Community groups across the coast invited to apply for Research Grants

05 February 2026

Local community-led organisations in the voluntary, charity and social enterprise (VCSE) sector are being invited to apply for the 2026-27 Community Research Grants, designed to support projects that tackle health inequalities and improve wellbeing across our coastal communities.

The grants are being offered by SHARC (Scarborough Coastal Health and Care Research Collaborative) in partnership with the Institute for Health and Care Improvement at York St John University. They are open to VCSE organisations working across Scarborough, Whitby, Filey, Bridlington, and surrounding areas, supporting groups to explore the issues that matter most to local people.

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to work closely alongside an experienced university researcher to co-design a practical research project that delivers real-world benefits. Funding will be provided to support each partnership, which will run from September 2026 through to July 2027.

The programme is open to organisations of all sizes, and no academic or research experience is needed. What matters most is having a clear question, idea or challenge you would like to explore in your community. Researchers will provide guidance and support throughout, helping groups to strengthen understanding of local needs, demonstrate impact, and develop new ways of working.

This opportunity is in collaboration with the Institute for Social Justice, who have been running the Community Research Grants since 2022 as a way of democratising research processes and increasing universities’ engagement with the skills, knowledge, and expertise of the VCSE sector.

Trevor Mahon, SHARC Programme Manager, said: “We’re delighted to launch the new Community Research Grant initiative with the Institute for Health and Care Improvement at York St John University. This programme gives VCSE organisations across our coastal communities the chance to explore the issues that matter most to local people.

“At SHARC, we’re committed to supporting community-led research that tackles health inequalities and strengthens wellbeing. These grants will help build meaningful partnerships between VCSE groups and academic researchers, generating practical insights and real benefits for people across our coastal region.”

Applications opened on 2 February 2026, with online briefing sessions available for organisations who would like to hear more about the process. The deadline for applications is Friday 27 March 2026 at 12 noon.

The application process has been designed to be simple and accessible, with shortlisted organisations matched with a York St John University researcher to develop their idea further.

VCSE organisations are encouraged to apply and make the most of this opportunity to strengthen evidence, learning, and community impact across the coastal region.

For full details and to apply, please visit: www.yorksj.ac.uk/research/institute-for-social-justice/