Lupus UK

Lupus UK, the UK's sole national charity dedicated to lupus—a chronic autoimmune disease—is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation established in 1978 as the British SLE Aid Group, reconstituted in 1996, and re-registered in 2024. Serving England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, it empowers people with lupus (especially women and those of Black African, Caribbean, or Asian heritage), families, and carers through direct support, awareness-raising, policy advocacy, and research advancement. Core values of inclusion, equity, patient empowerment, and evidence-based practice drive its patient-led approach, including Centres of Excellence awards to top lupus clinics like the Louise Coote Lupus Unit and Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, alongside helplines, forums, welfare grants, and campaigns like Lupus Awareness Month.

It funds lupus-specific initiatives: pilot/enabling research projects, specialist lupus nurse posts in UK hospitals, medical meeting support, and patient-centred care innovations, prioritising meaningful, sustainable impact via collaborations with clinical experts and institutions. Beneficiaries include individuals for hardship relief and organisations like NHS trusts advancing lupus treatment, education, or support.

Eligible applicants are UK-based healthcare professionals, researchers, established research teams, or clinical units with proven lupus track records; small grassroots groups or general charities are unsuitable. No income or religious restrictions apply, but proposals must align directly with lupus.

Grants typically range £10,000–£25,000 (under review), awarded biannually via emailed full applications on the official form—no prior expression of interest needed. Next deadlines: 16 April 2025 (Spring) and 6 October 2025 (Autumn). Exclusions include core funding, capital projects, long-term posts, travel, or non-lupus work. Lupus UK stands out for its singular disease focus, rigorous clinic standards, transparent governance, and national advocacy voice.