Nuffield Foundation Main Grants Fund

Nuffield Foundation Main Grants Fund is sponsored by Nuffield Foundation. The Nuffield Foundation funds research, development, and analysis that has the potential to improve people's lives.

Main Grants (Research, Development & Analysis Fund) | Nuffield Foundation 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 Outline application deadline: 5 October 2026 Usually six months to three years Our Main Grants fund (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 .

In special cases, and by prior agreement, we accept applications for up to £750,000. Most of the grants we award are below £300,000. Outline application deadline: 5 October 2026 We expect proposals to address one or more of our five priority questions: How can we build a prosperous and fair society, where people are secure and can fulfil their potential?

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. How can we build an inclusive society, where people thrive and feel they belong, in the context of changing demography and ways of life?

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. How can we ensure that developments in science and technology work for people and society?

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. How can policies to address climate change be developed in a way that promotes a prosperous, fair and inclusive society?

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. How can we build and maintain the effective, accountable and trustworthy institutions that our society and democracy need?

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. 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?

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? Individuals without formal employment or contractual relationship with the institution hosting the grant for at least the duration of the project.

Projects led by individuals unaffiliated to any particular organisation. Projects led by schools or further education colleges. 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 (unless explicitly agreed with the Foundation in advance of an application being submitted).

‘Dissemination-only’ projects, including campaigning work, which are not connected to our funded work. Local charities, replacement for statutory funding, or local social services or social welfare provision. Requests for financial help or educational fees from or on behalf of individuals.

Projects led by organisations or institutions that are not based in the UK. In exceptional cases, we may accept applications from overseas organisations if no UK-based host is feasible. Applicants must show strong plans for UK-focused dissemination, engagement and impact.

Read the Guide for applicants AI, performance, and wellbeing: A field experiment This project will investigate the causal impact of Generative AI coaching tools on employee... Early years digital media literacy network This project will establish a cross-sector network to address gaps in early years digital media literacy...

From policy to impact: Racial equity practices in FTSE 350 firms This project will explore how racial equity practices in UK-listed firms influence tangible outcomes like pay... The application for funding is a two-stage process. Before submitting an Outline application, check that our terms and conditions are acceptable to you and your host institution.

Outline applications submitted (April 2026) Successful applicants invited to submit Full application (May/June 2026) Applicants respond to comments (August 2026) Decisions on full applications made (November 2026) Applicants notified (November 2026 / December 2026) Earliest project start (January 2027) Frequently asked questions Who can apply for Nuffield funding?

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. What funding do you offer?

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.

How do I make a funding application? 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.

When will I know if my application’s been shortlisted? Our team will be in touch to let you know the status of your application. When should I submit my 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 .

Will I receive feedback on my outline application? 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.