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.
We have a total of £75,000 to award through Inspire Fund in 2024. Some of this will be awarded as seed funding to new grant holders, in grants of up to £5,000 per project.
We will also be awarding follow on funding to past Inspire Fund grant holders, to grow the scale and impact of their previous projects, with grants of up to £20,000 per project.
In 2019, we funded 8 projects totalling £98,974
In 2021, we funded 8 projects totalling £149,375.77
In 2022, we funded 10 projects totalling £157,049.50
Who can apply
The seed funding call is open to new applicants to the Inspire Fund.
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 led by community groups or organisations.
We strongly encourage applicants to forge links with collaborators or groups to strengthen ideas. We recognise this can take time, and will be supporting relationship building in funded projects.
Projects can use a range of methods to engage with their audience. We encourage applicants to consider their audience when selecting methods of engagement, to ensure people are able to take part.
Past grant holders are eligible to apply for follow on funding, and should contact the Involvement & Engagement team for more information - engage@alzheimersresearchuk.org
Criteria
Inspire Fund projects must meet both core criteria:
Projects must engage with underserved audiences on the topic of dementia, such as minority ethnic communities, marginalised or socioeconomically disadvantaged people.
Build knowledge and understanding about brain health (in the context of dementia risk reduction) and explore ways to encourage behaviour change.
Grants will not be awarded to:
Projects where research is the primary purpose (see FAQ for more information).
Projects that will take place outside of the UK.
Projects providing dementia care or other front-line services (including arts therapy).
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.
For more information about the Inspire Fund, please read the FAQs.
Eligible Expenditure
Inspire Fund projects must meet two core criteria:
Projects must engage with underserved audiences on the topic of dementia, such as minority ethnic communities, marginalised or socioeconomically disadvantaged people.
Build knowledge and understanding about brain health (in the context of dementia risk reduction) and explore ways to encourage behaviour change.
Grants will not be awarded to:
Projects where research is the primary purpose (see FAQ for more information).
Projects that will take place outside of the UK.
Projects providing dementia care or other front-line services (including arts therapy).
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.
How to apply
The application and review process for seed funding applications will consist of the following steps:
Scheme opens for applications for seed funding
The form for seed funding applications will be live on the website. We recommend attending the information event before submitting your application.
Inspire Fund information event
We will hold an online information webinar for potential applicants to find out more about the scheme and ask questions. This will take place on 17 September 2024 from 12-1pm BST, and you can sign up here.
Application deadline 5pm on 14 October 2024
Review
The Internal Review Committee will score applications against the Inspire Fund’s criteria. In order to make a judgement, they will need to fully understand what you are applying to do, so make sure you include key information about your project.
Applicants notified of funding decisions
Following funding decisions, applicants will be informed of the outcome within 8 weeks of the application deadline.