Getting funding for a small or pilot project can be a challenge, but there are small pots of money available if you know where to look. It is unlikely to fund “full economic costs” – salaries or overheads – but it might pay for some equipment, PPI or patient expenses, or a few hours of expert support.
There are some national schemes, such as those offered by charities, BIPOSA, RSM Squint Forum Prize, and occasional BIOS funding schemes, but sometimes there are Trust pots funded by legacies or small local charities. Ask around at your trust or local university. Patient support groups may also fund small projects.
Joining your local CAPHR Hub and getting on their mailing list may highlight local schemes , and a small number of hubs offer small research grants themselves https://cahpr.csp.org.uk/.
Getting a small amount of funding not only pump-primes your project, but it also shows the gatekeepers of the next step up in funding (NIHR, major charities), that you have been successful once and are better qualified for the next application.