Deadline: 11-Feb-2026
The Dudgeon Community STEM in Schools Fund offers grants of up to £10,000 to support innovative STEM education projects in Norfolk. The fund targets primary and secondary students (up to Year 13) in Breckland, Great Yarmouth, and North Norfolk, prioritizing initiatives that engage underrepresented groups and provide enrichment beyond the standard national curriculum.
The Dudgeon Community STEM in Schools Fund is a dedicated grant program designed to inspire the next generation of scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians. By funding enrichment activities that spark curiosity, the fund aims to build long-term interest in STEM career pathways within specific Norfolk districts.
Why It Matters: Bridging the STEM Skills Gap
STEM education is vital for the future economy, yet many students lose interest before reaching higher education. This fund is critical for:
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Curiosity-Led Learning: Moving beyond “rote learning” to hands-on, experimental education.
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Equity in Education: Specifically targeting groups underrepresented in STEM fields (e.g., girls in engineering, students from low-income backgrounds).
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Local Economic Growth: Aligning Norfolk’s student talent with the growing technical industries in the region.
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Sustained Impact: Supporting projects that create lasting change rather than one-off experiences.
Key Concepts and Definitions
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STEM Enrichment: Activities that enhance the standard school curriculum, such as robotics clubs, coding workshops, or engineering challenges.
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Underrepresented Groups: Demographic groups that historically participate in STEM at lower rates, including certain ethnicities, genders, or socio-economic backgrounds.
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Year 13: The final year of secondary education in the UK (typically age 17–18).
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Non-Fee Paying Schools: State-funded educational institutions that do not charge tuition.
Who is Eligible?
To ensure the funding reaches the intended communities, applicants must meet specific geographic and organizational criteria.
Eligible Regions: Projects must be delivered to students located in:
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Breckland
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Great Yarmouth
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North Norfolk
Eligible Organizations:
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Non-fee paying schools and colleges.
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Registered charities.
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Social enterprises and Community Interest Companies (CICs).
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Voluntary or community groups with a track record in educational delivery.
Participant Age Group:
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Primary and secondary school pupils.
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College students up to and including Year 13.
Funding and Grant Details
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Maximum Grant Amount: Up to £10,000.
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Project Scope: Must focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics.
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Sustainability: Preference is given to projects that demonstrate a “sustained impact” on learners over time.
How to Apply: Requirements and Best Practices
The fund seeks projects that offer high value and innovative delivery models.
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Define Innovation: Ensure your project offers something “extra-curricular.” It should not cover standard lessons that the school is already legally required to provide.
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Consult Schools: If you are an external charity or CIC, you must consult directly with the host schools to ensure your program aligns with their needs and schedule.
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Demonstrate Impact: Your application should outline how you will measure the success of the project (e.g., student surveys, increased uptake in STEM electives).
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Collaboration: Joint applications between multiple schools or organizations are encouraged to maximize the reach of the £10,000 grant.
Common Mistakes and Tips
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Mistake: Funding Core Costs. The grant cannot be used for teacher salaries or equipment used for the standard national curriculum.
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Mistake: Geographic Mismatch. Projects delivered outside the three specified Norfolk districts will be automatically rejected.
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Tip: Focus on Underrepresented Groups. Explicitly state how your project will reach students who might not otherwise engage with STEM.
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Tip: Leverage Previous Success. If you have received a grant before, highlight your past results. Just ensure your previous grant is fully spent and reported before reapplying.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a private, fee-paying school apply? No. The fund is strictly for non-fee paying (state) schools and colleges.
2. Can the grant be used to buy standard lab equipment? Only if that equipment is essential for a new and innovative enrichment project. It cannot be used to replace or supplement standard classroom equipment.
3. Is there a minimum grant amount? While the maximum is £10,000, there is no specified minimum. However, projects should be substantial enough to show sustained impact.
4. Can we apply for a one-day science fair? While one-day events are eligible, the fund prioritizes projects that demonstrate “sustained impact” on learners. Consider how a one-day event connects to a longer-term strategy.
5. What counts as “Year 13”? This refers to students in their final year of A-Levels, T-Levels, or equivalent Level 3 vocational qualifications.
6. We received a grant last year; can we apply again? Yes, provided your previous project is finished, the money is fully spent, and you have submitted all required progress reports.
7. Does the project have to be delivered inside a school building? No, as long as the participants are students from the eligible districts and the activity supports their STEM development.
Conclusion
The Dudgeon Community STEM in Schools Fund represents a vital investment in the human capital of Norfolk. By focusing on innovation, inclusion, and impact, the fund empowers schools and community groups to move beyond the whiteboard and give students a tangible, exciting future in STEM. Success depends on presenting a project that is clearly distinguished from the day-to-day curriculum.
For more information, visit Norfolk Community Foundation.