We are making our systems and processes simpler and more consistent for our communities.
Part of our work is to create and embed a clear definition of UKRI’s funding modes and their purpose.
UKRI categorises funding opportunities into funding modes. They reflect how free an applicant is to develop their own ideas within the remit of the funder.
The new definitions of funding modes apply from 1 April 2025.
You will apply for funding in exactly the same way.
UKRI has two funding modes, applicant led and targeted.
Both applicant-led and targeted mode funding opportunities may:
- fund small or large awards and support applications at any stage of the research, development, and innovation pipeline
- be run as a one-off, recurrent or always available
Applicant-led mode
Applicants have the full freedom to develop and submit their own ideas or objectives without the need to align with a narrowly defined remit.
Applicant-led mode funding is offered under two sub-categories differentiated by the level of availability:
- responsive funding where opportunities have no restriction on remit and are always available for application submission or recurrent enough for them to be considered ‘open’
- intermittent funding where opportunities have no restrictions on remit and must be one-off, time-limited or only infrequently available with long periods between opportunities for it to be considered ‘open’ or recurrent
Targeted mode
Applicants must submit ideas or objectives within a remit defined by the funder, which is narrower than the full remit offered by the funder.
Targeted mode is often for challenge-based funding used to devise solutions to issues identified by the funder or meet the strategic ambitions of a funder.
Targeted mode funding is offered under two sub-categories differentiated by the level of direction the funder applies:
- steered funding is where the funder sets the remit of the opportunity but otherwise does not apply further requirements to the opportunity than what is possible within applicant-led mode
- managed funding is where the funder sets the remit of the opportunity and sets further requirements to the opportunity beyond what would be possible within applicant-led mode
Funding types
The funding modes are used to deliver investment through the different types of funding UKRI offers.
The most common UKRI funding types include base funding, commercialisation, fellowships and career development, infrastructure, knowledge exchange and transfers, networks and partnerships, public engagement, research (and innovation), training and travel grants.
Any funding types may be delivered under either funding mode.
Last updated: 31 March 2025