Chronic Disease Research Foundation
Could Chronic Disease Research Foundation fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.
- Typical grants
- Up to £350,000
- Applications
- Accepted
- How to apply
- Email application
- Decisions
- Rolling (no fixed deadline)
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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cdrf.org.ukAbout Chronic Disease Research Foundation
The Chronic Disease Research Foundation is an independent UK medical research charity established in 1996. Its mission is to advance understanding of common chronic diseases through cutting-edge biomedical research, guided by scientific excellence, collaboration, and ethical standards. The Foundation funds research that uses twin models, large datasets, and multi-disciplinary approaches, partnering with institutions such as the Department of Twin Research at King’s College London. It supports research into chronic conditions including cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, long COVID, arthritis, dementia, back pain, migraine, asthma, and metabolic conditions. The Foundation’s work has a UK-wide remit, with a particular emphasis on twin studies and data-driven interventions.
What Chronic Disease Research Foundation funds
The Foundation funds research into a wide range of chronic conditions, with a strong focus on twin studies, genetics, the human microbiome, and healthy ageing. Specific areas include obesity, diabetes, metabolism, cardiovascular disease, long COVID, arthritis, dementia, back pain, migraine, asthma, and metabolic conditions. It supports research fellowships, pilot seed grants, and large projects that use twin models, large datasets, and multi-disciplinary approaches. The Foundation’s work has a UK-wide remit, with a particular emphasis on twin research and data-driven interventions. Priority is given to projects related to twin research, and the Michael Mosley Memorial Fund supports seed projects on obesity, diabetes, and metabolism.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and academic institutions with an established track record in large-scale biomedical research. UK-based leadership is required, and there are no religious restrictions. The Foundation prioritises organisations that can demonstrate expertise in twin research, large datasets, and multi-disciplinary approaches. Applicants should have a strong research background and the capacity to handle complex data. The Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications; instead, it issues targeted calls for proposals.
What Chronic Disease Research Foundation doesn't fund
The Foundation does not cover core or unrestricted funding, capital grants, or non-research activities. It focuses exclusively on biomedical research projects and does not support general charitable activities, building costs, or equipment purchases outside of research needs.
How they like to fund
The Foundation issues targeted calls for proposals and does not accept unsolicited applications. It supports research fellowships (which are multi-year), pilot seed grants, and large projects. Funding is provided for research costs only, not core or unrestricted expenses. The Foundation works in partnership with leading academic institutions and responds nimbly to emerging health needs, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
How much does Chronic Disease Research Foundation give?
Chronic Disease Research Foundation runs 3 grant programmes. Every figure below is sourced from their published guidance.
Last verified 8 August 2026 · 9 sourced facts
- Two-stage process
- Multi-year funding
Those are the published figures. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you'd clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is what the free fit check answers.
What Chronic Disease Research Foundation funds — and what they won't
Research related to obesity, diabetes, and metabolism.
Good to know
How to apply to Chronic Disease Research Foundation
Chronic Disease Research Foundation takes applications via email application.
- Published programme route: two-stage process.
- Decisions are typically rolling (no fixed deadline).
- Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.
What Chronic Disease Research Foundation's application asks
We hold the 12 questions from Chronic Disease Research Foundation's application form, word for word — so you know exactly what you're signing up to answer.
“Applicants Surname Title Position Forename”
“Institution Details: Name and address of employing institution, Telephone, Email, Fax”
10 more questions from their form, plus answers drafted from your charity's real data if you decide to apply.
How it works
- 1Describe your project. Once — used for this funder and others.
- 2See if this could be a fit. Honest check on cause, place, size, and rules.
- 3Draft if yes. From your real data — or move on if not.
See if Chronic Disease Research Foundation could be a fit. Draft if yes.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Chronic Disease Research Foundation provide?
Chronic Disease Research Foundation typically provides grants up to £350,000.
Where does Chronic Disease Research Foundation fund charities?
Chronic Disease Research Foundation funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Chronic Disease Research Foundation accept unsolicited applications?
Chronic Disease Research Foundation accepts unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Current programme status is on this page — do not assume a round is open.
How do I apply for funding from Chronic Disease Research Foundation?
Chronic Disease Research Foundation takes applications via email application. Published programme route: two-stage process.
Similar funders
Other UK funders with overlapping focus — not a claim they fund the same charities.
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Could Chronic Disease Research Foundation be a fit?
Check free. Draft if yes, or shortlist better matches.