Deadline: 06-Mar-2026
The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Outreach Fund supports projects that engage diverse audiences with chemical sciences and promote dialogue between science and society. The fund provides Small Grants of up to £5,000 and Large Grants of £5,001–£10,000 for inclusive, high-quality chemistry engagement across the UK and Republic of Ireland. It prioritizes under-represented communities, science communication skills, and meaningful public engagement with contemporary chemistry topics.
Overview of the Outreach Fund
- The Royal Society of Chemistry Outreach Fund is designed to support innovative outreach and public engagement projects that connect people with chemical sciences in meaningful, inclusive, and accessible ways.
- The fund aims to strengthen the relationship between chemistry and society by supporting activities that encourage dialogue, collaboration, and shared learning. Funded projects should demonstrate how chemistry relates to everyday life while also valuing the experiences and perspectives of communities engaging with science.
Key Objectives of the Fund
- The Outreach Fund focuses on four core areas of impact within chemistry engagement and education.
- These include developing chemists’ public engagement and science communication skills, inspiring school students to explore chemistry and related careers, engaging public audiences on current and relevant chemical science issues, and expanding access to chemistry engagement for under-represented audiences, communities, and locations.
- Projects are expected to align with the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Inclusion and Diversity strategy and its Future Workforce and Educational Pathways initiatives.
Grant Types and Funding Amounts
- The fund offers two levels of financial support depending on project scale and reach.
- Small Grants provide up to £5,000 and are suitable for pilot initiatives, local engagement activities, or short-term projects.
- Large Grants range from £5,001 to £10,000 and support more ambitious, multi-partner, or higher-impact outreach programmes.
- Funding may be used for materials, practitioner fees, venue hire, audience engagement costs, and other eligible outreach expenses.
Types of Activities Supported
- Engagement activities funded through the Outreach Fund can take place in a wide range of settings and formats.
- Eligible activities include chemistry engagement in schools, laboratories, museums, science centres, community venues, gardens, and outdoor spaces. Projects may include workshops, demonstrations, co-created activities, exhibitions, public talks, creative engagement, or interactive learning experiences.
- The emphasis is on high-quality engagement delivered by skilled practitioners and designed to be inclusive, accessible, and relevant to the target audience.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
- Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria set by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
- Eligible applicants must be aged 18 or over and be residents of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or apply on behalf of an organisation registered in either location.
- Applications must include a significant chemical sciences component and align clearly with the fund’s objectives. Previously unsuccessful proposals may not be resubmitted unless the applicant is specifically invited to do so by the RSC.
All applications must be submitted by the stated deadlines to be considered for assessment.
Why This Fund Matters
- The RSC Outreach Fund plays a vital role in making chemical sciences more inclusive, visible, and relevant to society.
- By supporting engagement with under-represented communities and diverse audiences, the fund helps address participation gaps in science, builds public trust in chemistry, and supports the development of a future-ready and inclusive scientific workforce.
- The fund also strengthens collaboration between chemists, educators, cultural institutions, and communities, encouraging new ways of working and shared ownership of science engagement.
How to Apply
- Applicants should follow a structured approach when preparing their application.
- First, define a clear engagement goal that aligns with the Outreach Fund’s objectives.
- Next, identify the target audience and explain why the project is relevant and accessible to them.
- Then, design the engagement activities, including delivery methods, locations, timelines, and practitioner roles.
- Applicants must prepare a realistic budget aligned with either the Small Grant or Large Grant category.
- Finally, submit the complete application by the published deadline, ensuring all required information is provided.
Common Mistakes and Application Tips
- Applicants should avoid submitting proposals that focus primarily on research rather than engagement, lack a clear chemistry focus, or do not demonstrate meaningful audience interaction.
- Strong applications clearly explain who the audience is, how engagement will occur, why the activity is inclusive, and what outcomes are expected for both participants and practitioners.
- Demonstrating alignment with RSC inclusion priorities and showing evidence of skilled delivery partners can significantly strengthen an application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Royal Society of Chemistry Outreach Fund?
It is a funding program that supports public engagement and outreach projects focused on chemical sciences.
How much funding can I apply for?
Applicants can request up to £5,000 for Small Grants or between £5,001 and £10,000 for Large Grants.
Who can apply for the fund?
Individuals aged 18 or over and organisations based in the UK or Republic of Ireland are eligible.
Do projects need to focus on under-represented communities?
While not mandatory, projects engaging under-represented audiences are strongly encouraged and prioritized.
Where can engagement activities take place?
Activities can be delivered in schools, museums, laboratories, community spaces, gardens, and other suitable venues.
Can I resubmit a previously rejected proposal?
No, unless you have been specifically invited by the Royal Society of Chemistry to resubmit.
Conclusion
The Royal Society of Chemistry Outreach Fund offers an important opportunity to deliver inclusive, high-impact chemistry engagement that connects science with society. By supporting projects that inspire, educate, and foster dialogue, the fund helps ensure that chemical sciences are accessible, relevant, and responsive to the diverse communities they serve.
For more information, visit Royal Society of Chemistry.
