The Canadian Association of Science Centres strengthens the funding ecosystem by giving science centres, museums, aquariums, zoos and research hubs a national platform for collaboration. Its network reaches public audiences that many funders want to serve but cannot reach directly: families, students, educators and communities looking for accessible science learning. By coordinating initiatives such as ScienceUpFirst and broader science-engagement work, CASC helps turn campaign funding, program grants and institutional partnerships into projects that improve science literacy, fight misinformation, build STEM equity and support public trust in research. For applicants, the association is useful because it concentrates sector knowledge, convenes eligible organizations and makes small grants more practical to deliver through trusted local institutions.
