# Natural Sciences Collections Association

- Type: Trust / foundation
- Charity number: 1186918 (https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/1186918)
- Website: https://www.natsca.org/
- Latest income: £20.4k; spending £23.9k
- What it funds: Education / training, Arts / culture / heritage / science
- How it gives: Makes grants to individuals, Makes grants to organisations, Provides advocacy / advice / information, Acts as an umbrella or resource body
- Area of operation: Throughout England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
- Other names: Natsca (working)
- Trustees: 15
- Last verified: 2026-11-05T00:00:00.000Z
- Canonical URL: https://opengrant.co.uk/funders/natural-sciences-collections-association

NatSCA supports natural science collections and the people who work with them, to improve care, access and enjoyment for all. We are UK-based but welcome international members and users.We provide: - training workshops, seminars & conferences- peer-reviewed journal- networking opportunities- website & sector resources- member bursaries- member project grants- advocacy

## Open and forthcoming schemes (0)

None in OpenGrant's sources right now.

## Finances by year (Charity Commission)

| Year ending | Income | Spending | Grants to organisations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 Jan 2026 | £20.4k | £23.9k | not filed |
| 31 Jan 2025 | £20.8k | £14k | not filed |
| 31 Jan 2024 | £22.1k | £17.3k | not filed |
| 31 Jan 2023 | £6,577 | £7,583 | not filed |
| 31 Jan 2022 | £7,927 | £7,441 | not filed |

## Charitable objects

> (1) To advance the education of the public in the care and use of Natural Sciences Collections and specimens.(2) To promote for the benefit of the public the highest standards in the preparation, care, conservation, management, interpretation and research of Natural Sciences Collections and specimens.(3) For the benefit of the public to promote the science of Natural Sciences Collections conservation and curation.

## What it funds

Natural Sciences Collections Association is registered under the Charity Commission purposes education / training and arts / culture / heritage / science; the register records that it makes grants to individuals, makes grants to organisations, provides advocacy / advice / information and acts as an umbrella or resource body. In its latest reported year Natural Sciences Collections Association reported income of £20.4k and spending of £23.9k. Over its last 5 reported years, to 31 Jan 2026, it spent £70.2k in total.

The Charity Commission register lists its area of operation as England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

## How to apply

OpenGrant has not found an open scheme from Natural Sciences Collections Association in its sources (last checked 5 Nov 2026). Its website (natsca.org) may list programmes that are not yet open or are by invitation only. OpenGrant does not take applications; always check the funder's own guidance.

## Questions

### Is Natural Sciences Collections Association open for applications now?

Not in OpenGrant's sources as of 5 Nov 2026: no open or forthcoming scheme from Natural Sciences Collections Association is listed. Check the funder's website for programmes that are not yet open or that it does not advertise.

### Where does Natural Sciences Collections Association fund?

The Charity Commission register lists its area of operation as England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

### Does Natural Sciences Collections Association give grants to individuals?

Yes, according to the Charity Commission register, which records that Natural Sciences Collections Association makes grants to individuals as well as to organisations. Check its own guidance for who qualifies.

### How much does Natural Sciences Collections Association give each year?

The register does not break out Natural Sciences Collections Association's grants for its latest year (only charities with income over £500,000 file that detail). Its total spending in the year to 31 Jan 2026 was £23.9k. Over its last 5 reported years its spending averaged £14k a year.

### How large is Natural Sciences Collections Association?

In its latest reported year Natural Sciences Collections Association reported income of £20.4k and spending of £23.9k.


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## Guides

- [Arts and heritage grants in Scotland: what is open now and who funds it](https://opengrant.co.uk/blog/arts-and-heritage-grants-in-scotland)
- [Grants for schools in the UK: where to look and what closes soon](https://opengrant.co.uk/blog/grants-for-schools-uk)
- [How to apply to the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation: who it funds, typical awards and timescales](https://opengrant.co.uk/blog/how-to-apply-to-esmee-fairbairn-foundation)