Platten Family Fund for STEM Activities in North East (UK)

Deadline: 31-Dec-2026

The Platten Family Fund provides grants of £1,000 to £10,000 to charitable organisations delivering STEM education, vocational training, and STEM heritage activities in North East England. The fund particularly supports projects that strengthen skills and opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, including engineering and vocational trades. What Is the Platten Family Fund? The Platten Family Fund was established through donations from a Blyth-based family to support education and training initiatives across the North East of England. The fund has a particular interest in STEM-related learning, engineering, vocational skills, and the region’s scientific and industrial heritage. It supports charitable organisations that can demonstrate a clear benefit to people living in North East England. What Does the Fund Support? The Platten Family Fund supports projects that provide educational, training, or heritage benefits connected to STEM.

Eligible activities may include:

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. Engineering and technical skills training. Vocational education linked to trades and technical careers. Training programmes that improve technical or vocational skills. Projects that celebrate or preserve STEM and engineering heritage. Activities that increase awareness of STEM careers and opportunities. Community-based STEM learning initiatives. Projects should demonstrate a clear connection to the needs and interests of communities in North East England. Funding Available Successful applicants can receive grants ranging from:

Minimum grant: £1,000

Maximum grant: £10,000

The funding can support eligible project costs. However, staffing costs should be clearly justified and should not represent a significant proportion of the requested grant. Applicants should therefore demonstrate that the majority of the funding will contribute directly to meaningful STEM education, training, or heritage outcomes. Who Is Eligible? The fund is open to charitable organisations delivering activities that benefit people living in North East England. Eligible organisations should be able to demonstrate: A charitable purpose or appropriate charitable status. Activities that benefit communities in North East England. A clear connection between the proposed project and STEM education, training, vocational skills, or STEM heritage. A realistic and appropriately justified project budget. The capacity to deliver the proposed activities effectively. The opportunity is particularly relevant to charities working with young people, learners, communities, or individuals seeking technical and vocational skills. Priority Areas The fund’s focus can be understood across three main areas: STEM Education Projects can help people develop knowledge and practical understanding in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Examples include STEM workshops, educational programmes, practical learning sessions, and community science activities. Vocational and Technical Training The fund also supports training connected to vocational trades and technical skills. This may include initiatives designed to help participants develop practical capabilities relevant to engineering, manufacturing, construction, technology, or related sectors. STEM Heritage Projects can also focus on the history and heritage of STEM and engineering in North East England. This could include activities that preserve, interpret, or celebrate the region’s industrial, engineering, scientific, or technological heritage. Why It Matters The North East of England has a strong history in engineering, manufacturing, science, shipbuilding, mining, and other technical industries. Supporting STEM education and vocational training can help communities preserve this heritage while developing skills relevant to the modern economy. The Platten Family Fund therefore provides an opportunity for charitable organisations to connect education, skills development, community benefit, and regional STEM heritage. Projects that create practical learning opportunities and deliver clear benefits to local residents are particularly relevant to the fund’s objectives. What Projects Should Demonstrate A strong application should clearly explain: The STEM, engineering, vocational, or heritage issue being addressed. Who will benefit from the project. How beneficiaries are connected to North East England. What activities will be delivered. How many people are expected to participate or benefit. What skills, knowledge, or heritage outcomes will be achieved. Why the project is needed. How the requested funding will be used. How staffing expenditure is proportionate and justified. How the organisation will successfully deliver the project. How to Apply Applicants should prepare a clear project proposal before submitting an application.

1. Confirm eligibility

Check that your organisation is charitable and that the proposed activities will benefit people living in North East England.

2. Define the project

Explain exactly what STEM education, training, vocational activity, or heritage work you intend to deliver.

3. Identify beneficiaries

Describe the people or communities who will benefit and explain the expected impact on them.

4. Prepare the budget

Develop a realistic budget within the £1,000–£10,000 funding range. Clearly justify staffing costs and ensure they do not represent an excessive share of the requested funding.

5. Explain the outcomes

Set out measurable outcomes, such as:

Number of participants trained. New technical or STEM skills developed. Educational improvements. Increased awareness of STEM careers. Heritage resources or activities delivered. Community engagement achieved.

6. Submit the application

Provide the required organisational and project information through the fund’s designated application process and ensure that all requested information is complete and accurate. Common Mistakes to Avoid Applicants