Grant Making Policy
1. This policy applies to Upbeat PD
The charitable objects of the charity are as follows,
The promotion of the health of the public by research into the treatment and the cure of Parkinson’s Disease.
The provision of grants to institutions and other charities for medical research to find disease modifying treatments that slow, stop, reverse, prevent, delay and cure Parkinson’s Disease.
For the relief of those living with Parkinson’s Disease by the dissemination of the research results.
To further advance the awareness of Parkinson’s Disease to the public.
The Charity is governed by the trustees of the Charity (the “Charity Trustees”) who have a duty, always acting in the best interests of the Charity, to apply the Charity’s assets to advance the Objects and have ultimate responsibility for all grant-making decisions.
The purpose of this policy is to set out the principles and procedures that guide the Charity Trustees when they are making grants to further the Objects. It also provides information about the Charity’s grant-making process to anyone who is applying to the Charity for a grant.
2. Funding Priorities
The Charity Trustees’ current funding priorities are:
Research into Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease (EOPD).
Research projects that involve treatments of a disease modifying nature, that is, they have the potential to slow, stop or reverse the progression of Parkinson’s Disease.
Research projects that have the potential to prevent or delay the onset of Parkinson’s Disease.
Research projects that have the potential to identify the causes of Parkinson’s Disease.
The Charity Trustees will occasionally award grants that fall outside the priorities stated in this policy, if they are satisfied that the grant will further the Objects and is an appropriate use of the Charity’s funds.
3. Who can apply for a grant
Academic and research institutions and other charities.
4. How Upbeat PD plans to fund research
Upbeat PD will award grants for research projects as per the contractual terms and conditions agreed prior to the start of the work.
Upbeat PD will only award a grant when the charity has cleared dedicated funds to pay the full extent of the grant.
Funding can be made in full by Upbeat PD or partially alongside others, the grant from Upbeat PD is conditional upon the applicant receiving contractual commitment for the full extent of the funding required for the project.
Upbeat PD will support research projects with a duration of up to five years.
The grant will not pay for central overheads associated with a research project.
5. How to apply for a grant
All grant applications must be made in writing. Proposals must explain in detail how the grant will be used and put forward a strong case for support. A proposal must:
Demonstrate how the research funded by the grant will advance one or more of the funding priorities
Set out how use of the grant will be managed
Give details of the key individual(s) who will be responsible for the management of the grant
Provide a budget for the proposed research and timeline
Give details of any other funding that has been awarded or that is being sought for the research project
Provide a copy of the organisation’s governing document
6. How we make decisions about grants
The Charity Trustees have ultimate responsibility for all grant-making decisions and for ensuring that all funds awarded are used to advance the Objects.
The Charity Trustees must declare the nature and extent of any interest, direct or indirect, which could, or could be seen to, prevent them from making a grant decision only in the best interests of the Charity.
The Charity Trustees may take up to one month to consider grant proposals and decide if they will award a grant or not.
The Charity Trustees will inform applicants of their decision in writing.
If an organisation is awarded a grant, the Trustees will set out the key terms of the grant and any conditions that are attached to it in a grant letter.
The Charity Trustees’ decision whether to award a grant is final.
7. Due diligence
When the Charity Trustees are considering a grant-funding proposal, they will undertake due diligence checks on the organisation.
Due diligence may include requesting details of, and taking such steps as the Trustees consider to be reasonable
The organisation’s governing documents
If applicable, the organisation’s status as a charity
The latest accounts and financial position
The identity of the organisation’s directors, trustees or other key personnel to seek to establish whether they are authorised to act in that capacity
In cases where the organisation will receive support from another funder, or works with a partner, the Trustees may undertake due diligence on that funder or partner.
The Charity Trustees will keep a written record of any due diligence that they undertake.
8. Reporting requirements and monitoring
The Charity Trustees will take steps to monitor the use of the grant and verify that the grant is used for the purposes that have been agreed.
Arrangements for monitoring use of the grant may include asking the recipient to provide any of the following:
Copies of management accounts to show that funds have been used for the purpose for which they have been awarded and in accordance with the terms of the grant
Regular written or verbal updates showing progress to date, summarising key achievements or problems encountered, indicating whether targets have been met and giving reasons for any delay in implementing work funded by the grant
A final written report on completion of the work funded by the grant, showing how funds have been spent, evaluating where the work has been successful
9. Clawback and repayment
The Charity Trustees may require repayment of all or any part of the grant if:
The research project or purpose for which it was awarded does not proceed
Part of the grant remains unused when the activities that the grant was intended to fund have been completed
The grant is used for a purpose other than that which has been agreed
10. Reviewing and amending this policy
This policy will be reviewed by the Charity Trustees annually.
The Charity Trustees may vary the terms of this policy from time to time.
Last Updated 12/06/2026