Applications open for Science Community Grant Programme (UK)

The Royal Society Science Community Grant Programme offers up to £105,000 over three years to UK-based organisations that foster STEM partnerships between schools, colleges, and STEM professionals in areas of greatest need. The grant supports hands-on STEM learning, teacher CPD, and collaborative networks to provide long-term, real-world scientific engagement for students.

Programme Overview

The Royal Society Science Community Grant Programme is a three-year funding initiative aimed at UK organisations that build sustainable partnerships between clusters of schools, colleges, and STEM professionals. The programme focuses on areas with the greatest unmet STEM needs, supporting hands-on scientific learning, teacher development, and engagement with real-world scientific experiences.

Objectives

• Promote inquiry-based STEM learning in schools and colleges.

• Provide continuous professional development (CPD) for teachers to strengthen practical investigation skills.

• Foster collaborative communities between schools and STEM professionals.

• Establish long-term partnerships with universities and industry to enhance engagement.

• Strengthen outreach culture to benefit early-career STEM researchers.

Funding Details

• Total Grant Amount: Up to £105,000 per organisation over three years.

• Eligible Costs:

  • Coordination activities for schools and STEM professionals

  • Investigative equipment for classroom use

  • CPD delivery for teachers and STEM professionals

  • Travel expenses for school visits and STEM professional engagements

  • Data collection and impact evaluation

Funding ensures that projects can establish lasting STEM engagement, providing a legacy beyond the grant period.

Who is Eligible?

• UK-based organisations and institutions with experience in STEM outreach.

• Capacity to manage at least 25 schools or colleges throughout the grant period.

• Demonstrated ability to provide CPD, community-building, and evaluation activities.

• Schools should primarily be recruited from high-need areas, ensuring access for underrepresented students.

Key Requirements

Organisations applying for this grant must:

1. Recruit at least 25 schools or colleges, involving a minimum of 30 students per school.

2. Develop and repeat small-scale investigations with multiple student cohorts.

3. Deliver comprehensive CPD programmes for both teachers and STEM professionals.

4. Build active, collaborative networks among participating schools.

5. Collect data through pre- and post-activity surveys to assess confidence and STEM skills.

6. Submit quarterly reports and an annual interim report on recruitment, engagement, CPD, activities, budget use, challenges, and evaluation.

7. Provide a final impact report detailing delivery, outcomes, evidence of impact, and lessons learned.

Why It Matters

The programme strengthens STEM education by:

• Enhancing students’ understanding of real-world scientific processes.

• Increasing student confidence in STEM subjects.

• Providing teachers with improved subject expertise and practical skills.

• Supporting STEM professionals to engage effectively with education and communities.

• Building sustainable partnerships that persist beyond the grant period.

How to Apply

1. Prepare Application: Outline your organisation’s experience, capacity to support 25+ schools, and commitment to evaluation.

2. Recruit Schools: Target high-need areas and schools lacking STEM outreach.

3. Develop Proposal: Include strategies for collaborative networks, CPD delivery, and small-scale investigations.

4. Submit Application: Follow the Royal Society’s guidelines and deadlines.

5. Monitor & Report: Maintain quarterly progress reports and complete pre- and post-activity surveys.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Demonstrate proven experience in STEM outreach and managing multiple school partners.

• Clearly explain how the project benefits students, teachers, and STEM professionals.

• Include a detailed plan for impact evaluation and reporting.

• Highlight community-wide impact, not just classroom activities.

• Align your proposal with the Royal Society’s programme objectives for long-term sustainability.

FAQ

Q1: What is the maximum funding per organisation?
A: Up to £105,000 over three years.

Q2: How many schools should be included?
A: A minimum of 25 schools or colleges.

Q3: Who can participate in CPD programmes?
A: Both teachers and STEM professionals involved in the project.

Q4: Are there reporting requirements?
A: Yes, quarterly progress reports, annual interim reports, and a detailed final impact report are required.

Q5: Can schools from all UK regions apply?
A: Schools should be recruited from areas of greatest need to maximize impact.

Q6: What type of STEM activities are supported?
A: Hands-on, inquiry-based investigations, small-scale experiments, and practical learning aligned with the curriculum.

Q7: Is support provided to STEM professionals?
A: Yes, the Royal Society provides guidance to help STEM professionals engage effectively with schools and students.

Conclusion

The Royal Society Science Community Grant Programme enables UK organisations to create long-lasting STEM partnerships, enrich student learning, enhance teacher expertise, and support early-career researchers. By funding hands-on investigations, CPD, and collaborative networks, this programme builds sustainable STEM engagement that leaves a lasting impact on schools and communities across the UK.