Frequently asked questions for philanthropic supporters and major donors

The IET Futures Fund exists to help young people discover engineering, thrive in education, and build meaningful careers that benefit society. As the charitable arm of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, we focus on opening doors for those who may not otherwise see engineering as a path open to them.

Engineering shapes the world around us - from clean energy and healthcare to transport, infrastructure, and digital technology. Yet many young people are excluded from engineering careers because of circumstance, confidence, or cost.

The Futures Fund helps change that by inspiring early interest and supporting talented students to complete their studies and enter the profession.

We want a future where engineering is open to everyone with the curiosity and potential to succeed - regardless of background - and where society benefits from a diverse, skilled engineering workforce.

Philanthropic and major-gift support enables us to:

• Inspire children and young people through hands-on engineering experiences
• Bring high-quality STEM programmes into schools and communities
• Provide financial support to engineering students and apprentices facing hardship

• Children and young people who may never have encountered engineering role models
• Undergraduate students and apprentices at risk of leaving education for financial reasons
• Schools and communities with limited access to STEM enrichment opportunities.

We track both reach and outcomes, including participation levels, student progression, completion rates, and employment in engineering and technology roles. We also place great value on feedback and lived experience from the young people we support.

Many schools and students can only participate because of donor support. For students in particular, philanthropy often makes the difference between completing their studies or having to step away from an engineering career altogether.

Yes. We regularly share case studies and stories from beneficiaries, and where appropriate we can introduce donors to students and young people who are willing to share their journeys.

Your gift supports the delivery of education programmes and student awards, including resources, coordination, safeguarding, and outreach to ensure support reaches those who need it most.

As part of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, the Futures Fund benefits from strong governance, financial oversight, and shared infrastructure. This allows us to operate efficiently while maximising charitable impact.

Yes. The IET is a registered charity in England & Wales and Scotland, governed by an unpaid Board of Trustees and regulated by the Charity Commission.

We welcome:

• One-off and multi-year philanthropic gifts
• Major and transformational donations
• Legacy gifts and bequests
• Corporate giving, partnerships, and matched funding.

Yes. Many donors choose to focus their giving on particular programmes, geographic areas, or under-represented communities. Others establish named scholarships aligned with their personal or organisational values.

Recognition is guided entirely by donor preference. Options range from public acknowledgment and named awards to quiet recognition or complete anonymity.

We regularly partner with charitable trusts, foundations, and businesses seeking long-term, measurable impact. We are experienced in meeting due-diligence requirements, aligning with funding priorities, and providing tailored reporting and stewardship.

Our work supports skills development, social mobility, education access, and workforce diversity — all key priorities for responsible businesses and ESG-led giving.

Major donors receive regular updates, impact reporting, and invitations to events and programme visits, supported by our Fundraising team.

Yes. We encourage donors to see our work in action and, where appropriate, meet the young people whose futures are being shaped by philanthropy.

Many supporters choose to deepen their involvement through mentoring, volunteering, speaking at events, or sharing professional insight and networks.

UK taxpayers can increase the value of their gift through Gift Aid, and higher-rate taxpayers may be eligible for additional relief.

Yes. A legacy gift can help ensure future generations of engineers have the opportunity to thrive. We’re happy to provide guidance and work with your advisors.

Safeguarding is central to everything we do. All staff and volunteers working with young people are appropriately trained and checked, and we maintain robust safeguarding and ethical policies.

Our Fundraising team would be delighted to talk with you about your interests and how your philanthropy — as an individual, trust, foundation, or business — could help shape the future of engineering.