Inspire Foundation

The INSPIRE Foundation, established in 1985 by orthopaedic surgeon Professor Charles Ian Donald, is a UK charity dedicated to enhancing independence and quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) through applied research into electronic, mechanical, and medical technologies. Shaped by a diverse board including clinicians, researchers, and those with lived SCI experience, its mission emphasises scientific excellence, collaboration, and tangible rehabilitation impacts, prioritising innovations like neuroprosthetics, robotics, functional electrical stimulation, advanced wheelchair controls, and assistive devices for mobility, communication, upper limb function, and environmental control. It targets SCI individuals of all ages and injury stages, seeding projects in UK universities, NHS research units, and multidisciplinary teams to drive clinical advancements.

Funding supports original, peer-reviewed research with clear pathways to real-world application, excluding routine healthcare, core organisational costs, commercial ventures, or direct services. Eligible applicants are UK-based academic institutions and established research entities—no individuals or non-UK projects—with no specified income thresholds, though grants go to specialist clinical/academic groups.

Grants typically range from £15,000 to £150,000. Unsolicited applications start with a year-round Letter of Intent (max 2 A4 pages) emailed to the Director, followed by invited full applications by post. The National Scientific Committee reviews in March/September, with Trustee approvals in May/November; allow 6 months minimum from enquiry to decision. INSPIRE stands out for its laser focus on SCI technology, independence from NHS funding, and track record in catalysing translational research overlooked elsewhere.