The British Ecological Society (BES) offers Outreach and Engagement Grants to support independent activities designed to connect public audiences with the relevance, excitement and real‑world impact of ecological science. The grants encourage high‑quality public engagement and science communication which increases understanding of how ecology informs solutions to local and global environmental challenges.

Grants can support a wide range of formats, including in‑person events, digital initiatives and activities, and the development of physical engagement resources. Projects must address at least one of the BES’s core aims, such as improving public understanding of ecology, raising awareness of ecological careers and their diversity, enabling people to take positive environmental action, or strengthening the capacity of others to deliver effective outreach and engagement.

Grants of up to £2,000 are available for capital or revenue costs. Where BES funding is used to part‑fund a project, applicants must demonstrate that the remaining funding is already secured.

Applications are open to individuals, teams and organisations across the UK, provided the lead applicant holds current BES membership. A number of exclusions apply, including staff salaries, academic or closed meetings, and projects delivered solely within school settings.

Round 2 opened on Monday 8 June 2026, and the deadline for applications is Tuesday 8 September 2026. Applications must be submitted through the BES online grant system.

For further information, including full application guidance, please visit the British Ecological Society website (linked for your convenience).