Ralph Bates Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund
Could Ralph Bates Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.
- Typical grants
- £20,000 – £215,000
- Applications
- Not accepted
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
Check fit free · no card
ralphbatespcr.org.ukAbout Ralph Bates Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund
The Ralph Bates Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund is a UK-registered charity established in 1992 by Virginia Bates following the death of her husband, actor Ralph Bates, from pancreatic cancer. Its core mission is to advance health and save lives by funding biomedical and clinical research into the causes, early diagnosis, and treatments for pancreatic cancer and related illnesses, while providing relief to sufferers. Driven by personal tragedy and the disease's poor survival rates, the fund emphasises scientific rigour, patient compassion, integrity, and prudent stewardship—evidenced by allocating over 90% of donations to research, no trustee remuneration, and reserves for future commitments. It stands out for its highly targeted focus, grassroots origins, and track record of supporting peer-reviewed advances, such as novel drug combinations and antibiotic-induced tumour cell death at institutions like St George’s University of London.
What Ralph Bates Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund funds
The fund exclusively supports project-based research on pancreatic cancer, including diagnostics, therapies, chemotherapy resistance mechanisms, and clinical innovations, benefiting current patients and the public through improved prevention and cures. It prioritises high-impact, translational studies at universities and NHS hospitals, with no support for general health charities, core costs, capacity building, or non-research interventions. The geographical focus is on England, Wales, and Scotland.
Who can apply
Eligible entities are established academic institutions and NHS research units in England, Wales, and Scotland, with a proven track record in pancreatic oncology. The fund does not accept unsolicited applications, instead awarding grants via direct trustee engagement and pre-selected relationships. This invitation-only approach means that only organisations already known to the trustees are considered.
What Ralph Bates Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund doesn't fund
The fund does not support general health charities, core costs, capacity building, or non-research interventions. It also does not fund organisations outside of England, Wales, and Scotland, or those without a proven track record in pancreatic oncology.
How they like to fund
The fund awards grants via direct trustee engagement and pre-selected relationships, with no open application process. It supports project-based research, and its evidence-led, invitation-only approach differentiates it as a specialist funder committed to addressing chronic underinvestment in pancreatic cancer research.
How much does Ralph Bates Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund give?
Typical published range. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you would clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is the free fit check.
When to apply, and how long their decisions take.
Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.
Good to know
How to apply to Ralph Bates Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund
Ralph Bates Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation.
- A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
- If you cannot apply directly, shortlist open funders with a similar focus instead of writing into a closed door.
What you can do here
- 1Check fit. See if your project aligns with Ralph Bates Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund.
- 2Find open funders. Shortlist similar funders you can approach.
- 3Save the notes. Keep the fit check if you are later invited to apply.
See if Ralph Bates Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund could be a fit — then find open funders like them.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Ralph Bates Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund provide?
Ralph Bates Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund typically provides grants of £20,000 - £215,000.
Where does Ralph Bates Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund fund charities?
Ralph Bates Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Ralph Bates Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund accept unsolicited applications?
Ralph Bates Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from Ralph Bates Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund?
Ralph Bates Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation. A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
Similar funders
Other UK funders with overlapping focus — not a claim they fund the same charities.
Browse related grants
Spotted something that needs correcting? Tell us.
Could Ralph Bates Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund be a fit?
Check free — then find open funders like them.