Foundation grants UK

Funding

The Foundation believes in the power of evidence to create change


Our funding grants are awarded to research that examines the inequalities, disadvantages and vulnerabilities people face throughout their lives, and produces findings that can influence future policy.

As an independent Foundation, we offer the freedom to frame questions and enable new thinking to understand and find solutions to the challenges we face. We encourage interdisciplinary approaches in and across our three broad research areas of EducationJustice and Welfare. We look for comprehensive proposals that use rigorous methodology and can make a difference.

Learn more about how some of our projects have led to real-world change in both policymaking and wider society. Explore our impact section.

For tips on submitting a successful application, watch our webinar on how to get Nuffield Foundation research funding.

For researchers applying for our Research, development and analysis fund, please note that in March 2024, we are pausing funding for strategic grants of over £750,000 while we consult with partners and stakeholders about our new strategy. The pause means that for 2024, the research projects we support will be for grant sizes of up to £750k.

As an inclusive funder, we welcome applications from diverse communities and under-represented groups.

I think that one of the things that is a profound challenge to all of us, and that goes well beyond what individual social scientists can do, is people’s abandonment of evidence in parts of the political debate. It’s a very difficult world now, which requires a lot of thought about how to establish authoritative evidence.

Current funding opportunities

Open

Research, Development & Analysis Fund

We have two application rounds each year for grant funding for research, development and analysis projects in our core domains of Education, Welfare and Justice.

Next outline application deadline:
September 2024
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Coming soon

Racial Diversity 2048

A new grants programme will explore the influence of migration and ethnic diversity on present day UK society and its future trajectory, and improve understanding of pathways to a racially inclusive and just society. The year 2048 marks the hundredth anniversary of the British Nationality Act 1948 and the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush.

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Closed

POST Fellowship

Each year we fund a three-month fellowship for at least one PhD student at the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST).

View Fellowship

Closed

General Election Analysis and Briefing Fund

New grants for projects examining key policy areas or the economic and social context of the upcoming UK general election

Read about funded projects

Closed

Oliver Bird Fund

£4 million for research funding to improve the social and economic well-being of people living with musculoskeletal conditions.

View Fund

Looking for tips on applying for a grant?

We held a webinar on our research interests, our priorities and what we expect from an application. Missed it? We recorded the event.

Watch now

Support for grant holders

See our resources for grant holders.

Explore Nuffield-funded research

Our research provides independent evidence on topics that affect people’s daily lives and their well-being.

360Giving supports organisations to publish their grants data in an open, standardised way and helps people to understand and use the data to support decision-making and learning across the charitable giving sector.

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