Discover Economics Grant
Economics departments and groups within UK universities now have the opportunity to apply for 2020 funding to support outreach activities for school and college students. Lead applicants must be members of the RES. The deadline for applications is 28 October 2019. Decisions will be made during December 2019, therefore it is advised that the proposed date of the project takes this into account.
What can I apply for?
Activities designed to encourage school students to consider studying economics at university. Such activities might be a combination of talks, interactive games and networking/career opportunities. Funding is only for projects or events taking place in 2020 that are explicitly aimed at increasing diversity in undergraduate economics students. Examples of groups include state schools, further education colleges, women and ethnic minorities. Please see the case studies below for examples of previous activities. There is also a guide on how to run an outreach event.
How much can I apply for?
Applicants can request funding up to a maximum of £5,000 but it is anticipated that grants awarded will typically be in the range of £2,000-£3,000. In allocating the grants, the Society will aim to support a range of events across institutions, taking into account geographical spread and the nature of the student groups targeted.
We expect the host institution to make a substantive financial contribution to the event. Examples of eligible expenditure include justified travel for speakers (where speaker is not self-sponsored), room hire (where not given in-kind), catering. Examples of ineligible expenditure includes general merchandise, evening social event following the main event and payment for attendance.
What's required?
The lead applicant must be a member of the RES. Please complete the PDF application form and submit it through the RES website by 28 October 2019.
Should you wish to involve external speakers, note that many organisations, including the Bank of England and Government Economic Service, are willing to cover the costs associated with speakers from their organisations. Please contact resoffice@res.org.uk for further information.
About the Scheme
The purpose of the Discover Economics Grant scheme is to encourage universities in the UK to hold outreach programmes for school students and sixth formers to give them an introduction to economics as a field of study and profession. It provides grants annually to University Departments and groups within UK universities.
Many universities hold their own outreach programmes, and the RES has already supported a number of Discover Economics days around the country; at universities such as UCL, University of Manchester, University of Southampton and others, which you can read about in the case studies below. There is also a guide on how to run an outreach event.
Case Studies
Some universities, such as the Universities of Cambridge and Bristol, have already held their own successful outreach events. The RES has also supported several outreach events, which you can read about in the case studies below. There is also a guide on how to run an outreach event.
Resources
News
Special Projects Grant
Members can apply for up to £5,000 for one off activities that further the understanding and use of economics.
Small Academic Expenses Grant
Members can apply for up to £600 for small grants to support independent economic research.
Conference Grant
Members can apply for up to £500 to support those who are presenting an economic paper at a conference or are acting as the main speaker.