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Small grants

Definition of a Small grant

The Small grant scheme was established by Diabetes UK to enable researchers to undertake small research projects or pilot studies. It is not intended to be used for ‘Top-up’ funds and applicants should remember when applying that the entire research budget comes from donations from supporters and members. If funds for small projects can be found within the applicant’s institution, then this support should be sought.

Financial support

Support is typically requested for up to one year; however, longer periods of time may be requested if scientifically justified.

A small grant offers a maximum of £10,000.

Salaries

Salaries can be requested, but should not make up the entirety of a small grant.

Research assistants may wish to register for higher degrees during the lifetime of the grant. It should be noted that Diabetes UK will not pay university and/or college fees.

Eligibility

Applications will be accepted from applicants without current research grants. Applicants who are current grant holders must clearly identify that this support is for a new direction of research and distinct from any current awards held.

Applicants must show that they have a full time post for the lifetime of the proposed grant.

Applications are particularly welcome from NHS consultants specialising in Diabetes who are within five years of their first appointment.

Deadlines

Application forms can be submitted at any time and applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

How to apply

The Project Grant application form (Word, 502KB) with a reduced plan of investigation should be used.

Administrative processes

Peer review

Applications will be sent out for peer review to researchers who have not published or worked in the same institutions as any of the applicants for at least five years. Please consider this when suggesting reviewers in the application.

Decisions

The office will make a decision whether to fund the project based on the reviewer’s comments.

Assessment criteria

Applications are assessed on the following criteria:

• Potential difference the research will make to the lives of people with diabetes
• Scientific excellence
• Track record of the applicants
• Value for money.