The Partnership Grant application process is completed through Flexi-Grant®, an online system used to administer all Royal Society grants. Applications must be started by the school partner who can then invite the STEM partner to contribute to the form. There are two stages to the application, with eligibility checks carried out at the end of Stage 1. Find out more about what information is needed and how to complete each stage on Flexi-Grant® on our Stage 1 and Stage 2 advice pages. Guidance and support is available throughout the application process, see further information below.
Timeline
Please note, the timeline below is for the 2021 round only. Due to COVID-19, deadlines have been extended and there will now be two allocation periods where judging is carried out. The timeline for the 2022 round will be back to normal, with Stage 1 closing at the end of February and Stage 2 closing in March.
| Date (2021 round only) |
Details (2021 round only) |
| January |
Application round opens. |
| June |
If schools would like their applications considered in the first allocation round, schools must submit Stage 2 by the end of June. Stage 1 and Stage 2 will remain open for those who would like to submit for the later November deadline. |
| September |
Schools from the first allocation round notified about the outcome of their applications and projects can begin. |
| November |
All remaining applicants must submit Stage 1 and Stage 2 by the end of November to be considered in the second allocation round. |
| January |
Schools from the second allocation round will be notified about the outcome of their applications and projects can begin. |
What application support does the Society provide?
The Royal Society appreciates that writing grant applications is often new to applicants and therefore support and guidance is provided in the lead up to and during the application process. This support can help ensure schools have the best possible chance to receive funding.
Before the application round opens, prospective applicants can get in touch for advice on finding their STEM partner, project ideas etc. Once the application round is live, the Schools Engagement team can read draft applications and provide feedback as well as providing technical support for Flexi-Grant®, if required. If a Stage 1 application fails eligibility checks, the application can be sent back to the applicant to edit and resubmit.
Once the judging process is complete, if an application has been unsuccessful the school can work with the team to re-write their application for future funding rounds.
If a school successfully receives funding, there is then some paperwork required before funding can be transferred.