About the Racial Diversity UK fund
The UK’s racial composition has changed considerably since the arrival of the Empire Windrush in 1948, marking the beginning of the post-war settlement of citizens from Britain’s former colonies. Today, the UK’s growing racial diversity and continuing racial disparities bring both opportunities and challenges.
There is a substantial body of research evidencing racial inequalities in most areas of UK life; from health to housing, education to employment, crime and policing to criminal justice. There is less evidence for why some of the UK’s differential racial outcomes persist while other disparities have closed. Nor is there much evidence about what works to end racial disparities, nor of when, how or if policy and programme interventions are effective in achieving this, and little research has focused on the wider benefits and opportunities that racial diversity can bring.
Racial Diversity UK scope
Our Racial Diversity UK fund (RDUK) supports research on racial diversity within the UK.
This programme is funded by an endowment that supports work relating to the Commonwealth. As such, our interest is in the future of UK society as shaped by its colonial past, specifically by the migration of people from former British colonies to the UK. This migration and the accompanying dynamics of racialisation, resources and power have produced the UK’s distinct racial diversity and its patterns of racial discrimination and inequality. Within this context we take a broad view of racial diversity as covering all racial or ethnic groups living in the UK, including White populations.
What we will fund
Grants from £15,000 to £500,000 are available, though most awards are expected to be less than £300,000.
The priority theme for the RDUK autumn 2025 application round is migration, arrivals, and legacies.
Our particular areas of interest within this theme are:
- How colonial legacies and connections shape the UK’s racially diverse past, present and future
- Patterns and experiences of migration, arrivals, settlements, and departures
- Impacts of migration on places, opportunities, and outcomes for all communities, new and established
- Migration and demographic projections and the future of a multi-racial UK
- Rights and routes to residency and citizenship
We may also consider proposals for high-quality, innovative studies that are not included within these topics.
In addition to the RDUK programme, we welcome applications to our main grants fund (the Research, Development and Analysis fund) on building an inclusive society, which focus on or incorporate themes of racial inequalities, discrimination, and pathways to racial justice; particularly those that take an intersectional approach. Read more in the Guide for Applicants.
We expect the research we fund to:
- Contribute to understanding, public debate, policy and/or practice on tackling racial inequalities, discrimination and disadvantage.
- Map pathways towards a UK that is comfortable with and reaping the benefits of its growing racial diversity.
Methods
As for all our grant programmes, we welcome applications proposing any methodological approach, including applied methods and participatory research.
Who should apply
We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, particularly from individuals and organisations from racially minoritised communities. We strongly encourage partnership applications which bring together researchers and racially minoritised communities to explore challenges and develop solutions.
How to apply
To begin your application, click the apply now button. Applications will be via the main grants fund form. Select Racial Diversity UK as your main focus at the start.
There are two stages to the application process:
- Stage 1: Submit an outline application form online
- Stage 2: Shortlisted applicants will be invited to complete a full application form for peer review and Foundation consideration
Read our Guide for Applicants to find out more about our funding requirements and key dates.
Get in touch with queries. Email us at RDUK@nuffieldfoundation.org
