Inspire Fund
The Inspire Fund provides funding for projects that engage the public with dementia and the life-changing research going on into the condition.
Who can apply
We encourage applications from people, organisations and communities with ideas, passion and ability to realise innovative public engagement projects on the topic of dementia. From those within or outside the research community, those with a track record in public engagement and those looking to apply their skills to this important issue for the first time.
Through the scheme, we want to build relationships between communities and researchers, and are especially interested in proposals from underserved communities – minority ethnic communities, marginalised or socioeconomically disadvantaged people.
We strongly encourage applicants to forge links with collaborators or groups to strengthen ideas. As we recognise that potential applicants may not have existing links or contacts, we will be facilitating relationship building through the applications process.
Inspire Fund projects must meet one or more of the following criteria:
Engage with under-served audiences on the topic of dementia, including minority ethnic communities, marginalised or socioeconomically disadvantaged people.
Build knowledge and engage the public with the topic of brain health.
Engage and create dialogue with people about the progress being made in dementia research.
Projects must be deliverable in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with clear plans for mitigating the impact of pandemic restrictions or adapting delivery methods as required. We encourage applications from those using pandemic-proof or remote engagement methods, including but not limited to online or digital.
We encourage applications from as wide an audience as possible – dementia researchers, community groups, artists, creative organisations, people in charge of cultural spaces such as museums and libraries.
We want to hear from people with the ideas, passion and ability to realise innovative public engagement projects, and we encourage applicants to forge links with collaborators or groups to grow the scale of ideas and the impact of the projects.
Restrictions
Grants will not be awarded to:
Research projects.
Projects that will take place outside of the UK.
Projects providing dementia care services, as this is beyond the scope of the charitable objectives of Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Projects judged to be using the scheme to further the commercial interests of an organisation.
Cover the cost of projects that are part of an organisation’s usual programme of activities.
Cover the cost of salaries that are already covered by the organisation applying.
Eligible expenditure
Inspire Fund projects must meet one or more of the following criteria:
Engage with under-served audiences on the topic of dementia, including minority ethnic communities, marginalised or socioeconomically disadvantaged people.
Build knowledge and engage the public with the topic of brain health.
Engage and create dialogue with people about the progress being made in dementia research.
Grants will not be awarded to:
Research projects.
Projects that will take place outside of the UK.
Projects providing dementia care services, as this is beyond the scope of the charitable objectives of Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Projects judged to be using the scheme to further the commercial interests of an organisation.
Cover the cost of projects that are part of an organisation’s usual programme of activities.
Cover the cost of salaries that are already covered by the organisation applying.
How to apply
The application and review process will consist of the following steps:
Scheme opens for expression of interest (EOI)
The first step in applying is to complete an EOI. In this short online form https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/grants/inspire-fund-public-engagement-grant-2021/ , applicants can outline their project idea. It does not need to be a fully fleshed-out proposal, but should outline what you would like to achieve, and what partners or expertise you are seeking to be able to deliver it.
Inspire Fund information event – 7 July 2021
During the submission window for EOIs, we are holding an online event for potential applicants to find out more about the scheme and ask questions. You can sign up for this event here https://alzheimers.eventsair.com/inspire-fund-information-webinar/registration/Site/Register
EOI deadline – 5 August 2021