Rank Prize Funds
Could Rank Prize Funds fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.
- Where they fund
- United Kingdom
- Applications
- Accepted
- How to apply
- Online form
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
Get a draft in 2 minutes · no card
rankprize.orgAbout Rank Prize Funds
Rank Prize Funds was established in 1972 by Lord J. Arthur Rank to advance scientific research in two focused fields: optoelectronics and nutrition. Structured as separate Nutrition and Optoelectronics Funds, the charity supports fundamental, inquiry-led research at UK universities. It aims to encourage high-quality work and nurture early-career talent. The Fund's distinctive character lies in its narrow disciplinary scope and its commitment to UK-based academic science.
What Rank Prize Funds funds
Rank Prize Funds supports research in optoelectronics (the physics and engineering at the optics-electronics interface) and nutrition (including human health, animal well-being, and crop productivity). It funds equipment, staff salaries, and research consumables through its New Independent Investigator grant for early-career researchers. Undergraduate vacation grants give students hands-on research experience during the summer before their final year in either optoelectronics or nutrition. All projects must be carried out at a UK university or research institution.
Who can apply
The Fund supports UK universities and research institutions that have a major commitment to teaching and research in optoelectronics or nutrition. The New Independent Investigator grant is designed for early-career researchers with limited current grant funding. Undergraduate vacation grants are for students in their penultimate year. Only organisations can apply; individuals and charities are not eligible. Priority is given to researchers based in Great Britain (England, Wales, and Scotland).
What Rank Prize Funds doesn't fund
Rank Prize Funds does not support projects that are part of a normal degree course, work carried out outside the UK, or general charitable activities. It also does not fund applied or incremental research that falls outside its two stated disciplines.
How they like to fund
The Fund offers competitive grants that are typically one-off and project-based. It provides support for equipment, staff salaries, and research consumables. Undergraduate vacation grants cover a fixed period of hands-on work. The Fund welcomes unsolicited applications through its online application system.
How much does Rank Prize Funds give?
Rank Prize Funds runs 3 grant programmes. Every figure below is sourced from their published guidance.
Last verified 8 August 2026 · 27 sourced facts
- Online application form
- Single-year grants
- Single-year grants
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 Rank Prize Funds funds — and what they won't
This grant is for undergraduate students to get hands-on research experience during the summer before their final year.
The full exclusions list (2)
- Applicants should be in receipt of no greater than £250,000 of current grant funding at the time of the deadline.
- The project should not be part of the normal degree course or propose that the student undertakes the research outside of the UK.
Good to know
How to apply to Rank Prize Funds
Rank Prize Funds takes applications via online form.
- Published programme route: online application form.
- Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.
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 Rank Prize Funds could be a fit. Draft if yes.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Rank Prize Funds provide?
Rank Prize Funds runs 3 grant programmes — New Independent Investigator grant: Up to £25,000 · Undergrad Vacation grant (Nutrition): Up to £4,340 · Undergrad Vacation grant (Optoelectronics): Up to £4,340.
Where does Rank Prize Funds fund charities?
Rank Prize Funds funds charities operating in United Kingdom.
Does Rank Prize Funds accept unsolicited applications?
Rank Prize Funds accepts unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Current programme status is on this page — do not assume a round is open.
What does Rank Prize Funds not fund?
Their published exclusions include: Applicants should be in receipt of no greater than £250,000 of current grant funding at the time of the deadline.; The project should not be part of the normal degree course or propose that the student undertakes the research outside of the UK.. The full exclusions list is further up this page.
How do I apply for funding from Rank Prize Funds?
Rank Prize Funds takes applications via online form. Published programme route: online application form.
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 Rank Prize Funds be a fit?
Check free. Draft if yes, or shortlist better matches.