ESRC Society Today

What It Is

If you have an excellent idea for a research project, the best way to seek funding is through our flexible Research Grants Scheme. We make awards ranging from £15,000 to £1.5 million (100% FEC) to eligible institutions allowing individuals or research teams to undertake anything from a small project to a large-scale survey. The choice of research topic is yours provided it falls within the ESRC's remit. Your research proposal need not be relevant to our Strategic Framework. 

How To Apply

For funding of more than £100,000 (100% FEC), we offer a Standard Grants Scheme. Initially your application is first assessed by Research, Training & Development Directorate staff for eligibility and then sent to an average of five relevant referees. Your application is then graded before our Research Grants Board makes a decision on funding.

For applications of less than £100,000 (100% FEC), we offer the streamlined Small Grants Scheme. This scheme is particularly useful for new researchers making their first application to the ESRC. Your application is first assessed by Research Directorate staff for eligibility. A member of the Research Grants Board and one member of the Council's Virtual Research College assess your application. The Board Chair or Vice Chair makes the funding decision with the help of these assessments.

We operate an 'open dates' scheme, so applications for all grants can be made at any time using the same application form.

Enquiries and queries on application processes

The first point of contact is through the Research Directorate, Email: rtdenquiries@esrc.ac.uk - Telephone: 01793 413060/413066

Additional Information and Statistics

• Details of the Research Grants Scheme
• How to write a good application  
• MOD Joint Grants Scheme
• Details of ESRC RGB and other Annual Competitions