Grants for non-drug approaches
We fund creative, innovative research that will play a vital part in helping people live better with Parkinson’s.
Apply now
The deadline for preproposals is 4:00 PM on Tuesday, 5 May 2026; invited applicants will have until 3 September to submit a full application.
What type of project are we looking for?
We want to fund research that focuses on what matters most to people living with Parkinson’s leading to better symptom management and quality of life. Read our 2021 and 2014 articles that outline the priorities identified by people living with Parkinson's.
We know that for some people non-drug approaches are just as important as pharmacological treatments. Here are some of the areas that we are interested in:
- Speech and language, physiotherapy and occupational therapies
- Approaches to managing mental health
- Lifestyle changes including exercise, dance and nutrition
- Aids and devices
- Complementary therapies.
Our non-drug approach grants are usually funded up to £200,000 over a maximum of 2 years.
Virtual workshop about applying for a non-drug approach grant
Watch back our workshop to find out more about this grant scheme and to hear from people living with Parkinson's.
How to apply?
- Eligibility: Must be based at a UK university or research institute, NHS Trust, or statutory social care organisation. Co-applicants and collaborators can be based at institutions outside the UK or at pharmaceutical or biotech companies. Applications related to improving healthcare services will not be considered in this scheme. You may be interested in our Excellence Network grants.
- Inclusion: We actively encourage applications from all sections of the community, regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.
- Fill in the application form: logon or set up an account on our online application system to access the preproposal forms.
- Need support? Get in touch with our Research Grants Team.
Information for applicants - non-drug approaches (PDF, 438KB)
What do we expect from applicants?
All applicants are expected to work with people with lived experience of Parkinson’s throughout the research process and in the development of their application.
We also expect applicants to have considered equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of research, as we strive for equity for everyone who lives with Parkinson’s, and the people in their lives. We particularly have guidance for researchers on ethnicity and inclusion.
How are applications reviewed?
All preproposal applications are independently reviewed by three scientific members of our College of Experts. Full applications are reviewed again by our College of Experts scientific members alongside lay grant reviewers with lived experience of Parkinson’s.
What was the success rate for 2025 applications?
19 preproposal were submitted, resulting in 10 full application invitations and 2 applications recommended for funding.
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We offer a variety of funding opportunities to organisations working towards our shared mission of improving the lives of people with Parkinson’s and those who love and care for them.
We support a range of projects, from research into an online based diet programme to a music app to potentially help with walking.