Public Engagement Spark Awards 2026B (Grant)

Apply for funding to engage the public with Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) supported science. Applicant organisations must: • be UK-based • produce annual accounts certified by an accountant Proposals must include an appropriate STFC subject matter expert (SME). Total funding: £100,000 Minimum award: £5,000 Maximum award: £20,000 Location: National Who can apply: Public Sector, Non-profit, Private Sector Closing date: 2026-12-10 16:00 (UK time) Eligibility This opportunity is open to organisations with standard and non-standard eligibility. Check if your organisation is eligible. Who is eligible to apply Almost anyone can apply for a Spark award, but your host institution must be based in the UK. Organisations that apply must produce an annual financial report and accounts that are available on request. These must have been either prepared or submitted by a qualified accountant who is a member of a recognised professional accountancy body, including: - The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) - Association of International Accountants (AIA) - Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) - The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) - The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) - Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) - Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI) If this does not describe your organisation, you must work in partnership with an organisation that can receive the funding on your behalf. The following are examples of who could be eligible to apply if meeting the previous criteria: - STFC grant funded researchers - scientists, technicians and engineers employed by STFC - STFC facility users working in STFC funded remit areas - museums - science communicators - universities and colleges - community interest companies - libraries - community groups - amateur astronomy groups The project lead must be eligible to apply on behalf of the organisation that would hold the award. It is mandatory for every application to include an SME in an STFC f Summary Apply for funding to engage the public with Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) supported science. You must work for an organisation that: - is based in the UK - produces annual accounts that are certified by an accountant It is essential that proposals evidence clear links to the STFC funded remit and include a subject matter expert (SME) in an STFC funded remit area. The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £20,000. STFC will fund 100% of the FEC. Projects must be between 12 months and 36 months in duration. Projects must start between 1 June and 1 September 2027. Objectives Demand management Demand management is not being applied to this funding opportunity. Aim We are looking to support projects that do four or more of the following: - deliver high-quality public engagement activities with strong links to STFC remit funded science, technology and research - introduce STFC remit science, technology and research to new audiences - work specifically with the STFC’s target Wonder audience - co-produce resources and activities with intended audiences - highlight the ac Dates Assessment process We will assess your application using the following process. STFC office sift of applications The STFC Public Engagement team will review applications received in order to check that the necessary criteria have been met. Applications that clear the office sift will be provided to the full Spark Award Panel. Panel We will invite a panel of experts to use the evidence provided to assess the quality of your application and rank it alongside other applications, after which the pan How to apply Click here to start your application on the UKRI Funding Service https://funding-service.ukri.org/OPP1440/apply/1477