STFC operates grant-funded research programmes in a number of areas including:

• Astronomy research grants that are awarded for research in the areas of astronomy, cosmology and solar system science.
• Particle Physics research grants that are awarded for research in areas of experimental and theoretical particle physics and certain aspects of particle astrophysics.
• Nuclear Physics grants provide funding in support of the UK nuclear physics programme.
• PATT travel grants are awarded for observing trips to recognised telescopes, including STFC telescopes.
• Funding for senior scientists (visiting researchers) from the UK or overseas, who are of acknowledged standing to visit and work in the Principal Investigator's Research Organisation for a period of up to twelve months should be applied for as a standard grant. For further information please see the astronomy, particle physics and nuclear physics guidelines.
• There are several programmes that support and encourage knowledge exchange between academia, industry and other research organisations. 
• The Follow-on-Fund aims to increase the level and accelerate the commercialisation of research ideas arising from the STFC/BBSRC/EPSRC/NERC research community by providing funds to enable ideas to be brought to a stage where commercial opportunities can be secured.
• The Project Research and Development (PRD) Scheme intends to develop the capabilities needed to underpin UK science and technology leadership in future STFC projects and includes an opportunity for industry to apply directly to the STFC for funding for research and development that will benefit STFC's science programme.
• Major New Projects such as participation in new experiments or missions, the development of new instruments or upgrades to existing detectors require statements of interest, which are reviewed by the Particle Physics, Astronomy and Nuclear Physics Science Committee (PPAN) or the Physical and Life Sciences Committees (PALS). Proposers may subsequently be invited to submit a full proposal to the Project Peer Review Panel (PPRP) for assessment. 
• New Applicants Scheme  - Newly appointed academic members of staff (lecturers or lecturer equivalent fellows) who have joined a department between grant reviews may exceptionally apply separately for support. This will potentially allow them to begin to establish a research programme on appointment. If grant funding is agreed, funding is likely to be awarded as an addition to the departments consortium's existing consolidated grant.