Tekna's community grants scheme
Do you have a local project you're passionate about and need funding for? Then apply for a community grant.
Tekna's community grants support our members' local initiatives and help raise Tekna's profile in the wider community.
Each year, Tekna awards NOK 4 million in grants that its branches and groups can apply for. This gives every Tekna branch, professional network, student group, Tekna group and association a unique opportunity to build engagement among members — and, not least, to make Tekna's role in society visible.
Application criteria:
- The activity must provide a clear benefit to society and be aligned with the goals of The Norwegian Society of Graduate Technical and Scientific Professionals. For example, by:
- Promoting STEM subjects and expertise that support sustainable development
- Increasing interest in science and mathematics
- Promoting the value of organised working life and The Norwegian Society of Graduate Technical and Scientific Professionals as a trade union
- Enhancing visibility and influence in society
- The activity must have an outward-facing profile. Events intended solely for members are not eligible for support.
Budgeting and funding
- As a general rule, applications may request up to NOK 120,000 per activity.
- A budget must be submitted as part of the application.
- There should be a reasonable balance between the amount requested and the estimated number of people the initiative will reach.
- Activities that include voluntary contributions and/or co-funding will be given priority.
- Any funds awarded must be used within the year in which they are granted and cannot be carried forward.
How to apply
Grants are awarded in two rounds, with application deadlines of 15 October 2026 and 15 April 2027. You will find the application form in Teams for elected representatives, where you also submit a brief report on how the activity went.
How are activities selected?
Applications are assessed by a review committee consisting of representatives from The Professional Development Committee and The Local Branch Committee, with support from the administration.
To receive funding from Tekna's community project funding grants, the following conditions apply:
- Applications submitted by 15 October are for activities planned for the following year.
- Applications submitted by 15 April may only apply to activities taking place after 1 July of the same year.
- Applications must include a project timeline.
- Any communication about the project should acknowledge support from The Norwegian Society of Graduate Technical and Scientific Professionals.
- A short final report must be submitted by 15 December in the funding year. Failure to submit a report will affect consideration of future applications.
- Applications and reports must be submitted using The Norwegian Society of Graduate Technical and Scientific Professionals' online forms.
Funding is not provided for
- Member-only events, including activities exclusively for members’ children
- Equipment that remains in private ownership (equipment may, for example, be donated to a school, library or coding club)
- Regular salary costs (fees for external contributors may be covered)
- Alcohol
- Travel abroad
Are you a union representative in a Tekna group?
If you do not have access to the Teams workspace for union representatives, send an email to [email protected] and we will give you the access you need to the application portal.
Contact:
