Excellence Network project grants scheme
Our Excellence Network project grants scheme will improve Parkinson’s services across the UK.
Update for 2026 grant applicants:
We've listened to your feedback and combined our 2 small grants rounds into 1, and extended the application window.
Extra Q&A sessions are also available, along with an online applicants' workshop.
Read on to learn more.
Grants scheme key information
Our project grants scheme funds projects that improve statutory health or care services for people with Parkinson’s and their loved ones.
Excellence Network small grants scheme
For: projects up to £12,000
We welcome applications from any statutory health or social care organisation in the UK, including:
- NHS trusts
- NHS health boards
- NHS health and social care trusts
- other statutory healthcare-related organisations or authorities (for example, integrated care systems)
- statutory social care providers
- social enterprises contracted to provide statutory health or care services
- private enterprises contracted to provide statutory health or care services.
We also accept applications from UK universities, UK research institutions, voluntary organisations, and social and private enterprises not contracted to provide statutory health services, as long as they partner or collaborate with at least 1 statutory health or care organisation. This ensures your project has a clear pathway to improving statutory services for people with Parkinson’s.
We welcome projects that support local, regional, or national service improvements. Your project can relate to one or more of the 2026 themes that demonstrate direct impact in the community. Read about the 2026 themes (PDF, 186KB).
If you want to discuss your ideas before applying, please get in touch with us.
We're now inviting expressions of interest for Round 1 of the Excellence Network small project grants scheme 2026.
Please complete our online expression of interest form to submit your project.
Your submission will help us determine whether your project is eligible for the scheme. If your project is eligible, we'll send you a full grant application form.
- Monday 13 April 2026: open 2026 grant round; invite expressions of interest.
- Thursday 10 September 2026, 5pm: deadline to submit expressions of interest.
- Thursday 15 October 2026, 5pm: final deadline for applications.
This is an open scheme, and each application will be evaluated by the reviewing committee as it's received, on a monthly basis. Results will be announced once the review process is complete.
Early submissions are encouraged. If applications exceed our capacity or available budget, we reserve the right to close the round before the scheduled deadline.
Project grants information sessions
Following the demand for the grants workshop Q&A session in the last couple of years, we're making it even easier to gather the information you need to apply for funding.
Book a Q&A session
Book a 15 minute online Q&A session with us, and we’ll answer your questions. Spaces are limited so book early.
Read more about our online Q&A sessions.
Pre-register for our workshop
Hear from successful grant holders and our funding panel and ask them your questions. Full details are coming soon.
Download guidance and find out more
Get more information on the application process, the criteria for applying, how to write a strong application, and the grant evaluation and results process.
Read our Excellence Network project grants terms and conditions.
Learn more about our process for making funding decisions and administering project grants.
More about our project grants scheme
2026 themed call for applications
The 2026 small grants round is now open for expressions of interest. The large grants round is paused for 2026. Updates about the 2027 round will be shared later this year.
This year, we’re running a themed call for applications aligned with our strategy. We welcome applications from across the UK for projects of up to £12,000 in the following areas:
- no diagnosis without support, including mental health support
- enhancing research participation
- connected care closer to the community.
Download our Excellence Network small project grants 2026 themed call (186KB).
What we’re looking for
We’ll prioritise projects that reduce health inequalities, build the evidence base for best practice care, and can be replicated in other settings or locations.
Applicants must show how project outcomes will be sustained after the funding period, and how results will be shared across Parkinson’s and professional communities.
Our progress so far
Have a question about the schemes?
Our Excellence Network Grants team is happy to answer any questions about the application process. Email our Grants team at [email protected].