The Foundation manages the Oliver Bird Fund, given to us to administer by Captain Bird in 1948. The Fund aims to improve the well-being of individuals with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, including rheumatoid diseases, through coordinated policy, practice, and research efforts. Each grant round has a specific theme relating to living with MSK.
In 2018, we funded six projects covering three themes. This included two large-scale programmes undertaking innovative data integration across a locality, with the potential for replication across the UK.
Our second call in late 2021 focused on the links between musculoskeletal conditions and economic and social well-being. £1.94 million was awarded to support six teams, across five Universities.
We are now opening a third round of funding, which continues to explore links between MSK conditions and wellbeing across the life course. Up to £6 million in grant funding is available to support high-quality, high-impact projects.
As with the last two rounds, we will again partner with Versus Arthritis to provide funding for research this year. Versus Arthritis is the UK’s largest charity dedicated to supporting people with arthritis. Versus Arthritis are contributing up to £2 million of the cost of the call.
This call will contribute towards Versus Arthritis’ ‘Living Well’ strategic priority of ensuring that people live well with arthritis and that there is a strong community of support. Our shared emphasis for this funding round is on addressing inequalities, through non-medical intervention.
The document below sets out the details of the new call. Applicants should use the specific OBF outline form. The closing date for applications was 16 September 2024. Any questions relating to applying should be sent to applications@nuffieldfoundation.org.
