Guts UK Charity

Guts UK Charity, founded in 1971 as the Digestive Disorders Trust Fund and relaunched in 2018, is the UK's national charity dedicated to the entire digestive system—from gut to pancreas, liver, and beyond. Its mission is to transform understanding, treatment, and support for digestive conditions, which affect millions and contribute to 1 in 8 UK deaths, through bold, evidence-based research, education, and destigmatisation efforts. With values of bravery, unity, inclusivity, and collaboration, it has invested over £16 million in 450+ projects, producing PIF TICK-accredited resources and pioneering campaigns like Kranky Panky for pancreatitis awareness, uniquely positioning it as the sole UK funder for all digestive organs.

It prioritises medical research for better diagnosis, kinder treatments, and patient outcomes in areas like inflammatory bowel disease, digestive cancers, nutrition, and liver disease, alongside educational campaigns, support services, and awareness initiatives benefiting patients, families, carers, and health professionals. Funded activities emphasise translational research, pilot studies, innovation, and capacity building with real clinical impact.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, academic institutions, NHS trusts, universities, and hospital research units with no income thresholds but a preference for aligned organisations capable of UK-based delivery; projects must be led by investigators with UK contracts. Typical grants range from £5,000–£250,000 (e.g., £15,000 early career, up to £40,000 paediatric, £250,000 fellowships). Unsolicited email applications to research@gutscharity.org.uk are accepted during open rounds, with the next major deadline 5pm, 30 June 2025 (decisions by December); no portals or post. Exclusions include core costs, overheads, capital, conferences, and non-mission-aligned or unscientific projects, distinguishing Guts UK through its rigorous Research Awards Committee, national reach, and focus on high-impact, patient-empowering science.