Brace

BRACE Alzheimer’s Research, founded in 1987 in Bristol by families affected by dementia, is an independent charity dedicated to defeating dementia through scientific research, advancing earlier diagnosis, better treatments, and prevention strategies for Alzheimer’s and related diseases like vascular and Lewy body dementias. Governed by expert trustees and a Scientific Advisory Committee using rigorous peer review, BRACE emphasises clinical and laboratory research, funding infrastructure such as the South West Dementia Brain Bank, PhD studentships, pilot studies, and key personnel to accelerate understanding of causes and novel therapies, with a focus on high-impact, early-stage work often overlooked by larger funders.

It supports academic institutions and university-affiliated research groups in South West England and South Wales conducting active dementia research, excluding non-research charities, service delivery, or general organisations without scientific focus. No income thresholds apply, but applicants must demonstrate alignment with BRACE’s priorities on causation, diagnosis, and treatment.

Grants typically range from £20,000 for equipment to £90,000–£110,000 for PhD studentships and up to £70,000+ for pilots, awarded biannually after phone enquiry to the Grants Manager, form submission, peer review, and committee assessment (3+ months). Currently, applications are paused with no open rounds—check website for future announcements like potential September or March reopenings. Distinctively agile as a mid-sized specialist, BRACE provides seed funding that catalyses larger national grants, fostering regional research capacity with global reach while avoiding core costs or non-biomedical activities.