Fund information
Our Main Grants fund (previously, the Research, Development and Analysis Fund) offers up to £500,000 for research that addresses one or more of the priority questions outlined in our Strategic Review.
There are two application deadlines a year for this fund: one in Spring and the other in Autumn. Exact dates are announced in advance. Sign up for our newsletter to receive updates.
In special cases, and by prior agreement, we accept applications for up to £750,000, however, this requires prior agreement. Most of the grants we award are below £300,000.
Funding priorities
We expect proposals to address one or more of our five priority questions:
For those that have already developed applications to meet our October 2025 deadline, note that our work continues to be anchored in our enduring commitment to enhance opportunity and improve lives, and tackle inequalities, disadvantage, discrimination and vulnerabilities. Our new funding priorities build on our established expertise in the areas of education, justice, and the economy, work, and welfare.
What we will fund
We are looking for proposals that meet our assessment criteria:
- Relevance: Is the proposal relevant to at least one of the priority questions?
- Impact: Is there a clear path to how the research and related activities might make a difference to people’s lives?
- Conceptual framework: Is there a clear conceptual framework?
- Rigour: Is the research methodology appropriate and rigorous? Does it incorporate multidisciplinary perspectives?
- Experience: Does the team have the appropriate experience, expertise and potential?
- Value for money: Is the budget requested appropriate, and does it offer good value for money?
What we will not fund
We will not fund:
- Individuals without formal employment or other relationship with the institution hosting the grant
- Projects led by individuals unaffiliated to any particular organisation
- Projects led by undergraduates or master’s students
- PhD fees or projects where the main purpose is to support a PhD
- The establishment of academic posts
- Ongoing costs or the costs of ‘rolling out’ existing work or services