Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund
About This Funder
The Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund (NIKRF), founded in 1971 by Mrs Josie Kerr MBE, is the leading independent charity dedicated exclusively to funding kidney-related research in Northern Ireland. Its mission is to advance understanding of kidney disease causes, prevention, and cures through high-quality, locally led studies that enhance renal care and patient outcomes. Core values emphasize collaboration among clinicians, scientists, and people with lived experience; evidence-based practice; nurturing early-career researchers; and maximizing impact by directing around 90% of income to research. NIKRF's distinctive approach builds Northern Ireland's research capacity via partnerships with institutions like Queen’s University Belfast and Belfast City Hospital, fostering innovations from basic science to health service improvements with global dissemination.
It prioritizes themes including kidney failure causes and management, transplantation science, community chronic kidney disease, diabetes-renal links, post-transplant cardiovascular risks, and rare kidney diseases. Funding supports project grants, postdoctoral fellowships, clinical/laboratory posts, equipment purchases, student bursaries, conference attendance (e.g., Dr Jennifer McCaughan Bursary), and arts-based interventions, targeting patients of all ages with kidney conditions and emphasizing stakeholder involvement for clinical impact.
Eligible applicants are Northern Ireland-based academic institutions, researchers, universities, and NHS renal units; no organizational income thresholds apply, but projects must demonstrate direct kidney research benefits. Unsolicited applications from non-NI entities are ineligible.
Grants typically range from £500 to £50,000 (routine awards £5,000–£30,000), with larger strategic commitments possible. Submit via email or post using the website's downloadable form; rolling basis with no fixed deadlines—consult the fund for timing. Exclusions include general core costs or unrelated activities; NIKRF stands out for its 50+ year NI-exclusive focus, high research spend efficiency, and integration of lived experience in grants.
Frequently Asked Questions about Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund
How much funding does Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund provide?
Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund typically provides grants ranging from £5,000 - £50,000.
Is Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund accepting applications?
Yes, Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund is currently open to applications from eligible charities.
Where does Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund fund charities?
Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund funds charities operating in Northern Ireland.
How do I apply for funding from Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund?
Use Fundermatcher to check if your charity is a good match for Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund, then access detailed application guidance, deadlines, and eligibility criteria. Our AI assistant can help you draft a compelling application.