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

• Up to £500,000
• Outline application deadline: 5 October 2026
• Usually six months to three years

Fund information

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.

There are two application deadlines a year for this fund: one in Spring and the other in Autumn. Exact dates are announced in advance. Sign up for our newsletter to receive updates.

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

Funding priorities

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?
• How can we build an inclusive society, where people thrive and feel they belong, in the context of changing demography and ways of life?
• How can we ensure that developments in science and technology work for people and society?
• How can policies to address climate change be developed in a way that promotes a prosperous, fair and inclusive society?
• How can we build and maintain the effective, accountable and trustworthy institutions that our society and democracy need?

What we will fund

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?

What we will not fund

We will not fund:

• 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.

Who we have funded

• In progress – Justice – African and Caribbean perspectives on navigating modern slavery (18/08/26)
• In progress – Education – Improving non-academic outcomes for SEND: review & meta-analysis (13/08/26)
• In progress – Welfare – The financial challenges of adoption: Practice & policy implications (11/08/26)

Application process

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.

See Terms and Conditions

1. Outline applications submitted (April 2026)
2. Successful applicants invited to submit Full application (May/June 2026)
3. Peer review (July 2026)
4. Applicants respond to comments (August 2026)
5. Decisions on full applications made (November 2026)
6. Applicants notified (November 2026 / December 2026)
7. Earliest project start (January 2027)

Timeline for Autumn 2026 round

1. Outline applications submitted (October 2026)
2. Successful applicants invited to submit Full application (November/December 2026)
3. Peer review (January/February 2027)
4. Applicants respond to comments (February/March 2027)
5. Decisions on full applications made (May 2027)
6. Applicants notified (May/June 2027)
7. Earliest project start (July 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.