Excellence Network project grants scheme
Our Excellence Network project grants scheme will improve Parkinson’s services across the UK.
About our project grants scheme
Our project grants scheme funds projects that improve statutory health or care services for people with Parkinson’s and their loved ones.
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.
Grant amounts for 2026
For 2026, we’re offering grants for:
- small projects of up to £12,000
If you have any questions, you can email us at [email protected]
Our progress so far
Grants scheme key information
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.
If you want to discuss your ideas before applying, please get in touch with us.
For full details on how to apply, read our application guidance (PDF, 346KB). It includes the assessment criteria and all the information you need to submit a strong application.
For other funding opportunities:
Excellence Network small grants scheme
For: projects up to £12,000
This is an annual scheme with 2 rounds and a 1-stage application process. As an open scheme, we evaluate applications as they are received.
Once your application has been peer-reviewed, we’ll schedule it for discussion at a Funding Panel meeting. The panel meets monthly, so most applicants will receive a decision within about 2 months of submission.
Download the small grants review process (PDF, 206KB).
Insights from the 2025 round
- We received 10 applications during Round 1.
- 4 applications were recommended for funding, giving a 40% success rate.
- Due to the high volume of applications received, all available funds were allocated during Round 1, so Round 2 was withdrawn.
We are 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 will send you a full grant application form.
Round 1
- Monday 13 April 2026: Open 2026 grant Round 1, invite expressions of interest.
- Wednesday 3 June 2026, 5pm: Deadline to submit expressions of interest.
- Friday 3 July 2026, 5pm: Final deadline for Round 1 applications.
Round 2 (subject to change)
- Monday 17 August 2026: Open 2026 grant Round 2, invite expressions of interest.
- Wednesday 30 September 2026, 5pm: Deadline to submit expressions of interest.
- Friday 30 October 2026, 5pm: Final deadline for Round 2 applications.
This is an open scheme, and each application will be evaluated by the reviewing committee as it is received, on a monthly basis. Results will be announced once the review process is complete.
Early submissions are encouraged. If applications exceed our capacity during the expression of interest or application stage, we reserve the right to close a round before the scheduled deadline.
Additionally, if successful applications from Round 1 exceed the available budget, we reserve the right to cancel the Round 2 opportunity.
Excellence Network large grants scheme
For: projects between £12,001 and £60,000
The scheme runs once a year and has a 2-stage application process.
The scheme has been paused, and we will not be offering a round in 2026.
Please check back in December 2026 for information on the 2027 round.
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.
Excellence Network project grants Q&A sessions
Following the demand of the Q&A session in the last couple of years, the Excellence Network project grants team are making it even easier to gather all of the information you need to apply for funding.
Book a 15 minute online Q&A session with us, and we’ll answer your questions. Spaces are limited so book early.
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].