BDA General and Education Trust

G.E.T. index page

The British Dietetic Association General and Education Trust Fund exists “to advance education and other charitable purposes related to the science of dietetics”.  The Trust has an annual grant giving budget of around £50,000 a year and can make grants to individuals and to recognised associations or groups of people engaged in dietetic research and related activities.

The Trust is separate to the BDA and is managed by the Trustees, some of whom are members of the profession and some who are independent.  The Trustees allocate funding to applicants in accordance with the objectives for which the General and Education Trust was set up, grants can be made for running costs, project costs and (if necessary) for help with salaries.

The Trust does not make grants for buying buildings; expenses for post-graduate qualifications; or support dietetic students in training.

Normally grant funding is not appropriate for income generating purposes but if a grant does generate income the Trust Fund may require income to be shared accordingly.

The Trust cannot give grants for every project put forward, even though the projects may meet its criteria.  In some cases, only partial support may be offered, or grants may be made subject to conditions which must be met.  Funding is made available to projects which will have a benefit to the science and practice of dietetics in the UK.  The types of applications which have been successful in recent years include:

• funding for a study trip to the USA to evaluate diabetes management;
• a research project to evaluate the impact of clinical placements on professional training;
• ‘start up’ funding for a post to monitor developments in clinical effectiveness for dietitians.

When applications are rejected it is often for a variety of reasons.  It is sometimes because:

• An application for research does not have a sufficiently rigorous methodology;
• An application is not clearly going to benefit dietetic practice or increase the knowledge base in the profession, or
• A project is too local and funding is sought to fund activities which should be supported by another organisation (e.g. the NHS).

Reviewers

The Trustees will seek the views of two professional reviewers on grant applications, to get a view from the professional body about the suitability and relevance of the proposal.   The decision on whether to support or not will be a decision for the Trustees alone.

Process

The Trustees meet twice a year usually May and November.  Completed applications need to be submitted at least 6 weeks before the Trustees meet if you wish your grant application to be considered.  All applications must be on the standard form for applications, although supporting documentation is welcomed.

G.E.T. Documents

• Terms and Conditions & Administration Guidelines for Grants.
• Application form (pdf version).
• Application form (word version).
• Socially Responsible Investment Policy.
• Application Process.
• 6 Month Report Form to Trustees (Word file).
• End of Grant Report Form (Word file).
• GET Trust Deed.

The completed application will be considered by the Trustees at their next meeting.  However, if an application is exceptionally urgent and has a start date prior to the next Trustees meeting, it may be considered between meetings.

You will be notified of the outcome of your application as soon as possible following the Trustees meeting.  The Trustees’ discussions concerning applications are confidential.  However, the Trustees will try to provide written reasons for their decisions wherever possible.

Conditions

If the Trustees are able to make a grant, it must be used exclusively for the purposes outlined in the application.  The Trustees will require reports every six months and a final report on any project to which they have awarded a grant and the persons carrying out the project are expected to demonstrate how they will inform the profession of the outcomes.  No alterations to original project plans may be made without permission.

Your signature on the application form (or submitting an electronic copy) confirms that you have accepted all the terms and conditions for grant holders which can be found on the BDA website.

 

updated 8 March, 2013