Welcome to the FREE STEM Fund Phase 1 Application form


Please ensure before you apply that you have read the eligibility criteria thoroughly. Here they are below. For more information visit our website: thefreestemfund.org/who-can-apply 

If your organisation meets all of the following criteria, you can apply for FREE STEM:
  1. Your organisation, collective, or group must consist of a minimum of 3 people.
  2. Your organisation or group must align with the mission and vision of FREE STEM.
  3. Your project proposal must focus on the target group, and align with at least the Education and Training Thematic Area of FREE STEM. 
  4. Your organisation or group must have at least 60% of women, transgender and/or non-binary people in leadership positions. Priority will be given to women-led, transgender-led and non-binary-led organisations.
  5. Your annual organisational income for 2024 must be a maximum of €150,000. Priority will be given to grassroots organisations.
We recognise that AI tools can support applicants by easing the administrative burden of drafting proposals. However, all information submitted must be truthful, accurate, and reflective of your own work, experiences, and ideas. Please note that applications generated primarily by AI may not be competitive. We encourage you to use your own words and authentic voice to ensure your application stands out.
1.1 Eligibility Criteria









20 words max.



Vision: Girls, women, transgender and non-binary people are widely represented in, and empowered to thrive in and advance the STEM sector. Mission: The FREE STEM Fund will invest in initiatives that use intersectional approaches to empower girls, women, transgender and non-binary people as changemakers in the STEM sector.


FREE STEM Fund target group: All girls and women, transgender and non-binary people, particularly from underrepresented groups and minority communities for example black, indigenous, people of colour, LGBTIQ+, people with disabilities, sex workers, refugees, rural and marginalised urban communities, migrants or those who are stateless and people who face caste-based oppression.


Click on the link to the website to read the full description of the thematic areas: https://www.thefreestemfund.org/who-can-apply


FREE STEM Fund understands leadership positions as key decision makers within your organisation. Depending on structure and legality in your context, this may be the executive team, board, or an informal set of team leads/representatives.

1.2 Expression of Interest


If you don't have social media please write in the box: "No social media."



What pronouns do you use as an individual? A pronoun is a word that is used to refer to a person or thing. Example: If I use 'she/her' pronouns then someone would refer to me in a sentence like this: "She is applying for this fund on behalf of her organisation"










Do you have trouble accessing technology such as the internet or computer. Do you need language support? Do you have any disabilities that require assistance in this process?
List all people in top leadership positions in your organisation or group. You should list at least 3 and up to 5 people. Name / Gender / Role.

Cis woman means cisgender woman which refers to women who were assigned female at birth and identify themselves as women. Cis man means cisgender man which refers to men who were assigned male at birth and identify themselves as men.  Read more about what cisgender means here: https://www.transhub.org.au/101/cis 

Non-binary: Refers to individuals whose gender identity does not fit into the singular categories of man or woman. Watch this for more information: https://www.them.us/video/watch/jacob-tobia-explains-the-history-of-the-word-genderqueer
























Explain how it addresses the topic of gender inequality in STEM. (Max 300 words).

Atom: 15,000- 20,000 EUR over two years New groups / organisations Aimed at new or smaller initiatives to address gender equity in STEM Does not require registration nor a fiscal sponsor.   
Molecule: Up to 50,000 EUR over two years Either: Min. 2. year demonstrable experience implementing STEM x gender equity projects OR Min. 3 years of demonstrable experience in STEM Education and Training If a group/org is unregistered and applies for more than 15,000 EUR, they will need a fiscal sponsor.