Which?, the UK’s consumer champion, has launched a new call for applications to support research projects aiming to improve understanding of the specific consumer harms certain communities experience, and develop evidence-based solutions.
Consumer harm can take many forms, and can be difficult to spot, particularly in digital markets. In some circumstances, certain groups of consumers - for example, low-income households, women, people living with disabilities or health conditions, or members of diverse ethnic communities - might be exposed to more harm than other groups.
The research projects should cover Which?'s four impact areas of money, consumer rights and protections, digital life and scams.
A total of £75,000 is available. There is no set minimum or maximum grant.
It is anticipated that a small number of high-quality projects will be funded. Applicants should cost their project based on what they need.
The grant will cover costs which are directly attributable to work furthering the Consumer Association’s charitable purposes:
- For charities, the funding will cover staff salaries and a reasonable amount of core costs/ overheads, in proportion to the size of the project. Capital costs for equipment will only be funded where specifically required to complete a project.
- For UK higher education institutions (HEIs), the grant will cover all direct costs related to the management and delivery of the project, but not indirect costs.
Applications will be accepted from UK-registered charities or UK universities with exempt charitable status.
There is a two-stage application process.
How To Apply
There is a two-stage application process:
- Stage 1 – applicants should email Linda Ogbenna to request a copy of the outline application. The deadline is 11:59 on 29 September 2021.
- Stage 2 – short listed applicants will automatically be sent a full application form by email.
The guidance notes and FAQs can be found on the ‘Consumer insight’ page on the Which? website.
An organisation can only submit one application for funding per funding round.
Applicants who have questions or need support with the application process may contact Linda Ogbenna.
Useful documents & links
Useful Links
Addresses and contacts
For further information on how to obtain this grant locally, please contact the following:
- Linda Ogbenna
Which?
2 Marylebone Road
London
NW1 4DF
Email: [email protected]