UK non-profit organisations and public bodies working in collaboration can apply for funding to support proposals to form a Community Research Network in their area.

Over the next four years, Innovate UK (IUK) is investing in the creation of a series of Community Research Networks across the UK with the aim of delivering economic, social, and cultural benefits from research and innovation to all UK citizens.

The funding is intended to help local areas by investing in organisations which can support the sustainable and equitable involvement of communities in research. This investment is expected to give organisations the capacity to collaborate effectively, unlocking the potential of community-centred research and research engagement approaches.

The aim of this Expression of Interest (EoI) Competition is to support up to 20 initial collaborations with the potential to form a Community Research Network in the future.

Up to £500,000 has been allocated to fund collaborations for an initial period of six months. The total grant awarded for each collaboration is fixed at £25,000. The funds can be used to support the building of collaborations and partnerships, convening discussions, hosting workshops, engaging communities, collaborative bid writing, and desk research.

The competition is open to collaborations only. To lead a collaboration or collaborate with the lead, an organisation must be a UK registered charitable trust, registered charity, community interest company, cooperative society or local authority. Research organisations cannot lead but can collaborate.

Applications are accepted from Monday 25 July 2022 until Wednesday 14 September 2022.

How To Apply

Applications are accepted from Monday 25 July 2022 until Wednesday 14 September 2022.

Applications are made online.

More details can be accessed at the Innovate UK website.