University College London Hospitals Charity

University College London Hospitals Charity is the official charity of University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH), dedicated to advancing and transforming patient care in central London through innovation in healthcare, research, and education. Rooted in patient-centred values, it relieves sickness by enhancing patient wellbeing, supporting staff excellence, and improving hospital environments, fostering partnerships with clinicians, researchers, patients, and communities to drive scientific progress and service excellence.

It funds projects that elevate patient experiences, upgrade facilities and cutting-edge equipment, bolster staff training and wellbeing, and advance biomedical/clinical research, with specialist priorities in cancer (UCLH Cancer Fund), haematology, respiratory diseases (Breathing Matters), rare neurological conditions like CJD, and neonatal care (Early Lives). Grants support capital infrastructure, service improvements, and high-impact innovations aligned with UCLH's strategic needs, often ringfenced for specific causes.

Exclusively supporting initiatives, teams, and departments within UCLH's central London sites, it does not accept unsolicited applications from external charities or organisations—funding is awarded proactively via internal processes and leadership-identified priorities. With no public deadlines or application forms, decisions occur on a rolling, discretionary basis tied to trustee schedules. Annual spending reaches £10 million, with grants varying widely: smaller for patient/staff initiatives, over £100,000 for capital/research projects. Distinctive for its seamless integration with a leading NHS trust and biomedical hub, it uniquely catalyses system-wide improvements blending direct care, research translation, and welfare without general or unrestricted external support.