Aims/priorities: The overall aims of the Road Safety Trust are to reduce death and injury on the UK roads through providing independent funding for research and the development of innovative approaches.
The objectives of the grant programme are to:
- Generate new knowledge about what works.
- Translate ideas into new measures.
- Influence road safety policy and practice.
- Support partnership working and collaboration.
The theme for the Autumn 2024 round was ‘Inequalities in Road Safety’ and the details provided within this report refer to the 2024 theme.
The theme for the Autumn 2025 round will be provided when it becomes available, at which point the details in this report will be updated.
Who can apply? UK-based organisations (both public and professional associations), registered charities and university departments may apply for grants.
Private commercial enterprises, Community Interest Companies (CICs) and not for profit businesses will be considered for funding provided that it can be demonstrated that the schemes or initiatives proposed are for charitable activity, are for public benefit and are consistent with the Trust’s priorities.
In exceptional cases the Trust may accept applications from overseas organisations, eg, for world class research with potential for demonstrable benefits for UK road users. This should be discussed with the Trust before applying.
Each application should have a lead organisation which must be a UK local public sector organisation (eg, Local Authority, Police Force or Fire and Rescue), UK university, UK-based registered charity, not-for-profit, social enterprise or community interest company.
UK universities can apply as lead organisations, but they must have a partner or demonstrable plans to work collaboratively with one of these organisations and the project must have a clear focus on practical outcomes.
An element of partnership or collaborative working is expected in all projects.
Grant amount: Two levels of grants are available:
- Large grants: between £50,001 and £300,000 for up to three years.
- Small grants: between £10,000 and £50,000 over two years. A total funding pot of £150,000 will be available for the 2025 small grants round.
Application process: Guidance and application materials will be available on the Trust's website before the round opens.
The online application portal will be available when the grant round opens.
Applicants will be required to create an account and complete a short eligibility questionnaire before gaining access to the application form.
Contact the Road Safety Trust for further information.
Deadline: With the Autumn 2025 round, the Trust is implementing a new two-stage application process, which will offer early feedback to applicants and guidance for those invited to submit full bids.
The ‘Expressions of Interest’ for the small grants programme is expected to open on 23 September and close on 29 October 2025.
Applicants will be informed by mid-November whether they have been invited to the full application stage and will have until 9 December to submit their applications. Decisions are likely to be conveyed in late January 2026.
Contact information: Email: info@roadsafetytrust.org.uk
Website: https://www.roadsafetytrust.org.uk/