9 February 1998

National Lottery Charities Board launches new Health and Social Research Grants

The National Lottery Charities Board today launched its new grants programme called Health and social research. It is aimed at charities and voluntary organisations who want grants for medical research and social research projects into health. The research can be undertaken in university departments and research institutes in collaboration with a charity or voluntary organisations.

A leaflet, published today, explains who can apply and the types of projects which will be supported. It is available by telephoning 0345 919191.

The application line will open on 27 April until 9 October 1998. Completed applications must be received, together with a full research proposal, by 30 October 1998. The grants will be announced in spring 1999.

Gerald Oppenheim, Director of UK and Corporate Planning said: ‘This is the second grants programme for medical and social research. The Charities Board awarded 56 grants worth £8.6 million to medical and social research projects in December 1996. These covered research into a wide range of diseases and social conditions related to health, disability and care.

‘Grant recipients included the British Lung Foundation, Age Concern, the Cancer Research Campaign, the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation, the Imperial Cancer Research Fund, the National Heart Research Fund and the British Diabetic Association.

‘The Board is committed to continuing to fund this very important and vital work undertaken by the voluntary sector. We look forward to receiving more high quality applications for research projects which will make a real impact on people’s lives in the future.’