Our supporters tell us that hearing treatments would make the biggest difference to their lives. To realise this goal, we’ve been developing our hearing research programme for more than 20 years. We can now proudly say that we have the largest donor-led hearing research programme in the world.
Today, for the very first time, these life-changing treatments are in sight and we expect the discovery of the first treatments for hearing loss, deafness or tinnitus within 5 years. When these treatments are available, they will offer millions of people options that have never been possible before: giving them the chance to choose their hearing future. It could be your donation that funds the vital piece of research needed.
Our research projects, available for your investment, take place in some of the most prestigious research establishments in the UK, and internationally. Our in-house research team has a thorough and proven selection process ensuring we choose the best, innovative projects to help us achieve our three research goals:
Why funding hearing research is vital
Hearing loss, deafness and tinnitus are invisible health conditions which can impact every area of a person’s life. These conditions have significant personal and social costs, from mental health to relationships, education to employment.
1 in 5 adults in the UK are deaf or have hearing loss and 1 in 7 adults have tinnitus; these numbers are growing. Despite this, hearing research is significantly underfunded. Only 83p per person with hearing loss is spent a year on ‘ear-related’ research by the UK’s main public funders of research. This is not enough to fund hearing research that makes a significant impact and our community deserves more.
Changing lives today
Supporting deaf people and those with hearing loss and tinnitus, breaking down barriers to inclusivity and equality is just as important to us today as it was when we were founded over 100 years ago.
If your philanthropic interest lies in our ‘grassroots’ campaigning, ahead of research, that’s what our Major Donor Team will focus on with you. This work is hugely important and not only changes lives today but creates a lasting impact.
What you’ll benefit from
Our major donors are an integral part of our charity and as such, we would like to make you feel welcome. Our major donors can expect to benefit from:
- a personal relationship manager
- opportunities to visit laboratories and meet leading researchers
- naming and recognition opportunities
- invitations to exclusive events. Recent events include: a quiz night at Brown’s, Mayfair; an evening at St James Palace; our ‘Women in Science Event’
- personalised reporting and exclusive industry insights.
Most importantly, you’ll know that by supporting our pioneering work, you’ll impact the futures of countless deaf people and those with hearing loss and tinnitus across the world.
Becoming a major donor
At RNID, we define our major donors as the incredible individuals making single donations of £5,000 or above. We appreciate that this is a considerable investment and this is why we have developed our major donor programme: a set of bespoke, philanthropic journeys defined by each and every major donor. We want you to enjoy the joy of giving and we will tailor your stewardship accordingly. Your individual needs and motivations for support will be at the heart of everything we do.
Contact us
If you are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus and need free confidential and impartial information and support, contact RNID.
We’re open 8:30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.