CARE Grants Tier 1 - Research Training

HDRC Wakefield are very excited to launch the Community Action and Research Engagement (CARE) Fund, and applications are now open for Tier 1 Grants: Up to £500 for research training & support.

What is the CARE fund about?

This is a fantastic opportunity for VCSE organisations across Wakefield to build the confidence, skills, and capacity needed to do research and use evidence more effectively — whether that’s to better understand the needs of your community, evaluate your work, or use data to strengthen funding bids and influence decision makers.

Tier 1 is all about getting started (or building on what you already do) through training, mentoring and light-touch support. Later on, Tier 2 and 3 grants will be available for those looking to take it to the next stage and complete more in-depth research projects.  

What could you apply for?

Tier 1 grants can fund training, advice, or support to grow your skills. This could include things like:
• Learning how to evaluate your services
• Understanding and using the data you already collect
• Designing a survey, feedback approach or engagement exercise
• Exploring local or national research to support a funding bid
• Getting support from an expert to shape a new idea
• Building staff and volunteer skills

For example:

“Cover staff costs to attend a training course on different evaluation tools to evidence the impact of our community group”
“Attend training to learn how to use excel or other tools to make the most of the data we already collect”
“Support to carry out a simple literature review or understand local health data to help strengthen an upcoming funding bid”
“Training and support to develop a survey or new feedback systems for a community activity to help evaluate our work and improve services”

What to expect

You don’t need prior research experience—just an interest in learning and improving what you do! Help and support is available from HDRC Wakefield every step of the way.

Use the link below to book a call with the Community Insight Co-ordinator, Conor Williams, to ask any questions, discuss your ideas, and complete the short application form.

Alternatively, email us at HDRC@Wakefield.gov.uk or info@prosperwakefielddistrict.org to express interest and a member of the team will arrange a quick conversation to talk through your ideas and answer any questions about the Fund. You’ll then have the opportunity to complete an application form, or get this sent to complete in your own time.

Applications are open on a rolling basis; the first panel meeting will be held in late July with decisions issued shortly afterwards.

Get in touch today to start your journey.

The CARE Grants scheme is part of the Heath Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) Wakefield, which is funded by NIHR and hosted by Wakefield Council.