Funding advice

The level of funding currently invested in research on humanitarian issues is shockingly low compared to the size of the sector and the pressing human and global crises that it aims to address. As a multi-billion dollar global 'industry' the humanitarian sector is lagging far behind other industries in this regard.

However, times are changing and recent positive developments from Governments and private donors indicate an increasing commitment to fund research on major global issues such as climate change and security. It is now up to those within the humanitarian industry to investigate and take up these opportunities in partnership with academic providers.

On these pages ELRHA aims to provide advice on what funding is out there and how you can access it.

The Research Councils in the UK.

The UK Research Councils are by far the biggest investor in research in the UK. Collectively the Councils invest around £2.8 Billion each year in research. Funding is provided through a vast array of mechanisms many of which are relevant to the humanitarian sector.

We will be profiling specific funding opportunities of relevance to the humanitarian sector here, but for further information you should visit the websites of the individual research councils to find out what they offer.

Research Councils UK.

Research Councils UK is the strategic partnership that provides oversight on the work of the seven Research Councils for the UK. Funding themes are set by the individual research councils, however the Councils also work together on priority themes identified by RCUK.

The Seven Research Councils:

Knowledge Transfer

Knowledge Transfer is a relatively new theme of funding being offered by the research councils to increase the impact of research. Knowledge Transfer describes how knowledge and ideas move between the knowledge source to the potential users of that knowledge. The RCUK Knowledge Transfer Portal offers a single point of access for those in academia, business, public, private and/or third sectors, who want to find out about Research Council knowledge transfer schemes and activities, and how to get involved. You will find links to Research Council funding opportunities, current events, networks, and training courses, just to name a few.

DFID

The UK Government's Department for International Development (DFID) provides funding for humanitarian issues through the Conflict, Humanitarian and Security Department (CHASE). CHASE works with other DFID departments, other UK Government Departments and international partners to tackle humanitarian, conflict, security and justice issues that underpin poverty in some of the most vulnerable communities around the world. Click here for more information on specific CHASE funding streams

European Funding

The European Union's main instrument for research funding is provided through the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development or FP7 for short. The FP7 runs from 2007-2013. The framework provides funding under four specific programmes: Cooperation, Ideas, People and Capacities.

Click here for an excellent online guide to available EU funding opportunities

ECHO

The ECHO Grant Facility makes available small grants for training initiatives, studies and networks in the humanitarian field, corresponding to a number of priorities identified by DG ECHO on an annual basis. Thus, it is the purpose of the Grant facility to enhance the knowledge and expertise of humanitarian agencies and professional staff. In addition, ECHO contributes through the Grant Facility to the understanding of humanitarian issues and to the development of appropriate policy responses.

Trusts and Foundations

The Leverhulme Trust

The Leverhulme Trust, established at the wish of William Hesketh Lever, the first Viscount Leverhulme, makes awards for the support of research and education. The Trust emphasises individuals and will provide funding for projects and individuals in all subject areas. With annual funding of some £40 million, the Trust is amongst the largest all subject providers of research funding in the UK. Click here to connect to their easy to use funding search facility.

The Wellcome Trust

The Wellcome Trust is an independent charity funding research to improve human and animal health. Established in 1936 and with an endowment of around £13 billion, it is the UK's largest non-governmental source of funds for biomedical research. Click here to visit their website.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is a philanthropic foundation that works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. They focus on improving people's health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. The foundation makes a range of grants throughout the year however, please note that most of these grants are made to U.S. tax-exempt organizations, although other not for profit organisations may apply. Click here to visit their website.