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 per cent full Economic Cost (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 per cent fEC), applications can be submitted to our Standard Grants Scheme. Initially your application is assessed by Research Directorate staff for eligibility and then sent to referees. Your application is then graded before being sent to one of our Grant Assessment Panels who then make a funding recommendation. A ranked list of those recommended for funding is considered by the Grants Delivery Group (GDG) who make the funding decisions.

For funding of less than £100,000 (100 per cent fEC), applications can be submitted to our 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. Applications are assessed by two members of the ESRC Assessor College and a member of the Grant Assessment Panels will make a funding recommendation.  The final funding decision is then made by ESRC in consultation with the Grants Delivery Group.

 
The Research Grant Scheme operates on an open date basis so applications can be made at any time.

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 Responsive Mode Schemes