If you work at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Cromer & District Hospital or the Jenny Lind Children's Hospital, you can apply for charitable funding through us.

Apply for funding

Q: Is support available to help me with my application?

Yes - there's support available at every stage. If your ward or department has a fund adviser, they can help you develop your idea and submit your application. You can also get in touch with our team for support: Grants & Impact Officer (Samuel Ridge-Ward) can help with your application Charity Accountant (Ross Dennison) can help with any payment queries Head of Charity Operations & Impact (Julie Cooper) can support larger or more complex applications, or if Samuel and Ross are unavailable

Q: What happens once I have submitted an application?

Once we receive your application, we’ll review it to make sure we have everything we need. This might include a quote, any necessary approvals (for example, for staff posts or equipment), and confirmation that the request fits our charitable purpose — it must benefit patients, not individuals, and go beyond what the NHS would usually fund. How applications are reviewed Applications are approved at different levels, depending on the amount requested: up to £2,000 - light-touch review £2,000 to £10,000 - approved by the Head of Charity Operations & Impact £10,000 to £50,000 - approved by the Charity Director £50,000 to £250,000 - approved by the Charity Committee over £250,000 - reviewed by the Charity Committee and approved by the Corporate Trustee (represented by the Trust Board) What happens after approval If your application is approved we'll send you a grant reference, and explain what to do next. This will include how to: raise a purchase order through the Trust's system, using the Charity's cost centre or claim back expenses using the Trust's online system Our team will guide you through this so you feel confident about what to do.

Q: How long does it take to review my application?

This depends on the size and complexity of your request. Smaller applications can usually be reviewed quite quickly. Larger or more complex requests may take longer, as they need to be approved at a higher level or go through a committee. If we need any additional information to support your application, we’ll be in touch. If you’re unsure about timescales, feel free to contact us — we’re always happy to advise.

Q: What happens if my application is unsuccessful?

If your application is not approved, we’ll explain the reasons why. Sometimes this may be because we need more information, the request doesn’t fit our funding criteria, or it’s something that should be funded by the NHS or another source. You’re always welcome to speak to us about your idea. We may be able to suggest changes, help you strengthen your application, or explore alternative funding options.

Q: Do I need to report on how the funding was used?

Yes — once your project is complete, we’ll ask you to share a short update on how the funding has been used and the difference it has made. This helps us understand the impact of the funding and share the difference it makes with our supporters. We’ll keep this as simple as possible, and our team can support you if needed. We may also ask you to share a photo or short video that we can use on or website or social media. This helps us show our supporters the difference their donations have made. Anything you can share really helps us bring these stories to life - thank you.

About our funding

We support projects that make a real difference to patient care and experience across our hospitals. Everything we fund is over and above what the NHS would usually provide.

What we can support

We fund large, life-changing projects and smaller ideas that make day-to-day care better.

This might include:

Projects that improve outcomes for patients
Ideas that make hospital visits and stays more comfortable for patients and their families
New ways of working or innovations that support staff and improve care

Every idea matters, whether it's a major development or a simple change that makes a difficult time a little easier.

How our funding works

We manage about 200 dedicated funds, linked to specific wards and departments. This means money donated to us is used to support patients and staff in that area, if there is a need.

We also have general funds. These help us to support projects wherever the need is greatest across the Trust.

What can you apply for?

You can apply for funding for projects that improve patient care and experience, support research and development, and create better working environments for staff.

Medical Equipment

We can help fund medical equipment that improves care for your patients. This includes innovative equipment or items that go beyond what the NHS would usually provide.

This might include things like bladder scanners for wards, or vein finders which make injections quicker and more comfortable for patients, and easier for staff.

Thanks to the support of our donors, we've also funded larger pieces of equipment, including a dedicated Cardiac MRI scanner, so patients can have specialist scans closer to home. We've also funded surgical robots, giving patients access to the latest technology and improving outcomes.

Whatever the size of your idea, we're happy to consider it as long as it is additional to NHS funding.

Patient care and experience

We can help fund projects that make a real difference to how patients feel during their time in hospital.

This could include ideas that make treatment more comfortable, reduce anxiety, or help patients and their families feel more supported and at ease.

For example, you might want to improve a ward environment, provide activities or distractions for patients, or introduce simple changes that make a difficult time a little easier.

Whatever your idea, if it improves care or experience in a meaningful way, we’d love to hear from you.

Staff wellbeing

We can help fund projects that support your wellbeing and make your working environment better.

This could include ideas that help you and your team rest and recharge, feel more supported at work, or manage the pressures of a busy clinical environment.

For example, you might want to create a quiet space for staff, improve rest areas, or offer activities and resources that support physical and mental wellbeing.

We're not able to fund staff social events, but we're always happy to talk through ideas that have a wider benefit for staff wellbeing.

If your idea helps your team feel valued, supported and able to provide the best care for patients, we’d love to hear from you.

Training and development

We can help fund training and development opportunities that support you and your team to deliver the best possible care.

This could include courses, workshops or learning opportunities that build skills, increase confidence, or help you develop in your role.

For example, you might want to access specialist training, attend conferences, or take part in development programmes that bring new knowledge and ideas back to your team.

We’re not able to fund mandatory training that is required for your role, but we’re always happy to talk through opportunities that go beyond this.

If your idea helps you and your team grow and improve care for patients, we’d love to hear from you.

Research

We can help fund research that improves care for patients and brings new knowledge into your area of work.

This could include projects that explore new treatments, test new ways of working, or help improve outcomes and experiences for patients.

For example, you might want to carry out a small study within your department, contribute to a wider research project, or gather evidence to support improvements in care.

We’re not able to fund research that should be covered by core NHS or external research funding, but we’re always happy to talk through ideas that make a clear difference to patients.

If your idea helps build knowledge and improve care now or in the future, we’d love to hear from you.

The application process

Applying for charity funding is simple, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

If your ward or department has a charity fund, you will need to complete a grant application form (download it here) and send it to your fund adviser, who will submit the application on your behalf. Start by speaking to them about your idea – they’ll help shape your request and guide you through the process.

If your area does not have a fund adviser, or you’re not sure who to contact, get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to help.

Once your application is submitted, we’ll review it and let you know the outcome. For larger or more complex requests, we may ask for a bit more information before making a decision.

Funding FAQs

If you can’t find the answer to your question or you require any further information, please get in touch.

Who can apply?

Is support available to help me with my application?

What happens once I have submitted an application?

How long does it take to review my application?

What happens if my application is unsuccessful?

Do I need to report on how the funding was used?

How to apply

If you work at one of our hospitals, there may already be a charity fund linked to your ward or department.

Each fund has two fund advisers who can submit funding requests. If you have an idea or project that could improve care for your patients, please speak to your fund adviser first. They can guide you and submit an application for you.

If your area does not have its own fund, don’t worry. We also have general funds that may be able to help. Just get in touch and we’ll talk through how we can support your idea.

Get in touch

Email us at charity@nnuh.nhs.uk

Call us on extension 3107 (01603 287107)

Or visit us at the Charity Hub in the East Atrium, Level 2 at N&N University Hospital.