James Weir Foundation

The James Weir Foundation, established in 1967 as a grant-making charitable trust, honors the legacy of aerodynamic engineer James Weir by supporting charities that advance empirical analysis, clear reasoning, science, and engineering—values rooted in the Scottish Enlightenment tradition. Its mission emphasizes education, intellectual rigor, and societal progress through scientific principles, funding enduring projects that build capacity, enable training, and promote structured approaches to health, disabilities, and general charitable purposes.

Historically a generalist funder, it prioritizes scientific and engineering education, health initiatives, disability support, and grants to aligned voluntary bodies, targeting established UK charities with systemic impact. Beneficiaries include organizations like the Institution of Engineering and Technology. From May 2025, support is restricted to pre-selected entities explicitly named in the Trust Deed, reflecting the founder's precise wishes; the sole ongoing program is the James Weir Foundation Research Grant via the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd), funding medical/dental research projects.

Eligible applicants for RCSEd grants must be RCSEd Members or Fellows (trainees or within five years of consultancy), with no geographic restrictions beyond one Scottish-focused award; UK-registered charities only, no individuals. Applications are online via the RCSEd platform, with the next deadline on 2 November 2025.

Unsolicited applications are not accepted, distinguishing the Foundation as a discretion-driven, legacy-focused funder eschewing trends for strategic, Enlightenment-aligned priorities. Typical grants range up to £10,000, emphasizing high-impact, evidence-based work over core or unrestricted funding.