York St John University is inviting voluntary, charity and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations across Yorkshire and the Humber to apply for its 2026–27 Community Research Grant programme.
The scheme funds academics from York St John University to work in partnership with VCSE organisations to co-design and deliver meaningful research.
Applications close at 12 noon on Friday 27 March 2026.
What is the Community Research Grant?
The programme supports collaborative research between VCSE organisations and university researchers.
The aim is to generate new knowledge or understanding that is:
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Co-designed with communities
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Relevant to real-world challenges
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Impactful for organisations and the people they serve
Research could include:
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Evidencing impact
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Reviewing best practice
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Engaging with participants and stakeholders
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Co-designing new activities
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Mapping case studies
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Conducting organisational reviews
You do not need to submit an academic proposal, define research methods or create a budget at this stage. The first stage is designed to be light touch.
The Institute for Social Justice (ISJ) will shortlist proposals and match selected VCSE organisations with appropriate university researchers. Full collaborative proposals will then be developed together.
What funding is available?
For 2026–27:
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The Institute for Social Justice expects to support 4–6 projects
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SHARC (Scarborough Coastal Health and Care Research Collaborative) will support 2 projects focused on wellbeing and health inequalities in the Scarborough and coastal region
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Each project will receive approximately £10,000, primarily to fund researcher time and expertise
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Projects can last up to 10 months, running from September 2026 to July 2027
What are the criteria?
There are three core criteria:
1. Benefit to the VCSE organisation
The research must clearly support the organisation’s purpose. This might include strengthening impact evidence, expanding delivery, refining strategy or influencing policy. Projects should contribute to social justice or address health inequalities.
2. Potential for a strong University–VCSE partnership
There must be genuine openness to collaboration and a good match with relevant academic expertise. The programme values strong relationships and the potential for ongoing joint work.
3. Benefit to communities
Projects should demonstrate clear impact for communities, particularly those experiencing disadvantage or marginalisation. Proposals should show how people most affected will be involved in shaping and delivering the research.
For SHARC-funded projects, proposals must focus specifically on wellbeing and health inequalities within the Scarborough and coastal region.
Application timeline
Applications open: Monday 2 February 2026
Deadline: Friday 27 March 2026 at 12 noon
Phase 1: VCSE proposals
Shortlisted proposals will be matched with researchers in April 2026.
Phase 2: Collaborative development
May to July 2026 – Development of full collaborative proposals.
1 July 2026 – Deadline for full proposals.
Projects run from September 2026 to July 2027.
Briefing events
Briefing sessions are available to help VCSE organisations understand the scheme.
ISJ Briefing Events (Online):
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Tuesday 24 February 2026 at 2:00pm
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Wednesday 11 March 2026 at 10:00am
For informal enquiries: [email protected]
SHARC Briefing Events (Online):
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Thursday 26 February 2026 at 2:00pm
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Monday 2 March 2026 at 2:00pm
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Wednesday 4 March 2026 at 10:00am
To attend a SHARC session, email: [email protected]
How to apply
Applications are submitted via Microsoft Forms:
ISJ Community Research Grants 2026 – Application Form
Full details are available here:
https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/research/institute-for-social-justice/community-research-grants/apply-for-grant/
Why this matters for VCSE organisations
This is not a traditional funding bid for delivery. It is an opportunity to:
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Strengthen your evidence base
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Explore questions that matter to your community
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Influence policy and practice
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Build long-term research partnerships
For organisations working on health inequalities, social justice, or community development, this could support more sustainable impact and stronger positioning with commissioners and funders.
If you are considering applying and would like to discuss potential support, please get in touch.
