The Foundation believes in the power of evidence to create change
Our funding grants are awarded to research that examines the inequalities, disadvantages and vulnerabilities people face throughout their lives, and produces findings that can influence future policy.
As an independent Foundation, we offer the freedom to frame questions and enable new thinking to understand and find solutions to the challenges we face. We encourage interdisciplinary approaches in and across our three broad research areas of Education, Justice and Welfare. We look for comprehensive proposals that use rigorous methodology and can make a difference.
Learn more about how some of our projects have led to real-world change in both policymaking and wider society. Explore our impact section.
For tips on submitting a successful application, watch our webinar on how to get Nuffield Foundation research funding.
For researchers applying for our Research, development and analysis fund, please note that in March 2024, we are pausing funding for strategic grants of over £750,000 while we consult with partners and stakeholders about our new strategy. The pause means that for 2024, the research projects we support will be for grant sizes of up to £750k.
As an inclusive funder, we welcome applications from diverse communities and under-represented groups.
I think that one of the things that is a profound challenge to all of us, and that goes well beyond what individual social scientists can do, is people’s abandonment of evidence in parts of the political debate. It’s a very difficult world now, which requires a lot of thought about how to establish authoritative evidence.