Location: UK
Deadlines: July (for October meeting) and December (for March meeting) annually

The Ironmongers’ Company supports projects that provide opportunities for disadvantaged children and young people to fulfil their potential.

Grants are only given to registered charities and projects must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be for children and young people under the age of 25 who are disadvantaged
• Consist of educational activities that develop learning, motivation and skills
• Have clear aims and objectives to be met within a planned timescale
• Are within the UK

The Company is looking for projects that deliver clearly defined educational benefits to a specific group of children or young people. Items of equipment will be considered only where a full explanation is given of how they will support this activity.

They are particularly interested in enabling primary age children to develop a strong foundation for the future. Projects could, for example, support special educational needs, address behavioural problems or promote citizenship, parenting or life skills. Preference will be given to projects piloting new approaches where the outcomes will be disseminated to a wider audience.

Grants range from a few hundred pounds up to £10,000 - the average grant awarded is £4,000. The money must be spent within twelve months from the date of receipt and all recipients are expected to submit a written evaluation report within three months from completion of the project.

The Company’s support should make a recognisable difference, therefore preference will be given to requests where the grant would cover a significant element of the cost and to those from smaller organisations.

For more information, deadlines and details of the application procedure, see the Ironmongers' Company website.