Several UK institutions and trusts offer grants that can help fund VEX Robotics teams and classroom robotics programs, covering equipment, projects, and STEM activities. This article summarizes the main UK funding opportunities and where to find the full details. It is written for coaches, mentors, teachers, and organization administrators looking for funding for their teams in the United Kingdom.
Definitions of the terms used here are maintained in the central glossary.
For an overview of where to start your funding search, see Finding Funding for Your VEX Robotics Team.
UK Funding Opportunities
The full, maintained table of UK funding opportunities lives in the VEX Library at UK Funding Sources. Highlights include:
- Engineering Education Grant Scheme – Run jointly by the Institution of Engineering and Technology and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, with standard awards of up to £5,000 and a small number of larger-impact awards of up to £15,000 each year, for UK-based educational projects that increase engineering knowledge among young people.
- Institute of Physics School Grants – Up to £600 for projects, events, and activities that promote interest in physics and engineering, open to schools, colleges, and home school groups in the UK and Ireland.
- Ogden Trust Partnership Grants – Up to £3,000 for UK schools and colleges to carry out investigative STEM research projects in partnership with a STEM professional from academia or industry.
- British Science Association CREST Award Grants – Up to £600 to support science and engineering activities connected to the CREST Awards scheme.
Grant amounts, deadlines, and eligibility rules change from year to year, so always confirm the details on each funder's own site before applying.
Questions About UK Funding
If you know of a UK grant program that should be listed, or have questions about funding for your team, reach out to your Program Support Manager through events.vex.com/support.