The Tavistock Trust For Aphasia

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £239,014 (2024 expenditure)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Applications reviewed monthly; notification “shortly after”
• Grant Range: Up to £1,000 (Small Grants) | Larger amounts for research projects (not specified)
• Geographic Focus: UK (Small Grants); International (Research, Student Prizes, Distinguished Scholar Awards)

Contact Details

General Contact:

• Website: www.aphasiatavistocktrust.org
• Email: TTA@tavistocktrustaphasia.org
• Phone: +44 (0) 1525 290002 / 01525 292125
• Address: Bedford House, 15 George Street, Woburn, Bedfordshire, MK17 9PX

Overview

Founded in 1992 by Robin Tavistock, the 14th Duke of Bedford, following his own experience with aphasia after a brain hemorrhage, The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia is the only grant-making trust in the United Kingdom to focus solely on aphasia. With an annual expenditure of £239,014 (2024), the Trust aims to improve the quality of life for people with aphasia, their families, and carers. Since launching its Small Grants scheme in 2005, the Trust has supported individuals and groups across the UK, while also funding pioneering research projects, awarding international student prizes, and recognizing outstanding contributions to the field through the annual Robin Tavistock Award. The Trust was honored with The Gerry Cormier Communicative Access Award in 2018 and is an active member of the Aphasia Alliance.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Small Grants (Monthly)

• Amount: Up to £1,000 per applicant per year
• Availability: Up to £1,000 monthly allocation
• Application Method: Online application form (rolling basis, reviewed monthly)
• Eligible Applicants: Individuals with aphasia and groups in the UK

Major Research Grants

• Amount: Not publicly specified; varies by project
• Application Method: No public application process; appears to be by invitation or relationship
• Focus: University-based research centers, therapy development, evidence-based interventions

Student Prizes

• Amount: £500 per prize
• Scope: All universities in the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and Ireland with Speech and Language Therapy departments
• Selection: Awarded on faculty recommendation; no application required

Distinguished Scholar Awards (North America)

• Amount: US $1,000 plus certificate and badge
• Eligibility: Early career aphasia researchers (approximately 8-10 years post-PhD) in USA and Canada
• Application: Competitive application process

Robin Tavistock Award

• Type: Recognition award (annual)
• Recipients: Individuals or groups making significant contributions to the aphasia field

Priority Areas

The Trust actively funds:

• Aphasia software and therapy programs - Evidence-based digital tools and applications
• Creative solutions - Innovative approaches to improving life with aphasia
• Research projects - Pioneering research improving services and therapies
• Aphasia centers - University-based treatment clinics and support services
• Communication access initiatives - Projects promoting social confidence and reducing isolation
• Student-led clinics - Bridging NHS and voluntary sector services
• Therapy development - Evidence-based intervention methods and training materials

Recent funded projects include:

• Aphasia Therapy Finder Phase 2 (2023-2024): Searchable database of 20 evidence-based aphasia therapy methods with instructional videos
• Tavistock Aphasia Centre, Manchester (2023-2024): Student-led clinic with supported conversation online project (SCOPE)
• Tavistock Aphasia Centre, Newcastle University (1999-2025): Intensive aphasia treatment facilities
• Aphasia Centre, University of Sheffield (2014-2023): Part-funding of aphasia center

What They Don't Fund

Explicit exclusions for Small Grants:

• Travel and transport
• Loans and debts
• Ongoing speech therapy
• Computers/devices (except in exceptional circumstances)
• Recreational events (except in exceptional circumstances)

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees:

• Henrietta, Duchess of Bedford
• The 15th Duke of Bedford (Andrew Bedford)
• The Hon. Nicole Campbell MBE, Hon.FRCSLT
• Professor Alan Crockard MB BCh BAO DSc FRCS FRCSed
• Professor Jane Marshall OBE, FRCSLT
• Mrs Lynne Ross
• Mr Kevin Shurrock (Company Secretary)

The Board comprises seven trustees with backgrounds in medicine, speech and language therapy, and nobility. No trustees receive remuneration.

Key Personnel Insights:

Professor Jane Marshall, a trustee and world authority on aphasia, received the Robin Tavistock Award in 2007 and was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists in 2009. Regarding the EVA Park virtual therapy project she led, she stated: “We are keen for EVA Park to become a mainstream therapy resource that is widely available to people with aphasia.” Her work emphasizes that “Finding effective treatment responses is a priority.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

For Small Grants (Public Application Process):

• Applicant personal details (name, DOB, address, phone, email)
• Purpose of grant
• Item requested
• Home support information
• Contribution amount

• Email to: TTA@tavistocktrustaphasia.org

1. Monthly review process - Applications reviewed at end of each month

1. Optional contribution - Applicants encouraged to contribute financially if possible (Gift Aid can increase contribution value by 25%)

For Major Research Grants:

There is no public application process for major research funding. The Trust appears to identify and support research projects through:

• Existing relationships with universities and research institutions
• Trustee discretion and networks within the aphasia research community
• Invitations to established researchers and institutions

Researchers and institutions interested in major funding should contact the Trust directly to explore opportunities.

Decision Timeline

Small Grants:

• Applications reviewed at end of each month
• Notification sent “shortly after” monthly review
• Estimated total timeline: Approximately 4-6 weeks from submission to notification

Research Projects:

• No standardized timeline; varies by project and relationship

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. The Trust states they “hope to be able to give as many grants each month as possible” for the Small Grants scheme, suggesting a supportive approach to applications. With up to £1,000 available monthly and no application being “too small,” the Trust appears accessible to individual applicants.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policy for unsuccessful applications is not publicly disclosed. Applicants should contact the Trust directly at TTA@tavistocktrustaphasia.org or +44 (0) 1525 290002 for guidance on reapplication procedures and any waiting periods.

Note: Each person or group can apply for a maximum of £1,000 per year, regardless of the number of applications.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Trust's stated priorities and funded projects, successful applications demonstrate:

For Small Grants:

1. Clear aphasia focus - The Trust is highly specialized; applications must directly relate to improving life for people with aphasia

1. Professional support - Mandatory supporting letter from speech and language therapist or professional demonstrates credibility and genuine need

1. Specific, practical purpose - Applications for concrete items (e.g., aphasia software therapy programs, creative solutions) rather than general support

1. Alignment with funding priorities - Focus on therapy tools, communication aids, or innovative approaches to improving quality of life

1. Modest, realistic requests - “No application is considered too small” suggests the Trust values practical, achievable outcomes

1. Contribution willingness - While not required, demonstrating financial contribution shows commitment

For Research Projects:

1. Evidence-based approach - Funded projects emphasize high-quality, evidence-based methods (e.g., Aphasia Therapy Finder's focus on “evidence-based aphasia therapy methods”)

1. Collaborative partnerships - Many funded projects involve multiple institutions (e.g., CATs, universities, research centers)

1. Sustainability and impact - Long-term projects like Newcastle University's Aphasia Centre (1999-2025) show commitment to sustained impact

1. Student involvement - Projects incorporating student-led clinics and training (Manchester, Sheffield centers) align with Trust's educational mission

1. Accessibility and reach - Professor Marshall's quote about EVA Park becoming “widely available” reflects the Trust's priority for scalable solutions

1. Bridge service gaps - Projects that connect NHS and voluntary sector services (e.g., Manchester center) address systemic needs

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Highly specialized funder: Only supports aphasia-related work; ensure your project explicitly addresses communication challenges from brain injury or stroke

• Two distinct funding streams: Small Grants (£1-£1,000, monthly rolling) for individuals/groups; major research funding (invitation/relationship-based) for institutions

• Professional endorsement essential: Supporting letter from SLT or professional is mandatory for Small Grants; establishes credibility

• Monthly deadlines work in your favor: Rolling monthly reviews mean quick turnaround and multiple opportunities to apply throughout the year

• Evidence-based priorities: Research projects should demonstrate rigorous methodology and potential for widespread implementation

• Relationship building for major grants: No public application process for research funding; cultivate connections through conferences, the Aphasia Alliance, and trustee networks

• International reach for specific programs: While UK-focused for Small Grants, Student Prizes and Distinguished Scholar Awards span multiple countries—opportunities for international applicants in academia

References

• The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia official website: https://aphasiatavistocktrust.org/
• Small Grants program page: https://aphasiatavistocktrust.org/grants/
• Small Grant Application page: https://aphasiatavistocktrust.org/small-grants-application/
• Funded Projects and Research: https://aphasiatavistocktrust.org/funding/projects/
• Trustees page: https://aphasiatavistocktrust.org/trustees/
• Charity Commission Register: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/4047172/charity-overview
• Robin Tavistock Award: https://aphasiatavistocktrust.org/robin-tavistock-award/
• Aphasia Alliance: https://aphasiatavistocktrust.org/aphasia-alliance/
• Student Prizes: https://aphasiatavistocktrust.org/university-student-prizes/
• Distinguished Scholar Awards: https://aphasiatavistocktrust.org/distinguished-scholar/
• Aphasia Therapy Finder Phase 2 project: https://aphasiatavistocktrust.org/projects/aphasia-therapy-finder-phase-2/
• Tavistock Aphasia Centre Manchester: https://aphasiatavistocktrust.org/projects/the-tavistock-aphasia-centre-manchester/
• Professor Jane Marshall OBE award announcement, City University of London: https://www.city.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/2018/06/professor-jane-marshall-awarded-obe-for-services-to-aphasia