Apply for funding

Application Process:

We run an open, rolling call for funding, with no deadlines. We are interested in capacity-building and therefore the application structure for ESRC IAA funding is usually an iterative process of development.

• Initial eligibility chat with IAA Manager – the ESRC IAA has two core eligibility criteria:

  • IAA projects have to be impact not research

  • IAA projects have to be at least 51% social science

• Applicants work on a first draft of the application form, and feedback is provided from the IAA Manager on application drafts.

• The final draft is submitted to the ESRC IAA Project Management Board for an award decision – the PMB meets every other month, and can review applications outside of this cycle if necessary.

ESRC IAA funding streams:

Impact Generation Fund

This stream is for projects that want to carry out impact activities and deliver change – they will usually have external partners already on board and a clear idea of the impact that their planned activities will have and how this can be measured/evidenced – usual duration: up to 12 months – budget: between £15,000-£20,000.

Impact Exploration Fund 

This stream is for projects that want some funding to explore the possibilities of future impact collaborations with partners and/or stakeholders – you may have partners in mind, but need some funding to flesh out how best to collaborate for your intended impact outcomes; or you may have a research finding that you believe could have real world impact, but you need funding to help you identify potential partners and/or stakeholders – usual duration: up to 9 months – budget: between £5,000-£7,500.

Rapid Response Fund 

This stream is for short-deadline opportunities that may contribute to future impact (e.g. supporting a REF Impact Case Study) or relationship building for impact or presenting evidence to an external body – these opportunities are usually short in duration, and applications to this stream have a budget of up to £2,000.