Our funding requirements

Answer the questions below to find out if you are eligible for Nuffield Foundation funding.

yes_no

Question 1/6

1. Do you need funding within 7 months?

Great
The usual timeframe from application to award is a minimum of 7 months. If you need funding before that, then please contact us.
yes_no

Question 2/6

2. Are you employed by or affiliated with a UK-based institution or organisation?

Great
Unfortunately, you don't meet our requirements.

We only make grants to organisations and institutions that are based in the UK. Applicants must be employed by, or affiliated to, the organisation that will receive the grant.
yes_no

Question 3/6

3. Is the main purpose of your funding application to support a PhD student, undergraduate or masters students?

Great
Unfortunately, you don't meet our requirements.

We do not accept grant applications from school, undergraduate or Masters students or where the main purpose is to support a PhD. You might be interested in our POST Fellowship for PhD students.
yes_no

Question 4/6

4. Does your research reflect one or more of the priority questions outlined in our strategic review?

Great
Unfortunately, you don't meet our requirements.

We expect proposals to address one or more of our five priority questions.
yes_no

Question 5/6

5. Will your research project require funding of more than £500,000?

Great

Most grants we fund are for below £300k.

If you’re looking for funding in the region of £500k–£1m, please contact us before submitting an application.
You may be interested in our Strategic Fund.

If you’re looking for funding in the region of £500k–£1m, please contact us before submitting an application.

For major grants in the region of £1–3 million, you may be eligible for our Strategic Fund.
yes_no

Question 6/6

6. Are you looking for a major grant in the region of £1–3 million?

Great
You may be interested in our Strategic Fund.

Prospective Strategic Fund applicants are welcome to send a one-page summary of their proposal to strategicfund@nuffieldfoundation.org to check on potential fit before applying.

Eligibility for Nuffield Foundation funding

We prioritise rigorous research, development and analysis projects that improve the design and operation of social policy. Answering these questions will help identify whether your project is eligible for funding.

Unfortunately, you don't meet the requirements for our Main Grants Fund.

You may be eligible for other funds. Explore all our funds and guides for applying.

Good news, you may be eligible for Nuffield Foundation funding.

Next steps

In 2024, we awarded

£13.5 million

for social research projects

The Nuffield Foundation’s purpose is to advance social well-being and educational opportunity across the UK. We want to improve people’s lives and their ability to participate in society, through better understanding of the social, economic, technological and demographic factors that affect their chances in life. One of the ways we do this is by funding research that will inform the design and operation of social policy.

Our funds

Open

Up to £500,000

Main Grants (Research, Development and Analysis Fund)

Funding for research projects that address one or more of our five interconnected priorities and aim to improve lives in the UK

Next outline application deadline:
06 Oct 2025 23:59 GMT
Apply now

Open

Up to £500,000

Racial Diversity UK

Research funding to understand the barriers and pathways to a racially just and inclusive society. The priority theme for the next application round is migration, arrivals, and legacies. 

Next outline application deadline:
06 Oct 2025 23:59 GMT
Apply now

Open

£1 million to £3 million

Strategic Fund

Research grants for original and ambitious projects that confront the scale and urgency of the UK’s biggest social and economic challenges

Next outline application deadline:
16 Mar 2026 23:59 GMT
Apply now

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
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