About the FREE STEM Fund The FREE STEM Fund is a pioneering global initiative dedicated to narrowing the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). With foundational support from the Optiver Foundation, the Fund seeks to ensure that girls, women, transgender, and non-binary individuals are not only represented in STEM but also empowered to thrive, lead, and innovate. By investing in inclusive, community-driven projects, the FREE STEM Fund is working to create equal opportunities and transform the face of STEM education, research, and careers. Application Deadline: 1 December 2025 Vision A world where girls, women, transgender, and non-binary people are widely represented in and empowered to thrive in the STEM sector—from classrooms and laboratories to boardrooms and policy spaces. Mission The FREE STEM Fund invests in initiatives that adopt intersectional and inclusive approaches to empower gender-diverse changemakers in STEM. The Fund supports organizations and movements that challenge systemic barriers, promote equitable participation, and amplify the voices of underrepresented groups in science and technology. Foundational Support: Optiver Foundation The Optiver Foundation provides key financial and strategic support to the FREE STEM Fund. The Foundation is deeply committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within the technology and finance industries, and its collaboration with FREE STEM reflects a shared mission to create equal opportunities through accessible STEM education. Together, FREE STEM and Optiver Foundation are championing initiatives that expand access to STEM pathways and unlock the potential of the next generation of innovators. Who Can Apply The Fund welcomes applications from organizations and initiatives that: Work to advance gender equity in STEM, with a focus on empowering girls, women, transgender, and non-binary individuals. Are based in or serve communities with limited access to STEM education or career opportunities. Incorporate intersectional, inclusive, and participatory approaches in their work. Demonstrate a clear commitment to building long-term, systemic change in the STEM ecosystem. Are led by or actively engage underrepresented groups in STEM at the leadership or beneficiary level. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, community groups, and grassroots initiatives with proven experience or innovative ideas to advance inclusion in STEM. Approach and Funding Priorities The FREE STEM Fund employs shared governance and participatory decision-making, ensuring that funding decisions reflect the realities and priorities of those most affected by the gender gap in STEM. The Fund invests in projects that: Promote access to quality STEM education and training for underrepresented groups. Create pathways for women, transgender, and non-binary individuals to enter, remain, and excel in STEM careers. Support mentorship, leadership, and visibility of gender-diverse STEM role models. Engage communities and institutions to challenge stereotypes and structural barriers. Foster innovation, research, and collaboration within inclusive STEM networks. FREE STEM recognizes that true equity requires addressing not only educational access but also the social, economic, and cultural environments that shape participation in STEM fields. Holistic and Inclusive Model The Fund’s design reflects a holistic approach—acknowledging that access to STEM opportunities depends on supportive environments, representation, and equitable systems. By combining financial investment with participatory governance, FREE STEM ensures that resources reach grassroots organizations and local innovators who understand their communities’ unique challenges. FREE STEM values: Equity over equality, recognizing that different groups face different barriers. Collaboration across disciplines, leveraging science, education, advocacy, and community leadership. Sustainability, by supporting projects with long-term impact and replicable models. Representation, by uplifting diverse voices as role models and changemakers in STEM. Program Objectives Through its investments, the FREE STEM Fund aims to: Narrow the gender gap in STEM education and employment. Increase the number of visible women, transgender, and non-binary role models in STEM. Build inclusive systems and environments that support retention and advancement. Empower local communities to create culturally relevant, scalable STEM programs. Encourage collaboration and policy advocacy that promotes gender-responsive STEM ecosystems. Why Apply? Participating organizations and initiatives will benefit from: Access to funding for innovative STEM projects and programs. Visibility and credibility through association with the FREE STEM Fund and Optiver Foundation. Opportunities for collaboration with a global network of advocates for gender diversity in STEM. Support for scaling impact through mentorship, capacity-building, and knowledge exchange. How to Apply Applicants should prepare a clear proposal outlining: Their project goals and target beneficiaries. The strategies and methods they will use to promote gender inclusion in STEM. The expected outcomes and long-term impact of their initiative. Their organizational structure and leadership composition, highlighting inclusion practices. Applications must be submitted by 1 December 2025 through the official FREE STEM Fund application platform. Call to Action The FREE STEM Fund represents a transformative opportunity to redefine who leads, learns, and innovates in STEM. By centering girls, women, transgender, and non-binary voices, the Fund is building a future where science and technology are truly inclusive and equitable. Deadline: 1 December 2025Supported by: Optiver FoundationFocus: Gender equity and empowerment in STEM Empower change. Apply now to join the global movement advancing diversity, inclusion, and innovation in STEM. APPLY HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the offering organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.