I set up the Dementia Funders’ Network based on conversations I kept having with three groups of people.

Affected by dementia
When I mentioned that my parents had dementia or that I was funding dementia research, so many people told me that they were also affected - whether it was their parents, their partner, family members or friends. Many wanted to do something, and some were willing to donate significant amounts towards the cause, but weren’t sure where to start.

Donating, but there's potential for coordination
Some people were already donating towards dementia research or support. This was inspiring, but I was struck by how disparate their support was and how many people (including me) had not heard of what other people were supporting.

Researchers and clinicians
A third group were researchers or clinicians who found it hard to find funding for research.

Idea for the network
It seemed to me that it was a very fragmented landscape of both donors and researchers. This network is an attempt to address that, to bring donors together, help them find people doing research and identify projects that they might want to support - either on their own or by joining up with other donors to have more impact.

How it works
I want to stress that we are not looking for any funding for running the network itself – my wife and I are happy to fund this in the hope it's a valuable resource and part of the path to a cure. So there’s no cost to be a member, and no obligation to be active in the forum. You can join, engage, and leave at any time. We suggest that to participate in the network you would consider funding research projects from £100,000 upwards. This is a guide based on the very basic cost of an early stage research project. Membership of the forum is confidential and whilst we hope you encourage others to join, we ask that you don't share information about existing members.

Understanding the science
As you’ll see from the website, we’re trying to help a little on the learning and education front too. I’m not a scientist and even after five years of trying to understand the complexities of dementia, I’m still in the foothills. But I have found it helpful to understand some of the science so I can make informed funding decisions. I will share bitesize round ups of the latest news and research and signpost events and useful resources produced by other respected dementia organisations and researchers. In time, we anticipate hosting information events and research updates, if members decide this would be useful.

Connecting and amplifying
I am feeling my way with this project, I don't want to fragment the landscape further or tread on toes - there are brilliant individuals, professionals, clinicians, academics, researchers, and organisations already doing amazing things in the dementia scene. Rather, I hope to connect and unite interested parties and beneficiaries; working together to accelerate progress to a cure. I hope that, going forward, members can shape the network with ideas and suggestions so together we can realise it's potential and bring much needed funding to exciting and groundbreaking research.

Why now?
I believe it is a crucial time to support dementia research. After decades of stasis, it feels like we’re finally making progress on early detection, understanding the causes (of multiple types of dementia), and drugs and therapies that might prevent the progression, and ultimately cure dementia. I really hope you’ll join me on this important journey.

If you are interested in becoming a member simply follow the links below or to find out more, please email me at info@dementiafundersnetwork.org

Thank you

Jonathan Quin