How our grants work
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Commonly asked questions about our grants process
Nottingham Hospitals Charity is an independent, registered charity that works alongside our NHS Trust to support patients, staff, and services.
Although we work closely with the Trust, we are governed separately. Our Trustees are independent and accountable to the Charity Commission, ensuring funds are used responsibly and for genuine charitable benefit.
Commonly asked questions
Scroll down to read through our commonly asked questions, find out more about our grant programmes and how to apply.
The charity funds projects that go above and beyond core NHS provision and make a meaningful difference to patient care, staff wellbeing, or the hospital environment.
Examples of what the charity may fund include:
- Improving patient comfort, wellbeing, or recovery
- Supporting staff wellbeing initiatives
- Pilot projects, innovation, or new ideas
- Equipment not covered by NHS budgets
- Enhancements to wards, waiting areas, or patient spaces
The NHS is responsible for funding services and items that are essential for delivering safe and effective healthcare. This includes:
- Essential medical treatment and care
- Standard clinical equipment
- Core staffing
- Buildings and estates
- Mandatory training and compliance
In simple terms:
If it is required to run a safe and effective NHS service, it should normally be funded by the NHS rather than the charity.
As a charity, we are here to enhance NHS services, not replace NHS funding.
We are therefore unable to fund:
- Core NHS services or standard equipment
- Permanent staffing or salaries
- Anything the NHS is legally required to provide
- Retrospective costs for items already purchased or ordered
- Projects without a clear benefit to patients or staff
Applications can only be submitted by staff with a @nhs.net email address.
Most applications come from:
- NUH Trust staff (clinical and non-clinical)
- Teams or departments within the Trust
If you are partnering with the UoN or an external body – the application has to made by Trust staff or staff with an honorary contract and an @nhs.net email.
We are unable to accept applications from patients or their carers or NHS staff from other Trusts.
If you're unsure whether you're eligible to apply, please contact the Grants Team - we’re happy to advise.
Yes. but each application should focus on a distinct project and demonstrate clear value.
Each application is considered on its own merits and subject to available funding.
For some projects, additional approvals such as procurement, estates, or digital/IT approval may also be required.
It is advisable, to discuss your ideas with the appropriate managers, budget holders, or departmental leads before submission.
We offer a range of funding opportunities, from small grants for quick improvements to larger grants for more significant projects.
You should apply for the amount you genuinely need, supported by a clear and realistic budget.
The application process is straightforward and the apply pages on this site guide you through the process.
- For application under £25,000 complete a short application form
- For applications over £25,000 complete the Expression of Interest Form
- Explain what you want to do and why it matters
- Provide a simple budget or cost breakdown
- Provide any quotes you have
If you have never applied before, the charity team is happy to guide you through the process
The strongest applications clearly explain:
- How patients or staff will benefit
- What difference the project will make
- Why charitable funding is needed
- Why the costs are reasonable and represent good value
Supporting information such as feedback, or simple evidence of need can also strengthen your application.
There is no need to use complex language — clear and honest applications are best.
- Applying for items or services the NHS should already fund
- Submitting applications after money has already been spent
- Overcomplicating your application with jargon
- Forgetting to explain why your project matters
- Assuming small ideas will not be funded — many are
Yes! Small, practical ideas can have a big impact and are often funded.
If equipment has reached the end of its life and is essential for core service delivery, it is usually the NHS’s responsibility to replace it. However, we may fund enhanced or additional equipment that goes beyond standard provision.
Your application is:
- Checked for eligibility
- Reviewed and approved through the Trust and Charity governance processes
Timescales vary depending on the size of the application and number of people who have to review the project idea.
- Applications under £5,000 require Fund Advisor approval
- For application over £5,000 it requires a Fund Advisor & CCG Leadership Approval
- Applications over £15,000 also require Charity Trustee Approval and
- Applications over £100,000 will need the approval of the Trust Medical Director.
If your request is time sensitive, for example an event, then you may need to make sure you put the application in 8 – 12 weeks before the funding is required
Unfortunately, we are unable to fund every request.
If your application is unsuccessful, we may be able to provide feedback to help strengthen future applications
This decision often reflects the eligibility, not the value of your idea.
If your application is approved, we will:
- Confirm your funding award in an email
- Agree how and when the funding will be used
- Explain any procurement requirements
- For larger projects or pilots; Ask you to share the impact your project has made
We value feedback, updates, and stories that help demonstrate the difference charitable funding can make.
We understand that projects can sometimes change after approval.
If there are changes to your project, costs, or timelines, please contact the Charity team as soon as possible so we can advise on any further approvals that may be needed.
Funding is usually expected to be used within an agreed timeframe. We will confirm this when your grant is awarded.
We may ask you to provide:
- A short update or evaluation
- Photos or feedback (where appropriate)
- Information about outcomes or impact
This helps us demonstrate how charitable funding makes a difference.
Absolutely. We encourage applicants to contact the Charity team early so we can help shape ideas, answer questions, and support you through the application process.
We can:
- Check eligibility
- Help shape your idea
- Suggest the best funding route
- Meet with teams (in person or via MS Teams)
📩 Contact: nuhnt.charitygrants@nhs.net
When emailing, include:
- A brief description of your idea
- Your department/ward
- Estimated funding required
