Our funding process and how to apply

Applications must be made using our online Grants Management System (CC Grant Tracker). Once registered with the system, you will have access to the application forms for open grant rounds. 

Applicants should ensure that they download and carefully read the guidance notes for the grant round they are applying for. All proposals must align with our research strategy and must clearly demonstrate how it could lead to better treatments, improved diagnosis, or the prevention of prostate cancer. Our standard grant Terms and Conditions can be found here.

Our grants must be held at a UK based University, NHS site or other recognised higher research institution. Whilst projects cannot be led by commercial parties, applicants may include collaboration with industry or commercial organisations. Applicants should check the guidance notes to the corresponding grant scheme they intend to apply to for further eligibility criteria.

For full details on eligible costs, please see our Finance Eligibility Guidance. From 1 October 2018, there has been a change in how Excess Treatment Costs are paid. Researchers applying for funding to conduct clinical research must complete a Schedule of Events Cost Attribution Template (SoECAT) tool to submit as part of an application. 

When a funding call has closed, the applications submitted to us undergo a review process. This involves peer and lay review, with recommendations for shortlisting and funding provided by our Research Advisory Committee. As a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities, we follow their principles of peer review. Shortlisted applicants can have the opportunity to respond to reviewer comments and those applying for Fellowships may be invited for interview. The specific process an application undergoes will depend on the type of grant applied for and will be detailed in the guidance notes for the corresponding funding call. 

Every member of our Research Advisory Committee has signed a terms of reference and confidentiality agreement. External peer reviewers assessing applications must also agree to a code of conduct before they can be granted access to the application documentation, with the exception of the application abstract which is provided to help potential peer reviewers decide whether they are suitable to give a thorough assessment.

Following assessment from our Research Advisory Committee, applicants will be notified by e-mail as to whether they have been successful in obtaining funding. All applicants receive detailed feedback on their application. Successful applicants will then be issued a contract based on our standard terms and conditions, along with a starter pack for new grant holders providing useful information regarding the management of their grant. 

Shown below are the application success rates for all open grant rounds run by Prostate Cancer UK throughout a single financial year. Success rates for each individual award type can be found on the corresponding award page.

• 2017/18: 15% success rate, 54 applications received
• 2016/17: 17% success rate, 66 applications received
• 2015/16: 16% success rate, 108 applications received
• 2014/15: 22% success rate, 126 applications received
• 2013/14: 16% success rate, 136 applications received

Applicants who have not been successful may reapply to future grant rounds as long as the proposal is significantly different from the original application (unless new data relevant to the proposal has come to light since the previous submission) AND all feedback points provided by the Research Advisory Committee are sufficiently addressed.

Grants are announced online and via our monthly research newsletter. Sign up here to receive information about our funding calls directly to your inbox.