Main Grants (Research, Development and Analysis Fund)

A fairer society and stronger economy should go hand in hand. We will fund research and collaborate with partners to gain a deeper understanding of the interaction between economic performance and social problems, and how changes in one can drive progress in the other.

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We will work with researchers and other partners to help the UK respond to these shifts in ways that promote inclusion, opportunity and belonging. We aim to explore the drivers of demographic change, and the implications for state and society.

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Building on the expertise of the Nuffield Council on Bioethics and the Ada Lovelace Institute, we will work with researchers and other partners to ensure that advances in science and technology are aligned with the public interest.

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Climate policies are a new focus for us, and we are keen to work with researchers and other partners to understand their implications on people’s lives. Our interest is different from other funders, it is in the distributional consequences of climate strategies in the UK.

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We have a history of funding research into institutions, as well as incubating and building new capability, and a longstanding interest in justice as a pillar of a fair society. We are looking to build on these foundations and renew our focus on what makes for an effective institution.

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We award grants to a wide range of organisations, including universities, research organisations, and voluntary sector bodies. Applicants should be employed by, or have formal affiliation with, a UK-based organisation.

Most grants we fund are below £300,000. Our largest grant awards are for a maximum of £500,000. In exceptional circumstances, and by prior agreement, we occasionally accept applications up to £750,000.

Outline applications are made online through our website. We have two deadlines a year, in Spring and Autumn. You must read our Guide for applicants before submitting your application.

We have a two-stage application process. If your Outline application is shortlisted, you’ll be invited to submit a Full application to tell us more about your project.

Our team will be in touch to let you know the status of your application.

We operate a gathered field approach. Funding applications can be made at any time, through our website, but shortlisting takes place twice a year – in Spring and Autumn.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit full applications. If Foundation staff are satisfied that the Full application meets the quality threshold, it will be sent for external peer review. Shortlisted applicants will be notified of final decisions. Further information on the application timeline can be found in the Guide for applicants.

We offer constructive advice and support to those invited to submit a Full application. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are not able to give specific feedback on unsuccessful Outline applications, beyond that provided in the outcome letter.