The Peter Sowerby Foundation has updated its funding strategy for the large grants it offers to support health and wellbeing to place a greater focus on helping to “sustain successful projects at risk of closure”.

It will also prioritise projects that “tackle a clear and demonstrable need across a range of health conditions such as gaps in access, quality or availability of treatment” and those that have “proven impact and where additional funding could either increase the scale or depth of projects”.

The change of focus sees it replace its previous Breakthrough in Healthcare Fund with the newly created Impact in Healthcare Fund.

This provides multi-year grants of between £2-3m “for transformational initiatives” and grants of up to £500,000 for charity projects with a proven track record.

“The Foundation’s new strategy responds to the ongoing pressures on NHS and statutory services and aims to support initiatives that improve health and well-being through practical, real-world impact,” said the funder.

“It also places particular value on preventing future health issues, through early intervention.”

The Foundation’s chair David Aspinall added: “We are witnessing a critical moment in health and social care. With services under strain, the need for innovation and locally led solutions is more urgent than ever.

“This new strategy focuses our funding where it can make the greatest difference - in communities, through technology, and by preventing illness before it escalates.”

The Peter Sowerby Foundation was created through an endowment by former GP Dr Peter Sowerby, who created primary care software EMIS. To date the funder has awarded more than £18m to charities, community groups and healthcare providers.

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