Coast Community Fund. Late submissions will not be considered.
Key Dates
- Application deadline: 24 March 2027, midnight
- Decisions announced: end of May 2027
