https://scienceandsociety.blog.gov.uk/bis-science-and-society-community-challenge-grant-scheme/
BIS Science and Society Community Challenge Grant Scheme
What is the BIS Science and Society Community Challenge Grant Scheme?
Following review of the BIS Science and Society programme (http://scienceandsociety.bis.gov.uk/), two key messages emerged:
- Target new audiences. Public Engagement with science in general is gaining momentum but the current audience is largely already interested in science. This means that there is a collective need to do more to take science to those not currently engaged.
- Engage with people where they naturally congregate, rather than expecting them to come to you
This new scheme offers a total of £500k financial support to individuals and organisations to create and run pilot projects which address these challenges in new and innovative ways during FY 2014/15. There will be three levels of project funding: up to £10k, up to £20k and up to £40k reflecting the size and difficulty of the projects.
What are the 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.
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/museum staff; artists; educators, schools, colleges and universities; film makers; theatre producers; games developers; public participation practitioners; businesses; civil society organisations; community groups, Guides/Scouts, youth clubs; Churches (not an exhaustive list).
What sorts of projects are we looking for?
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 teaching materials for community use
How many projects are you expecting to fund?
BIS has allocated up to £500k to this scheme in FY 2014/15 and expecting to fund between 20 and 25 projects. This will be the only call for this financial year.
Call opens: 10 March 2014
Closing Date: 16 May 2014
Notification of successful applications: by 27 June 2014
How to apply: Applicants should read the Information and Guidance before completing the Application Form. Please submit one electronic application form (in Word format) and one signed copy (electronic PDF) to: scienceandsociety@bis.gsi.gov.uk