Applying for a grant

Applying for a grant 

We fund projects that improve patient care, support staff and enhance hospital environments across UHDB.

Please note you can only apply for a grant if you are:

1. A member of UHDB staff (including honorary contracts).

2. From an organisation connected to UHDB, where there is a clear benefit to our patients, staff, or services.

Please ensure you read all of the information on this page before starting your application. Having the correct approvals, supporting documents and information ready in advance will help make the application process quicker and smoother for you.

Before you apply for your grant

Before starting your application, it’s important to have all your information ready.

You’ll need your fund number and confirmation of support from your Charity Fund Partner if the value of the application is below £5,000. Details of your Fund Partner can be found on Net-i (the UHDB intranet).

Click HERE to go to the Charity Fund Partner list (note you must be logged onto the UHDB network to access this).

If the value of the application is £5,000 or above, the charity will seek support from the Charity Fund Partner. However, we do suggest you discuss with them in advance of submitting an application for charitable funds.

In some cases, additional approvals may be required - for example if your request involves medical equipment, changes to service delivery, or the recruitment of staff.

You’ll need a clear description of what you’re applying for, the problem you’re trying to solve, and the impact your project will have. Depending on the size and complexity of your request, you may also need to provide supporting evidence such as divisional support, QEIA, service development templates, where appropriate.

View the list of Charity Fund Partners


Having everything prepared in advance will help you complete the form smoothly.

Appropriate completed UHDB governance documentation this may include:​

How to apply

The time it takes to complete the application form varies depending on the complexity of the project. To make things as straightforward as possible, please have all your information and approvals ready to upload as you won’t be able to return to it later.

Apply here 

Please click to select

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Please email us

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If the value of your application exceeds £25,000 please email uhdb.charitablefundingenquiry@nhs.net in the first instance with a value and brief outline of project/item.  A member of the team will then contact you to discuss further.

What happens next

Once your application has been submitted, you will then receive an email acknowledgement of receipt and kept updated every step of the way. Please ensure you check your junk folder, as sometimes an email may go into this box.

Our grants system sends email updates as your application moves through the review and approval process, so there’s no need to contact the team for progress updates.

If we need anything further from you, we’ll send a secure link with clear instructions on what to do next.

Timescales and decision making

We review every application carefully to ensure funds are used where they can make the greatest impact. The time it takes to reach a decision will depend on the size and complexity of your request.

Smaller applications, such as requests for equipment, are usually decided within approximately one month. Larger or more complex projects may need to go through additional stages of review, including our Grant Determination Group (meets monthly), Charitable Funds Committee (meets quarterly), or Corporate Trustee (meets three times a year).

Further Support

All decisions are guided by Charity Commission principles, ensuring that funded projects demonstrate clear benefits, are supported by evidence, and positively impact patients, staff, or the wider community.

If you have any questions, or require any support or advice relating to applications, please email the charity team. at uhdb.charitablefundingenquiry@nhs.uk 

Grant Giving - Frequently Asked Questions

    1. You need to complete the form in its entirety and then select submit, once submitted you will receive an acknowledgement email with a unique reference number, which you must quote on all subsequent communications in order for us to identify you application.

  • UHDB staff or honorary contract holders who are linked organisations where benefit flows back to the trust can apply for a grant from our charity. 

  • Unfortunately, the application cannot be edited following formal submission.  Please ensure that all the information is checked and is final before submitting.  If you would like to speak to our team, please email UHDB.charityfinance@nhs.net

  • Yes, quotes are required and should be obtained in line with the UHDB policy. It is recommended, that where appropriate, three competitive quotations are obtained and local suppliers are included if available.  

  • Yes, impact reporting may be required depending on the project scope and value.​ Impact reporting is really important as it demonstrates the public benefit and enables those who support our charity, to understand more about where their donation/fundraising has made a difference. Details of impact reporting required will be agreed with the applicant. 

  • Yes, MDPOG/MDG approval is required for medical devices or equipment​.  Please see above for links to the appropriate approval forms. 

  • You can contact us in the following ways:

    Email us at UHDB.charity@nhs.net

    Telephone us on 01332 785731

    Or, you can write to us at:

    Write to us:

    Derby and Burton Hospitals Charity
    Level 5
    Royal Derby Hospital
    Uttoxeter Road
    Derby
    DE22 3NE

  • The charity finance team will agree with the applicant how the monies are transacted. No monies should be spent until the approval has been confirmed.  Retrospective applications are not permitted. 

  • The applicant will receive a notification via email of an update in the grant management system, rationale for the decision will be detailed in the application file.​

    If the applicant disagrees with the decision, the applicant can appeal via the charity team.