Which? Invites UK Charities and Universities to Apply for Research Funding

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.

The deadline for stage one applications is 23:59 on 29 September 2021.