Overheads policy
We fund the direct costs of research. Depending on the nature of the organisation, we may also fund overheads.
Most recent changes to this policy
- Updated the policy to clarify that only UK-based research organisations that do not receive core funding for overheads are eligible to request overheads. Overseas organisations that receive core funding from sources other than Wellcome are also eligible to request overheads.
- Updated the policy so all organisations eligible to receive overheads can request up to 20% of the direct research costs.
- Updated the policy to allow universities in the Republic of Ireland to request overheads.
Our policy
Applicants can ask for overheads if their grant will be based at a:
- higher education institution, healthcare organisation or research institute outside the UK
- UK research organisation that does not receive core funding for overheads
- charity, non-profit or non-governmental research organisation
- social enterprise or small or medium-sized commercial organisation
Overheads can include:
- estates, for example, building and premises
- non-project dedicated administrative and support staff
- administration, for example, finance, library, and room hire
UK universities and large commercial organisations cannot ask for overheads.
Sub-awarding
Applicants can also ask for overheads on any part of the grant that is sub-awarded to any of the organisations listed above. Applicants who are based at a UK university cannot ask for overheads for sub-awarded activity if their university will include the sub-awarded funding in its annual report to the Charity Research Support Fund, or equivalent fund in the UK.
The total cost for overheads should be no more than 20% of the direct research costs.
These costs must directly support the activity funded by the grant.
Contact us
Contact our Funding Information Team if you have a question about funding.
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