The Private Physiotherapy Educational Foundation

Charity Number: 1005738

Annual Expenditure: £0.5M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £534,537 (2023 expenditure)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: 3-6 weeks post-deadline
  • Grant Range: Varies by program - up to £500,000 for Silver Jubilee Award
  • Geographic Focus: UK (physiotherapists registered with HCPC)

Contact Details

Website: www.ppef.org.uk

Email: Admin@ppef.org

Phone: 1604684960

Address: PO Box 1720, C/O Physio First, Northampton, England, NN4 4GP

Overview

The Private Physiotherapy Educational Foundation (PPEF) was founded in 2001 as a registered charity (1005738) and limited company, thanks to benefactor Kenneth Balfour who left a large part of his estate to the Organisation of Physiotherapists in Private Practice (now Physio First). With an annual expenditure of £534,537 (2023), PPEF's mission is the advancement of education in the field of physiotherapy for the benefit of the public, particularly through providing education and training to patients and caregivers, and promoting research and disseminating research results. The foundation awards grants widely within the physiotherapy profession and is governed by eight trustees who receive no remuneration. PPEF celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2026 with a special Silver Jubilee Award worth up to £500,000.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • Research Grants: For new and novice researchers for full projects, pilot projects, or pump-prime projects on any topic relevant to physiotherapy (amounts not specified; application deadline: 25th August, decision: late September)
  • Educational Scholarships: For programmes of study, modules, or courses in physiotherapy education (amounts not specified; application deadline: 15th December, decision: late January)
  • Conference Attendance: For self-funding speakers or poster presentations at conferences (amounts not specified; rolling basis)
  • Innovation Awards: For an idea, service, or product new to the NHS which significantly improves the quality of health and care (amounts not specified; application deadline: 25th August, decision: late September)
  • Silver Jubilee Award: A special commemorative award for a programme of work lasting 3-5 years with a maximum total value of £500,000 (paid in stages). This one-time award celebrated the foundation's 25th anniversary and was awarded to Queen Mary University of London for musculoskeletal research.

Priority Areas

PPEF funds projects that:

  • Advance education and research in physiotherapy
  • Benefit the public, particularly physiotherapy patients and their caregivers
  • Improve the quality and effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions
  • Support new and novice researchers in the field
  • Promote evidence-based practice and data collection
  • Develop educational resources for patients and practitioners
  • Enhance physiotherapy education and professional development

What They Don't Fund

  • Loss of earnings
  • Computer hardware
  • Projects outside their charitable objects
  • Non-HCPC registered physiotherapists (applicants must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council in good standing)
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Governance and Leadership

PPEF is governed by eight trustees with no remuneration. The ideal board composition includes: one physiotherapist representing Physio First, three clinical practicing physiotherapists, two with experience in higher education, one financial expert, and one lay person (who may also be the financial expert).

Key Trustees:

  • Michael - Honorary Treasurer since 2004, member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants
  • Karen - Physio First nominated trustee since 2019 when she became PF Chair. Awarded Honorary Life Membership of Physio First and appointed President from 2024
  • Ann - Former higher education sector physiotherapist with extensive teaching, research, and leadership experience

The foundation focuses on “the advancement of research and education in the field of physiotherapy for the benefit of the public.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted electronically through PPEF's online portal:

  1. Download the relevant application form from www.ppef.org.uk/application-forms
  2. Complete the form with all required documentation (e.g., confirmation of course placement, supporting materials)
  3. Upload the completed application form and supporting documents through the portal
  4. Submit by the appropriate deadline

Critical Requirements:

  • Must use the correct PPEF application form for your grant type
  • Must adhere to all “Guidance Notes” indicated in red throughout the application forms
  • Must clearly state reasons why funds are needed and itemize costs involved
  • Must be prepared to provide additional information if requested by trustees
  • One electronic copy of all documentation required

Decision Timeline

Trustee Meetings: January, June, and September

Application Deadlines: Normally four weeks prior to the trustee meeting

Decision Process:

  • Applications close (typically 4 weeks before meeting)
  • Trustee review at designated meeting
  • Outcomes confirmed within 1-2 weeks after meeting
  • Total timeline: 3-6 weeks from deadline to decision

Example Timeline (Research/Innovation Grants):

  • Close: 25th August 2025
  • Review: 24th September 2025
  • Outcome: Week of 27th September 2025

Example Timeline (Educational Scholarships):

  • Close: 15th December 2025
  • Review: 14th January 2026
  • Outcome: Week of 20th January 2026

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. The trustees review each application on its merits at the designated trustee meeting, and their decision is final.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policy is not explicitly stated in public materials. Unsuccessful applicants should contact PPEF directly for guidance on reapplication procedures.

Application Success Factors

Direct Advice from PPEF:

Critical Application Requirements:

"It is essential that applicants adhere to the various 'Guidance Notes' in order for their applications to be considered for funding by the Trustees, which are indicated in red throughout the application forms."

“Applicants are advised that failure to provide adequate detail on the application form may seriously disadvantage or delay their application.”

“It is essential that applicants clearly state the reasons why funds are needed, and itemise the costs involved.”

Recently Funded Projects (Examples):

  • Data-to-Practice Project (Queen Mary University, £500,000): Defining and translating best physiotherapy practice for common musculoskeletal conditions, integrating research, education, and innovation
  • Data for Impact (DfI): Long-term project enabling private practice physiotherapists to evaluate intervention effectiveness (originally funded in 2009, recently received additional two-year funding)
  • Community walking improvement after stroke using WALK approach
  • Achilles tendinopathy research in runners
  • Patello-femoral pain management and best practice guides
  • MD Support Centre guidance: Written and video materials for treatment of people with muscular dystrophy
  • Various MSc programs, conference attendance, and educational resource development

Key Terminology and Language:

PPEF emphasizes:

  • “Benefit of the public” (especially patients and caregivers)
  • “Advancement of education” in physiotherapy
  • Evidence-based practice and data collection
  • New and novice researchers
  • Innovation and quality improvement
  • Dissemination of research results

Standing Out:

  • Provide comprehensive detail throughout the application
  • Clearly articulate public benefit, especially to patients
  • For research: demonstrate methodological rigor even as a novice researcher
  • For innovation: show potential for NHS implementation and quality improvement
  • Itemize costs thoroughly with clear justification
  • Follow all guidance notes precisely
  • Demonstrate how the project aligns with advancing physiotherapy education or research
  • Be prepared to provide additional documentation promptly if requested

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Detail is critical: PPEF explicitly warns that inadequate detail will “seriously disadvantage or delay” applications. Invest time in comprehensive, well-documented proposals.
  • Follow the red flags: Pay special attention to all “Guidance Notes” indicated in red throughout application forms - adherence is essential for consideration.
  • Public benefit is paramount: Every application must clearly articulate how it advances education in physiotherapy for public benefit, particularly for patients and caregivers.
  • Plan ahead: With only three annual deadlines and 4-week closure before meetings, timing is crucial. Applications typically close in August, December, and potentially April/May.
  • New researchers welcomed: PPEF specifically mentions supporting “new and novice researchers,” making it accessible for early-career physiotherapists.
  • Itemize everything: Cost breakdowns must be detailed and justified - vague budget requests will not succeed.
  • HCPC registration required: Only UK-registered physiotherapists in good standing with the Health and Care Professions Council are eligible.
  • Innovation valued: PPEF shows commitment to funding innovative approaches, evidenced by dedicated Innovation Awards and significant investment in transformative projects like the £500,000 Silver Jubilee Award.

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References

All sources accessed: December 2025