Curiosity (Closed)

Who can apply

You can apply if your organisation wants to use engaging science activities to make a positive difference to the lives of children and young people affected by disadvantage in the UK. 

Working and thinking in scientific ways can help them gain confidence and develop life skills, and spark their curiosity in science. 

Your organisation must meet BBC Children in Need’s minimum standards on governance, finance and safeguarding.

You don’t need to have a background in delivering science activities.

Your proposal

To be eligible, you must propose to do one or more of the following: 

• deliver science activities for the first time
• significantly adapt the activities you’ve delivered before, based on what you (or others) have learnt
• work with a new group of children and young people.  

We’re looking for science activities that encourage participation. Activities should be inclusive and accommodate diverse needs. 

Examples of activities include (but are not limited to):  

• exploring local wildlife 
• running a code club 
• investigating how sport affects the body 
• taking apart – and then reassembling – everyday objects to see how they work.

The activities should reduce the effects of disadvantage that certain groups of children and young people experience. 

We will review how you’ll evaluate the outcomes and impacts of your project. We expect you to share what you’ve learnt with others.

If you’re applying for a large award, you must show how you’ll develop expertise within and beyond your organisation, for example by working in partnership with other youth organisations and/or the informal science sector.  

A Curiosity award offers up to three years of support.

There are two levels of funding you can apply for:

• small awards up to £10,000 a year (£30,000 total)
• large awards up to £40,000 a year (£120,000 total). 

We expect to make a maximum of 35 small awards and 15 large awards.  

Projects should start in autumn 2019.  

This scheme is now closed.