Small grants

Purpose

This scheme is for small-scale research projects, scoping exercises or meetings whose subject matter falls within the remit of the Society and Ethics programme.

Research trips under this scheme may be to consult libraries or archives.

This scheme can also provide institutions with financial support for conferences (or a session within a conference), symposia, seminar series etc.

What’s included

The normal maximum that can be applied for is £5000. Applications must be good value for money and applicants should not automatically request the full amount available.

Applicants may not apply for more than one award per year. Repeat requests, for annual conferences in particular, will be judged more critically and should be carefully justified, incorporating new ideas.

Awards provide a contribution towards expenses normally incurred in travelling to consult libraries or archives, such as transport, accommodation, subsistence and photocopying costs. They may include the costs of overseas visits.

Modest personal support or salary expenses may also be requested, but must be carefully justified.

Support does not include university fees or the applicant's costs in attending a conference.

Costs for conferences and meetings may include the travel and accommodation of keynote speakers, catering, conference pack publication and any reasonably justified associated expenses.

Successful applicants must make their own travel and visa arrangements.

Eligibility

Applicants must be based in, or travelling to the UK, the Republic of Ireland or a low-to-middle-income country.

Applicants should be academic researchers whose research interests fall within the remit of the Society and Ethics programme.

Application process

Applications will take up to two months to process plus a further month to receive payment. You should therefore allow at least three months between submission and your proposed starting date.

Please complete and submit a full application form via the Trust's eGrants online application system. (Note: select Society and Ethics from the 'Funding Area' drop-down menu, then Small Grants from the 'Scheme Type' menu, then select Society and Ethics Small Grant form from the 'Scheme Name' drop-down menu).

Please note that organisations need to be registered on eGrants before an affiliated application can be submitted. This is done by contacting the Trust; for full details, see the eGrants FAQ.

Deadlines

Applications may be submitted at any time during the year.

Contacts

Grants Management – Society and Ethics
Wellcome Trust
Gibbs Building
215 Euston Road
London NW1 2BE, UK

T +44 (0)20 7611 8893
E se@wellcome.ac.uk