Funding for impact

Outlined below are the internal funds available for impact project development and key factors to consider about impact when applying for external funding.

Internal funding and budgeting

AHRC Impact Accelerator Account / IAA Impact Project Fund. Those whose work is within the remit of the AHRC with an impact-focused project can apply. Funding available until Spring 2026. Further information about the fund and how to apply is available on the IAA funding page.

Policy fund and Policy consultant. To support policy development, and engaging with policy-makers. Rolling deadlines until April 2026, find out more on the Policy Fund page.

It is important to lay out the budget for your impact project at the planning stage to ensure you cover all areas that require financial resource. Some things you may wish to consider are:

  • Evaluation costs. How do you plan to conduct evaluation activities and what kinds of resource will this require?
  • Design and print. For workshops, report launches, or focus groups, make sure to identify any design or print needs early and obtain quotes from Creative & Print Services.
  • Staff costs. Check the costing template on the IAA funding page to help you plan.
  • Event logistics. If you require meeting rooms, catering, accommodation, or travel costs, have you found suitable quotes?

Embedding impact into external research funding proposals

Identifying, planning, and working towards impact have become more important for some external funders such as UKRI and the individual research councils have their own requirements for impact in funding applications. The Impact team can advise you on engagement and impact, but you should always speak with your RDL and RDM first when developing external applications.
  • UKRI ESRC. Explore the ESRC Impact Toolkit and information on building impact into grant proposals. Written with social scientists in mind, these guides are useful for other disciplines.
  • The Nuffield Foundation. See Appendix A: Impact in their Guide for Applicants
  • British Academy. Impact integration is dependent on the funding call, e.g. the mid-career fellowship stipulates that there must be a public engagement element. Please discuss with your Research Development Manager and Impact Development Manager if the call you are applying for has such a requirement