The Geological Society offers two types of funding support for public engagement, outreach and community activities. The Society's Outreach Grant is available for proposals up to £1500. Outreach Small Grants are available for applications up to £250.
Outreach Grants
The Geological Society offers several Outreach and Community grants to support a broad scope of public engagement, policy, or community projects focussing on geoscience topics and / or the geoscience community, including those that aim to increase diversity and representation across the geosciences, or focus on accessibility.
Applicants may apply for up to £1,500, with no minimum award.
The application cycle opens on 4 January 2027 with applications for this year's research grants and bursaries to be submitted by end of day 7 June 2027.
How to apply
Applications for Society grants must be submitted using the Application Form. Please note that you do not need to be a Fellow to apply. However, if successful, you will need to become a Fellow to receive your grant.
Before applying, read the Application Guidance document for full details, paying particular attention to the allowable and non-allowable costs, as well as the information required for your application.
All queries and submissions should be sent to grants@geolsoc.org.uk. Please note that due to the large volume of queries we may not be able to respond immediately, especially close to the application deadline. Applicants are encouraged to consider this when preparing their application forms.
Outreach Small Grants
The Geological Society offers a number of small grants to assist with the running of events that align with the annual theme of Earth Science Week (11 – 17 October 2026). In 2026, the Earth Science Week theme is “Critical Minerals for a Thriving Society”, highlighting:
- How critical minerals support essential needs and how the development of new technologies can affect which minerals are considered critical
- How geoscience knowledge is essential for identifying, mining, refining, transporting, and using critical minerals responsibly
- How mineral use impacts Earth’s systems, including landscapes, water and air quality, and the global carbon cycle
Individuals or organisations may apply for up to £250, with no minimum award, to support running events with a public engagement and outreach focus.
The application cycle opens on 1 August 2026 with applications for this year's research grants and bursaries to be submitted by end of day 17 October 2026. Preference will be given to those that occur within Earth Science Week itself. However, we will consider applications for activities that take place between the 1 September and 30 November.
How to apply
Applications for Society grants must be submitted using the online application form at the link below. Please note that you do not need to be a Fellow to apply.
Before applying, read the Outreach Small Grants Application Guidance document for full details, paying particular attention to eligibility, allowable costs, and the information required for your application.
Any questions should be sent to outreach@geolsoc.org.uk.
Application form