20th International Geographical Congress Fund

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £3,500 (one grant per year from this fund)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Approximately 8-12 weeks
• Grant Range: Up to £3,500 (single grant awarded)
• Geographic Focus: UK-based researchers (must be affiliated with UK Higher Education Institution)

Contact Details

Grants Team

• Email: grants@rgs.org
• Grant Contact: Dr Julian Martin
• Website: https://www.rgs.org/in-the-field/grants/research-grants/rgs-ibg-small-research-grants

Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)

• Address: 1 Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AR
• Phone: +44 (0)20 7591 3010
• General Email: enquiries@rgs.org
• Charity Number: 208791

Overview

The 20th International Geographical Congress Fund was established following the 20th International Geographical Congress held in London in 1964, which was the largest IGC in history at the time, attended by Queen Elizabeth II and numerous dignitaries. The fund is administered by the Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers), a prestigious organization chartered by Queen Victoria in 1859. Each year, one grant of up to £3,500 is awarded from this fund as part of the RGS-IBG Small Research Grants programme, which collectively supports over 60 fieldwork projects annually across the globe. The fund specifically targets early career researchers conducting geographical research that will advance knowledge and lead to publications. Unlike most RGS grants, this fund notably does not require applicants to be Fellows or Members of the Society, making it more accessible to early career researchers.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• 20th International Geographical Congress Fund: One grant of up to £3,500 awarded annually for original desk-based or field-based research in any area of geography
• Application Method: Online application form submission via email to grants@rgs.org
• Deadline: 3 February annually (applications accepted at 11:59pm)

Priority Areas

• Original geographical research that advances knowledge in any area of geography
• Projects that will lead to publications (journal articles, books, reports)
• Research by early career individuals (within 6 years of PhD completion preferred, though up to 10 years post-PhD considered)
• Both desk-based and field-based research projects

What They Don't Fund

• Equipment grants (specifically excluded for this fund)
• Postgraduate research (full PhD funding)
• Conference attendance only
• Replacement wages
• Equipment costs exceeding 20% of total award (general RGS policy, though equipment grants cannot be made from this specific fund)

Ready to write a winning application for 20th International Geographical Congress Fund?

Our AI helps you craft proposals that match their exact priorities. Save 10+ hours and increase your success rate.

Get Free Beta Access

Governance and Leadership

The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) is governed by a Board of Trustees and operates as a registered charity (208791) in the UK. The Society employs specialist staff including Dr Julian Martin who oversees the grants programme.

The RGS emphasizes in their guidance: “You need to make the case that your project is original, innovative and will advance geographical knowledge - be clear about what is known and what gaps your project will address, and be specific about how your project is innovative and original and how it will advance geographical knowledge.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

1. Complete the RGS-IBG grants programme application form
2. Prepare a one-page CV
3. Submit both documents via email to grants@rgs.org by 11:59pm on the deadline (3 February)
4. Arrange for two referees to complete reference forms by the deadline
5. References must be submitted independently by referees

Decision Timeline

• Application Deadline: 3 February annually
• Assessment Period: Approximately 8-12 weeks
• Decision Notification: Spring (March-April)
• Assessment Process: External panel of expert reviewers assess applications; interviews held for some grants
• Payment: Grants are normally paid within a month of the grant being awarded

Success Rates

The RGS does not publish specific success rate percentages. However, the Society supports approximately 60 fieldwork projects annually across all its grant programmes, with several thousand pounds distributed through the Small Research Grants scheme. For this specific fund, only one grant is awarded per year, making it highly competitive.

Reapplication Policy

The RGS encourages unsuccessful applicants to learn from feedback and improve future proposals. Candidates may only apply for one grant within an annual cycle (deadlines October to April), and an individual may only be awarded one grant in any one cycle. Specific reapplication timing restrictions after rejection are not explicitly stated; contact grants@rgs.org for clarification on reapplying after an unsuccessful attempt.

Application Success Factors

What Reviewers Look For

The RGS provides explicit guidance that applications are assessed based on:

1. Originality and Innovation: “Make the case that your project is original, innovative and will advance geographical knowledge - be clear about what is known and what gaps your project will address”

1. Clear Aims and Objectives: “State your aims and objectives clearly - what you are trying to achieve and what steps will be taken to achieve your aims”

1. Strong Literature Review: “Have you referenced the appropriate literature/past studies to make the case?”

1. Feasibility: Reviewers pay "particular attention to the project's contribution to the advancement of geographical knowledge, the degree to which the project is innovative and original, and the feasibility of the project within the time frame and budget suggested"

1. Impact and Dissemination: “Plan what outputs (presentations, reports, papers, data) you will generate, how you plan to disseminate these”

Direct Advice from the Funder

The RGS provides extensive guidance including:

• “Pitch your application at people who have expertise in your field as well as those who have broader research experience”

• "Ask someone who has received the grant (or a similar grant) in the past if they would be willing to share their proposal so you can learn from it – how it's pitched, the level of detail etc."

• “It takes time to write a strong proposal, and remember if you are unsuccessful, learn from the feedback to make your proposals stronger in the future”

• "Reread (and reread) your proposal - reading a document out loud is a good way to edit and reduce repetition, and always get someone else to read the proposal to make sure it's clear and answers the questions"

• “Answer ALL the questions that have been asked, keep within any word limits, and include any additional documents which may be required such as a CV”

Recent Example Grant Recipients

While specific recipients of the 20th IGC Fund are not separately listed, recent RGS Small Research Grant recipients (similar programme) include:

• Dr Catherine Oliver (Lancaster University) - “Narrating The Historical Geographies of Environmental Change through the Personal Archives of Birdwatchers”
• Dr Nathan Salvidge (University of Reading) - Research on smartphone technologies and young people's livelihood mobilities in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
• Dr Thomas Kelly (Queen Mary University of London) - Arctic peatland carbon loss research

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to be specific about originality - explain exactly what is new (topic, methods, location, or application)
• Not speaking to referees in advance about the project and funding criteria
• Including full PhD budgets instead of just the specific elements requiring support
• Exceeding word limits or failing to answer all questions
• Submitting proposals without external review or proofreading

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Unique Access: This fund does not require RGS Fellowship or Membership, unlike most RGS grants, making it particularly accessible for early career researchers
2. Publication Focus: Strong preference given to projects that will lead to publications - ensure your dissemination plan is robust and realistic
3. No Equipment Funding: This specific fund cannot make equipment grants, so focus your budget on travel, maintenance, data collection, and temporary research assistance
4. Demonstrate Originality: Be explicit and specific about what makes your research innovative - don't assume reviewers will infer this
5. Prepare Referees Early: References are due by the deadline, so engage referees well in advance and brief them on the selection criteria
6. Learn from Others: The RGS actively encourages applicants to seek out previous successful proposals to understand expectations
7. Budget Realism: Ensure your proposed project is feasible within £3,500 and the proposed timeline - reviewers assess feasibility carefully

References

1. Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) - RGS-IBG Small Research Grants. Available at: https://www.rgs.org/in-the-field/grants/research-grants/rgs-ibg-small-research-grants (Accessed: October 2025)

1. Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) - Application Process Guidance. Available at: https://www.rgs.org/in-the-field/grants/guidance-for-society-grant-applicants/application-process (Accessed: October 2025)

1. Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) - Grant Deadlines. Available at: https://www.rgs.org/in-the-field/grants/grant-deadlines (Accessed: October 2025)

1. UK Charity Commission - Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), Charity Number 208791. Available at: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=208791 (Accessed: October 2025)

1. FundsforNGOs - Royal Geographical Society Small Research Grants. Available at: https://www.fundsforngos.org/developed-countries/united-kingdom-2/royal-geographical-society-small-research-grants-of-up-to-3000-for-early-career-researchers/ (Accessed: October 2025)

1. Terra Viva Grants - Royal Geographical Society Awards. Available at: https://www.terravivagrants.org/royal-geographical-society-awards/ (Accessed: October 2025)

1. Royal Geographical Society - Apply now for our 2025 grants. Available at: https://www.rgs.org/about-us/our-work/latest-news/apply-now-for-our-2025-grants (Accessed: October 2025)

1. Collect GB Stamps - 20th International Geographical Congress, London (1964). Available at: https://www.collectgbstamps.co.uk/explore/issues/?issue=62 (Accessed: October 2025)