Science and Society Community Challenge grant scheme
Supporting individuals and organisations to create and run pilot projects which take science to diverse audiences.
This new scheme offers financial support to individuals and organisations, to create and run pilot projects which take science to diverse audiences, and engage them with science in their own communities.
Aims
The scheme aims to:
- reach audiences of all ages and from all walks of life that are currently under-served by existing activities and inform, inspire and involve them in science
- investigate and test new methods of engagement and participation
Funding available
There are 3 levels of project funding: up to £10,000, up to £20,000 and up to £40,000, depending on the size and difficulty of the project.
Who is eligible to apply
The scheme is open to a wide range of people, including:
- scientists and researchers
- facilitators and practitioners of science communication
- science centre or museum staff
- artists
- educators, schools, colleges and universities
- film makers
- theatre producers
- games developers
- public participation practitioners
- businesses
- civil society organisations
- community groups, Guides or Scouts, youth clubs
- religious institutions
This list is not exhaustive.
Eligible projects
Project activities need to specifically focus on the target audiences, and may include:
- events, workshops
- debates, discussions and deliberative or opinion-gathering projects
- exhibitions and museum outreach
- games, websites, films, and multi- or cross-platform projects
- theatre projects or other performance work
- citizen science projects
- creation and use of new materials for community use
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has allocated up to £500,000 to this scheme during the financial year 2014 to 2015, and will be funding 21 projects (see list of successful applicants below).
Guidance
Guidance explaining the scheme in more detail was produced for applicants.
How to apply
The application period for 2014 to 2015 has now expired.
Key scheme dates
- Opening date: 10 March 2014
- Closing date: 16 May 2014
- Winners announced: 19 September 2014
Next steps
The list of winners for the 2014 to 2015 scheme has been published. To see summary details of each of the projects as well as updates, see the Science and Society blog.
Updates to this page
Last updated 19 September 2014 + show all updates
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The list of winners for the 2014 to 2015 scheme has been published.
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First published.