Community Grants

Offering grants to community groups working directly with audiences that are traditionally underrepresented in science

Due to changes in funding, the 2026 grant programme is currently under review and further information will be shared soon.

Our mission

Is your community group keen to run an activity during British Science Week? Can you reach people who currently don’t engage with science? If so, we might be able to help!

The Community Grants scheme is all about helping you to engage your audiences with science in ways that are tailor-made for them. Supported by UK Research and Innovation, we’re thrilled to offer grants each year to help community groups to run their own events and activities for British Science Week, expanding the number of people who enjoy and take part in science. 

About the Community Grants

For British Science Week 2026, community groups can apply for a grant of up to £600 to run one or more events during British Science Week.

Eligibility

We offer funding to community groups that work directly with audiences traditionally underrepresented in science, including:

  • people from ethnic minority backgrounds
  • people living in communities which face deprivation, including people disadvantaged in terms of education and income
  • people with a disability or long-term health condition
  • people living in a remote and rural location, defined as settlements of less than 10,000 people
  • girls and women*.

* For community groups that work with girls and women, we prioritise those who work with at least one other underrepresented group.

Please note, if you are a school or a college, you can only apply to our Kick Start Grants. See the Community Grants guidelines for details on special education needs schools and other educational groups who can apply to the Community Grants scheme.

How can I apply?

Due to changes in funding, the 2026 grant programme is currently under review and further information will be shared soon.

Looking for inspiration?

Check out our case studies!

Community Grants case studies and example activities

Discover how other community groups used the funding to support activities and events during previous British Science Week, and pick up plenty of ideas for your own projects in 2024 and beyond.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at [email protected]. 

‘Use your British Science Week grant to benefit your local community and provide a legacy for the future.’ – Frances Sussex, Transition Buxton