Health Data Research UK: Take the Lead community grants

Health Data Research UK (HDR UK) has launched new micro-grants for community-led health data activities. The Take the Lead grants enable community groups across the across the UK to apply for between £500 to £1,500 to deliver a standalone project, event or series of activities exploring how data can support their health and wellbeing in their communities, between 12 January and 8 April 2026. Activities can be delivered at any point during this period.

Eligibility

Activities can be anything that is inspired by how data can support health and wellbeing. This might include:

• A project to gather data to help your community advocate for their health needs
• Community step challenge and fun day
• An activity like a coffee morning or nature walk exploring the data behind a health statistic relevant to the community
• Health data inspired arts project or craft activities
• Wellbeing and health journalling project

The list goes on! HDR UK are looking for activities and projects involving anything that shows how data intersects with health and wellbeing that you think will benefit your community.

Importantly, the application must be led by and embedded in community organisations primarily working with at least one of the following under-served audiences:

• People from low socio-economic backgrounds
• People from minority ethnic backgrounds
• Older children and young adults aged 11–25 (especially in areas of deprivation)
• People over 65 (especially in areas of deprivation)
• People living in rural areas (defined as settlements of fewer than 10,000 people in England and Wales, fewer than 5,000 in Northern Ireland, and fewer than 3,000 in Scotland)
• People experiencing digital exclusion

Proposals should be community-led and take a responsive, inclusive and creative approach. Community groups know their audiences best – we want to enable them to take the lead, providing support and guidance if needed.

Full eligibility criteria and terms and conditions of funding can be found in the Take the Lead guidelines and eligibility document.