An introduction to Research | CLDF small grants research programme

Details of CLDF’s small grants research programme, and how to apply for an award, can be found below.

For the period Oct 07 – Dec 07, CLDF received three small grant project applications. Details of these can be found by clicking the Oct 07 – Dec 07: received applications link at the bottom of this page.

Introduction:

The trustees of Children’s Liver Disease Foundation will make available £20,000 per annum for a small grants research programme.  Applications must be in line with the CLDF research strategy.

The money will be distributed quarterly with a maximum of £5,000 being awarded in any one quarter.  Applicants may apply for up to £5,000 in a quarter.  Successful applicants will not be eligible to apply for a further year following an award being made. 

The trustees will look favourably on applications where the candidates can show that they can add value to the contribution made by CLDF.  Those who can show matching funding from their institution or other sources will be regarded favourably. 

Use of funds
*Applications will only be accepted for work based in the UK. 

*Applications must be in line with the CLDF research strategy

*The funds can be used widely but applicants must always be able to demonstrate how it can contribute to knowledge in paediatric hepatology. 

*Applications can include funding for pilot studies, funding equipment (but not IT equipment), and funding social and nursing research. 

*Travel grants will not normally be awarded except in exceptional circumstances

*Funds will not be awarded to fund/contribute towards time taken in the study of NHS salaried staff

*Funds will not be awarded retrospectively

Grant Rounds
Throughout the year there will be four grant rounds for which a maximum amount of £5,000 will be available in total.  Applicants may apply for up to £5,000.  Any money remaining from one quarter will be carried over to the next quarter until the end of the financial year.  The grant periods are:

 1 April  –  30 June
 1 July  –  30 September
 1 October  –  31 December
 1 January  –  31 March

Making an application
All applications should be made using the proforma available for download from the CLDF website.  Applications must be made electronically followed by a hard copy giving original signature(s) to:

CLDF Small Grants Research Programme, CLDF, 36 Great Charles Street, Birmingham  B3 3JY

Download the application proforma

Review of applications
All applications will be reviewed by a small grants review committee which will be formed from CLDF’s main Medical Advisory Committee.  It will include:
 SC Chairman
 CLDF Medical Advisor
 Two other SC members
 CLDF Chief Executive

Rotation of committee members will be encouraged.  The committee will be able to seek external expertise, as required. 

Mechanism
The closing date for applications will be three weeks prior to the closing date of the round.  Late applications will be taken over into the next round. 

Applications will be viewed by CLDF to ensure all applications fulfil the awards criteria.  Those that do not will be rejected immediately.  The applications will then be forwarded to the review committee electronically.  If external expertise review is required, this will be requested by the committee. 

A conference call will be set up and normally will take place within four weeks of the end of the grant round.  The committee will make a decision as to the awards to be made at the end of the conference call. 

Applicants will be informed of the outcome of their applications within six weeks of the closing date of the round.  Cheques will be sent to the host institution and not the individual.  Please note, cheques cannot be made payable to another charity / trust fund.

Feedback will not be given to unsuccessful applicants. 

Details of applications received and successful applications will be made available on the CLDF website. 

Feedback
All award winners will be required to submit a report on completion of the project, using the report proforma which can be downloaded from the CLDF website.  Applicants will need to show how the money was spent. 

The report will be reviewed by the CLDF Scientific Committee Chairman and Honorary Medical Advisor in the first instance and a report made to the trustees at their meetings by the Chief Executive.  Reports will also be tabled at the Medical Advisory Committee meetings for review.

CLDF reserves the right not to make further awards to those groups or individuals which cannot demonstrate how the funds were used and/or the effectiveness of the award.  

In the event of any funds remaining unspent, CLDF reserves the right to request their return and also reserves the right to request refund of the money in the event that the money was not used as requested in the application.  

(January 2008)

Download the report proforma

Please call CLDF on 0121 212 3839 if you have any queries.

Oct 07 - Dec 07 : Received applications