Medical Research

The RS Macdonald Charitable Trust aims to provide £2.5 million in grants every year to Scottish charities. We believe in the importance of wider networks and support services that involve families, carers and communities and encourage participation for people who are often excluded.

About Medical research: Research into the causation, or prevention, or treatment and/or management, of: *neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative disorders. *visual impairment or sight loss.

We fund medical research charities who are supporting research projects in Scotland. We also provide grants to Universities directly through our seedcorn grants. The researchers we support are creating a better future for children and adults affected by neurological conditions or visual impairment. We are interested in research that looks into the causes, prevention and management of conditions.

We look to support departments and teams in Scotland who have a track record of delivering excellent research, and we are committed to investing in young researchers, new ideas and innovative approaches.

The Trust will consider applications for: *revenue or capital costs *project funding or core funding *one off awards (small and main grants) *multi-year awards for up to 3 years (main grants only)

We accept applications for research into neurological conditions, visual impairment or sight loss. If you’d like to apply for a research grant, we suggest contacting our Director to discuss your ideas. Universities can apply for seedcorn for specific academics, research groups or centres who will carry out research in one of our areas of charitable concern. Charities can apply for specific research projects that have completed a peer review process.

We will not fund: *Individuals. *Organisations that are not registered charities. *Projects that do not deliver a benefit in Scotland. *There are no restrictions on the size of the charity that can apply for funding but please be aware that the Trust will take account of a charity’s level of reserves when assessing applications.