OK, so this is the page for people who know something about fund raising and funders. (So to quite an extent I shouldn't be here ;-) )
Basically, up until now I have been concentrating on the scientific professional body funders - The Chem Soc, IOP and Wellcome trust (I realise that they are really a professional body but they do have a lot of money!)
However, since I put up the "Actively seeking partners" post on BIG, a number of the respondents have suggested groups like the
EPSRC' 'Partnerships for Public Engagement' awards , the
Gatsby Foundation and the
Nuffield Trust . Now, I have no real idea of the sort of things that they fund, the size of grants or the deadlines for current rounds. It would be really good if those of us who DO know this sort of information navigate to the pages that I have created and fill in some information.
One of the reasons that I put up the post was that there is a deadline coming up for the
Wellcome Trust (23rd October) and if we are going to get a bid in to them I think that we (I) need to firm up the business plan, agree that it is realistic and shape a bid to them ASAP. (I do recognise that I might have become overly fixated on the Wellcome money but it's no bad thing to have a pressing deadline to concentrate the mind.)
Craig Harvey, FifeX (unauthenticated)
Sep 16, 2009 10:52 AM
Bryson, et al
In terms of funding a project of this ilk, I personally think that you have to approach the organisations highlighted above in blue in the first instance.
Unfortunately I do not have much experience with Gatsby and Nuffield but FifeX has worked on a number of EPSRC PPE awards. Luckily for you, there is a new call for proposals - http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/CallsForProposals/ppe14.htm. There is also a call for PPE Starter Grants (something new this year) although I'm not sure if this will be suitable - http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/CallsForProposals/ppestartergrant.htm.
A couple of comments regarding the PPE Awards:
* For the main call, you will need a academic who has either held or currently holds an EPSRC research grant to be eligible - or that was certainly the case of the previous calls for proposals.
* In the event you have an academic willing to particpate, you will definitely need to firm up your numbers. Don't go for the "shoe-string" budget. I know you want to achieve the goal for as little money as possible but I know that proposals have failed in the past not because costs were too high but because they haven't asked for enough money for what they were proposing! Sounds crazy I know but the panel that review these proposals have a wealth of experience in all forms of public engagement and know that quality costs money! So be realistic!
* I notice that you have an entry for evaluation. This is very important from EPSRCs point of view and definitely gives the proposal strength. I am not sure if you have anyone in mind but I can vouch for the services of Laura Grant. Laura has a wealth of experience and I think would be a valuable person to have on-board.
Hopes this helps for now...
Thanks
Craig
Shira Klasmer (unauthenticated)
Nov 13, 2009 2:06 PM
Hey Bryson.
Have you thought about the arts council for funding....I think the project is great for them to fund, especially where the community is involved and you are bringing science to the public.
their site is:
http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/funding/grants-arts/
you can call them up directly and talk to them about your idea....I'm applying for funding from them, and tying to meet up with one of their advisers.
see you soon...best of luck!!