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
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.
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.
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.
The Fund welcomes applications from organizations and initiatives that:
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, community groups, and grassroots initiatives with proven experience or innovative ideas to advance inclusion in STEM.
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:
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.
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:
Through its investments, the FREE STEM Fund aims to:
Participating organizations and initiatives will benefit from:
Applicants should prepare a clear proposal outlining:
Applications must be submitted by 1 December 2025 through the official FREE STEM Fund application platform.
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 2025
Supported by: Optiver Foundation
Focus: Gender equity and empowerment in STEM
Empower change. Apply now to join the global movement advancing diversity, inclusion, and innovation in STEM.
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.
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