If your project idea is more niche or relates to a specific topic of research then charities could be another stream of funding for you to consider. There are a wide range of charities, foundations and trusts who support research that fits in with their charitable aims and objectives. These can vary from major charities e.g. Wellcome who support discovery research into life, health and wellbeing, to small foundations offering modest grants for equipment and travel.
Charities provide an independent stream of research funding which complements the aims of the Research Councils and Government organisations. You will find there are a lot of research funding charities covering all stages of research and it is worth researching their opportunities thoroughly.
Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC)
AMRC is a member organisation that brings together and supports health and medical charities to produce high-quality research. The database currently has over 150 member charities covering basic and applied science projects to clinical trials in all areas of health and disease. Funding varies from small seed-corn funding grants to substantial funds for programmes of research. To search for a charity of interest, click on the member directory here.
Other Charities and Foundations
If your research is non-medical, view our List of Charities and Foundations.
Each Charity will have their own criteria and eligibility rules, before proceeding with an application please get in touch with RIFS.