What the NHS funds VS what the charity can support
A quick guide to NHS vs charity funding
NHS funding covers the essential costs of running hospitals, clinics, and other NHS services.
The NHS must fund services that are part of its core responsibility to deliver safe, effective healthcare. The NHS isn't just required to provide care for patients, it also has clear responsibilities towards its staff too! In simple terms, if something is needed to run a safe and effective NHS, it should be funded by the NHS and not the charity.
Examples include:
Essential medical treatment and care
Core clinical equipment
Examples include standard monitors, beds and diagnostic tools.
Staffing required to run services safely
Buildings, estates and basic facilities
Mandatory training and compliance
What the charity can fund (the above and beyond)
As a charity, we fund things that enhance care and experience, rather than replace core services. In simple terms, if it makes care better, kinder or more innovative - but doesn't deliver the service, it may be suitable for charity funding.
This might include:
Extra comforts for patients
For example improved ward environments and wellbeing items.
Additional equipnment
Unlike NHS funded equipment, charity funding must go towards equipment that will improve the patient experience, but is not deemed essential to patient care.
Staff wellbeing initiatives
For example, rest spaces and mental health support.
Pilot projects
Or new ideas not yet funded by the NHS.
Added extras
Such as those that improve dignity, recovery or experience
Why this distinction matters:
This seperation protects:
- Public accountability (taxpayer-funded services remain core-funded)
- Charity integrity (donations enhance, not replace, NHS funding)
- Fairness (essential support isn’t dependent on donations)
Helpful guidance:
- “Would the service stop or become unsafe without this?” Yes = NHS responsibility
- “Does this improve experience, wellbeing, or outcomes beyond the basics?” Yes = Charity may be able to help
Don't worry! Many projects sit in a grey area.
If you’re unsure, just contact the Charity team. We’re happy to help you decide whether your idea is a good fit before you apply.
Email: Charity Grants at nuhnt.charitygrants@nhs.net
As an independent charity, our Trustees are accountable to the Charity Commission. They must make sure that:
- Charity funds are used for genuine charitable purposes
- We don’t replace public funding
- Every grant provides clear additional benefit
To meet Charity Commission regulations, all charitable expenditure must:
- Meet the Charity's overall objectives;
- Satisfy the Public Benefit criteria test
- Be for a charitable purpose;
- Be for a purpose that is over and above what the NHS would normally provide.