There are various sources of funding, from government agencies and charities, supporting disabled people to live independent lives. The grants are available to disabled individuals as well as groups working with the youth. Financial grants will help you with everything from participating in the arts, short breaks for carers, contributing to your heating costs, starting driving, moving home, among other situations.

Are you a budding artist, musician or disability arts group?

If you are a disabled individual with an interest in music or the arts or you organise and run a group for disabled artists, there grants for disability arts you can turn to for financial support. Music instruments can be expensive, and trying to kit out an entire band or orchestra even more so. Below are a couple of grants for music and arts for people with disabilities, they cover both individuals and groups:

• EMI Music Sound Foundation – The EMI MSF grant is available to individuals in education and provides funding for music instrument and equipment purchase. Schools can also apply for the grant so that they can provide music education e.g. paying for music teachers, equipment or workshops. Music teachers can also seek funding to develop their courses in schools, making music more accessible. Exceptionally talented musicians can apply for bursaries to study at music colleges in the UK and Ireland.
• Youth Music Network (YMN) – provides financial support to groups working with young people to make music more accessible and help it change their lives for the better. YMN supports youths and young children with behavior problems, sensory disabilities or impairments, youngsters who cannot afford to participate in music and young people from challenging backgrounds.
• Music for Alice – A charitable foundation formed in the memory of Alice Macgill, the charity works with groups championing accessibility to music for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds as well as those with disabilities.

Carer and need a short break? These resources will help.

Caring for a loved one can leave you drained both physically and emotionally, especially if you are a full time carer. It can easily turn into a tedious routine and have damaging consequences on the carer’s health and well being. For this reason, it is crucial that carers get some time off to do something out of routine and relaxing. There are a number of grants for carers which you may access for some well needed time away including the following:

1. Respite and replacement care – allows you to replace the care you would normally provide as a carer. If you are struggling and overworked, you may consider discussing your needs with your local authority. They may provide overnight respite care so that you can get a good night’s rest. Longer term respite care may be available. Speak to your local council about the available options.
2. Extended respite breaks – as a full time carer you have a carer’s assessment which looks at your needs and support requirements. Local council’s may contribute financially to your holiday short breaks if you’re eligible for a grant. You can then use the grant to pay for a carer while you’re away or book a holiday. Funding sources include the following:
   1. Local authority or council funding.
   2. Funding and grants from charities – examples include Saga Respite for Carers Trust, The Family Fund, Children’s Country Holiday Fund plus many more.

The levels and nature of grants will vary depending on each organisation. Give yourself a chance to recharge and revitalise, whether you go away on your own or with the person you care for. Affording a short getaway is always a worry and the above resources should help you find the support you need to make this happen.

Get Help with Energy Bills with Energy Saving Grants

Gas and electricity bills are a strain on the budgets for many families. For the elderly and disabled who have lower incomes and huge care expenses, they may eventually become unmanageable. A range of support systems are in place, from both the energy companies as well as charitable organisations. Money Advice charities, as well as the Citizen Advice Bureau can offer support in managing your finances and keeping on top of your bills.

Using Third Party Deductions to Manage your Energy Bills

Also known as the Fuel Direct scheme, the Third Party Deductions is a scheme designed to help those receiving benefits to pay off energy debts, as well as pay towards future debts. The scheme works by setting aside a small portion of each benefit payment to cover utility bills. Currently, the rate is set at £3.70, which offers a convenient way of managing your bills if you are struggling.

Energy Debt Relief Grants for Utility Companies

If you are struggling with your utility bills, it is advisable to speak with your supplier. Energy suppliers are often able to put measures in place to help you manage your bills. Measures such as moving you to a lower tariff or energy saving advice may not do much to reduce your energy debts, but will help stop them increasing.

Companies like EDF and the British/Scottish Energy Trust may offer energy grants to help you clear your utility debts. If you are a customer of EDF or Scottish Power you should give them a call and discuss your options and eligibility for these types of grants.

Find out more about the energy saving grants you can apply to for help managing your energy bills.

Improving home energy efficiency to reduce bills

Making a few changes to your home could help improve its energy efficiency and reduce the amount of energy you need for heating. Measures such as eliminating draughts or cavity wall and loft insulation will help your home retain more heat, reducing demand for gas for heating. Under the Energy Companies Obligation (ECO) scheme, energy companies must provide free loft insulation for their customers to improve energy efficiency. Cavity wall and loft insulation can save, on average, a combined £310.

How to get on the road with driving lesson grants for the disabled

Getting out and about when you have a physical disability is often a challenge. From needing adapted cars to the hassle of getting on and off buses, being able to drive and get a driving licence will open you up to new experiences and freedom. As much as family and friends can drive you where you want to go, it is often frustrating when you have to rely on someone else’s timetable. Getting through driving lessons, theory and practical tests is not cheap, and will require a lot of money. If you suffer from a disability, there are organisations that can help you with driving lesson costs and access to vehicles.

Get free driving lessons with Motability

The Motability Scheme provides free driving lessons to disabled aspiring drivers who wish to start driving. You will need to pay for the theory portion of the test, and the practical driving exam out of your pocket. If you are eligible, you will get access to 40 driving lessons. The lessons are split into two, the first portion is for 12 lessons, after which you need to sit and pass the theory test. You stand to make a saving of nearly £1,000 should you be eligible for the driving lessons grant.

If you are a carer, you may also be able to get some help if you want to learn to drive. Read more here about the process you will need to go through to check eligibility for free driving lessons, and the requirement to pass a provisional driving test before applying. Checking whether your disability does not exclude you from driving is also important so make sure you contact the DVLA Drivers Medical Group beforehand.

Funding for wheelchair ramp to get in and around your home

The independence to get in and out of your home is often taken for granted. If you are a wheelchair user, having a ramp to access your home is essential. Whether you need a wheelchair ramp for short term or permanent use, there may be a grant available to help with the costs of having one installed. The following options are available:

• Temporary folding ramp – temporary wheelchair use may restrict your movements. Your home may not have easy access and a temporary ramp may help, contacting the Red Cross for help is the best way forward.

Permanent wheelchair ramps – if you have a permanent disability and having difficulty accessing your home, a wheelchair ramp may be the answer. Constructing a wheelchair ramp can be an expensive exercise but the Disabled Facility Grant may cover all costs if you are eligible. This is a grant offered by the government and administered by local authorities. Its aim is to support disabled people to live independently by facilitating home adaptations. Grants of up to £30,000 are available. Find out more about how to get funding for a wheelchair ramp by clicking here

Moving house? Here is how to get help with the cost of moving

Moving house when you are on a low budget or suffering from a disability is often a challenge. It is costly as well as a logistic nightmare, and you may need some financial assistance to make your move smooth. If you are on certain benefits, you may be able to get help with moving costs and getting your new home ready for you to move in. Sources of moving help include:

• Social housing landlords may offer incentives for you to move. If you are living in a home bigger than your needs, they may offer you a smaller home and help to move. This is not a legal obligation but worth asking.
• Local welfare assistance is a program run by local councils which may be able to help to partly meet your moving costs.

There are other avenues to explore, which includes your Citizen Advice bureau or other charities. You will also get more information on help with the cost of moving home and the different sources of support by searching for charities at your local library.

This article contains information on a variety of grants and support available to you if you are disabled. The information is provided to help you find the financial support you need to live an independent life, whether you are looking to start driving lessons or move home. The government, local authorities and independent charities run different programmes to support disabled people. Sometimes just asking the questions will help you find the finances you need to improve the quality of your life.

Gardening is a popular pastime in the UK. Even with the cold climate, the spring and summer are a great time to spend outdoors tending to the lawns and borders or growing your own vegetables. If you are disabled, gardening can still be enjoyable with the help and support of various organisations which provide specialist tools, equipment and advice. There are organisations which also provide grants and other forms of financial and material support to either take up gardening, or continue enjoying a hobby you love, despite your disability. This article introduces some of these organisations and the types of support they have to offer.

The Gardening for Disabled Trust

If you feel you can no longer express your love for gardening due to a disability, then the Gardening for Disabled Trust may be able to help. Based in Kent but helping disabled gardeners from across the country, the trust runs a free membership gardening club. Members can also apply for gardening grants to help them to create the garden of their dreams. Whether you are just getting started or are a keen gardener looking to share your hobby or receive some funding for a project, you should consider becoming a member.

As a member of the trust you will enjoy the following benefits:

• Adapting your garden to suit your personal needs.
• Apply for grants towards building raised beds, paving, decking and making your garden accessible to wheelchair users.
• Expert advice, tips and techniques for disabled gardeners.
• Participate in a forum and share ideas and experiences with other disabled.

If you would like to know more about the Trust, become a member or find out more about the kind of work they do, visit the Gardening for the Disabled website.

N.B. Please note that the trust will not pay for general garden maintenance services, fencing or garden clearing.

Garden Improvement Support from WellChild

WellChild is a national charity working in the UK to improve the lives of sick and disabled children. The WellChild Helping Hand programme assists families to create bedroom and garden alterations using volunteers to carry out the work. The Charity works with children suffering from a wide range of disabilities, including the following:

• Spina bifida.
• Muscular dystrophy.
• Autism
• Visual impairment.
• Other children with complex care needs.

Although not a grant in its own right, the charity offers gardening services and pays for all the material, as well as working with businesses to deliver the work. Examples of work carried out are as follows:

• Garden makeovers.
• Driveways and patios.
• Creating raised beds
• Clearing overgrown gardens.
• Repairing or putting up fences.
• Laying turf or artificial grass.

WellChild accepts application four times each year in March, June, September, and December, with the committee meeting to discuss the makeover requests. The charity makes dreams come true for disabled or sick children and their families. To find out more about their work and examples of the projects they do visit the WellChild website today.

Getting Local Authority Support with Disabled Facility Grant Funding

The Disabled Facility Grant is a grant provided to eligible disabled people by the government, and administered by local authorities. The grant is for making alterations to homes and living spaces to make them suitable for independent living. This includes the following:

• Improving access to and from the house.
• Making a family room accessible by the disabled person.
• Improving access to a bedroom, toilet, and bathroom.
• To improve access to and from outside areas and the garden.

Although this grant is not specifically for gardening purposes, creating access to the garden may be covered under the funding rules. Speaking with your local authority about your needs may mean you gain improved access to your garden, which is the first step in enjoying gardening again.

The Disabled Facility Grant is a “means tested” grant, which means an assessment of your finances, including income and capital. Based on this assessment, you may be required to make a contribution to towards the adaptations. Applications on behalf of disabled children under the age of 18 are not means tested. Maximum funding available in the England under the DFG is £30,000. To find out more about the Disabled Facility Grant, contact your local Social Services department. Getting easy access to your garden may the spark you need to get into gardening. Even though this grant will only cover accessibility to your garden, it is worth finding out if you qualify for funding as it will make a huge difference if you get the funding.

Help with Gardening for the Disabled

If you are disabled it is so easy for your garden to turn into a living nightmare. Depending on accessibility and mobility, your garden may become overgrown and quickly become unmanageable. Getting help with gardening in this situation may be a challenge, but there are charities who may be able to help. Get in touch with Social Services or your local council to find out if there are any gardening volunteering schemes operating in your area.

As this article has shown, there aren’t many charities offering gardening grants for disabled people. However, the Gardening for the Disabled Trust is one of the very few organisations which offer targeted support for aspiring gardeners. Applying for a grant is a straightforward, you just need to become a gardening club member first. All aspects of gardening are covered by the grants, including creating access, paving, patios, raised beds and more.

For other gardening services such as clearing overgrown gardens and general maintenance, contacting your local authority is the best way forward, so you can find out about volunteer organisation which may help.

If you’re disabled, you’ll know just how many people are able to take their independence for granted. Being able to go where you want, when you want is a freedom that not everyone has, and you might have to rely on friends, loved ones and carers for even the simplest of tasks; such as going grocery shopping, for example. However, there are ways you can access life-changing funding for cars and scooters, largely through the UK’s Motability scheme.

How Motability Works

To qualify for a vehicle, you need to meet the Motability scheme rules. This means you need to be in receipt of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or the higher rate of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Historically, everyone with a disability could apply for DLA, but since April 2013, this has gradually been replaced with PIP for new claimants who are 16 years old and over.

If you’re moved to PIP and find yourself on a lower rate, you no longer qualify for the Motability scheme. However, if you’ve already leased a car, there is some transitional help available. For example, a one-off payment of around £2,000 may be offered when you return the vehicle. Alternatively, you might be able to purchase the car at a reduced cost.

If you haven’t yet got a vehicle, and want to make use of DLA mobility cars, there are several ways to meet eligibility conditions for the Motability scheme. If you don’t receive the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the DLA, you may still qualify if you receive the Enhanced Rate Mobility Component or the War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement of PIP. As long as your request is approved, you can use your payments to fund disability mobility cars, scooters or powered wheelchairs.

The Motability Scheme provides grants for a car through a leasing initiative which last three years, or five years if you need a vehicle with wheelchair accessibility. The cost of leasing includes servicing expenses, RAC breakdown assistance, maintenance and insurance cover for two drivers. As part of the leasing agreement you can drive for up to 20,000 miles every year, with a charge of 5p per mile for any extra travelling you do.

There are more than 450 cars available on DLA payments which require no advanced payment at all. However, the choice of car is ultimately up to you, but if it costs more than your mobility allowance allows, you will need to make an advanced payment, often at personal expense.

Mobility Car Adaptations

For a lot of disabled people, vehicle adaptations are essential. Swivel seats may be required, for example, or hoists might be needed so you can get in and out of your vehicle. Many of these adaptations are completely free, whilst others have a cost attached; all of which you can find out on the Motability website.

When you first purchase your car through the scheme, you’ll be able to take advantage of the Managed Adaptations Programme. If you need to make changes to your vehicle once you’ve already leased your vehicle you’ll have to pay the expense yourself, either from personal funds or by fundraising. Motability do offer a grant scheme which may be of help too. Any adaptations must be both supplied and fitted by an official partner of the scheme so as not to invalidate your leasing agreement.

Motability Grants

The Motability grants department can offer financial help with mobility car adaptations if you’re unable to pay for essential changes yourself. The organisation provides millions of pounds in grants to thousands of families every year, so you could well be able to get help. This is a separate operation to providing vehicles via government payments, and could help top up any financial gap between your benefit payments and the cost of your vehicle.

Grants can be used for a variety of things, including advance payments, driving lessons if you’re under 25 and adaptations. They can also be offered to help cover the cost of more expensive vehicles. It should be noted that grants will only be offered to help with the least costly option, and you’ll also need to have your circumstances checked. For a full breakdown of grants, eligibility and the use for grant money, visit the Motability scheme’s official grant page.

Free Cars for Disabled People

If you’re disabled and craving independence, but do not have the financial means to buy your own car, the Motability scheme could be ideal. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria, this initiative can provide cars, scooters and wheelchairs at no personal cost; in fact, if there’s any excess mobility allowance remaining, it will be paid to you directly. And, with grants also available to fund adaptations and other essential requirements, you could soon find yourself with more personal freedom than ever before.

For those registered blind, regardless of whether this is a recent disability or a lifelong condition, there are many challenges to overcome. These hurdles can be difficult to cross at the best of times, but especially so for people with little in the way of financial support. Many blind people have to rely on the support of others, both loved ones and official organisations, if they’re to have any form of independence. Luckily, there are grants in place to make life easier and give people the best chance to succeed.

Where to Find Grants

Grants for blind people come from a variety of places, including public organisations like the government, and private not-for-profit organisations. The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is one of the most recognised charities for the blind, but there are many others across the UK that could offer help. Meanwhile, disability grants and free travel passes from the government can help people get the support they need to gain much needed freedom.

RNIB Grants

The RNIB offers a variety of grants, all with the aim of providing a way to live an ordinary life. If you’re registered partially sighted or blind you could apply for one of these to help pay for equipment and technology that could give you independence.

To be eligible for funding, you need to fit the royal blind society’s qualifiers, which include:

• Being a UK resident
• Being registered as blind, severely sight impaired or partially sight impaired with your local authority
• Having savings under the value of £6,000
• Having been refused funding from your local authority
• Having not received a grant for the past three years
• Being in receipt of a benefit that’s means-tested. These included Income Support, Council Tax Support, Pension Credit, Income-related Job Seeker’s Allowance, Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

What the RNIB Offer

The RNIB are extremely strict in what they’ll pay for, with grant money solely for the use to buy specific equipment. The following list outlines the technology grant money can be used for.

• Magnification software and computer accessibility software to the cost of £500
• Computer dictation software to the cost of £80
• Portable and TV video magnifiers to the cost of £400
• Dictaphones and voice recorders to the cost of £70
• Talking phones and accessible smartphones to the cost of £350
• Talking radios, watches and clocks to the cost of £60
• Talking and big button landline telephones to the cost of £100

In addition, the RNIB can only provide funding of £500 per individual, so you will have to make up any extra cash required by other means.

Other Blindness Charities

Aside from the RNIB, there are many other charities able to help. These organisations are often a lot smaller and cater to specific needs, but they’re a good starting point if you’re in desperate need of money.

• Blind Children UK
  If you or your loved one is under 25, you could apply for funding from Blind Children UK. This charity gives grants to help kids achieve recreational and educational goals, though any equipment supplied is for home use. Applicants should also be in part time or full time education.
• Royal Blind Society
  The Royal Blind Society supports families with children under the age of 25, and aims to give youngsters confidence beyond any sight impairments. The organisation doesn’t actually offer grants, but the Family Support Service workers can help families find funding sources and other help.
• Gardners Trust for the Blind
  If you’re looking for one-off financial assistance, the Gardeners Trust for the Blind could help. Money is provided for household items, training and education, and the charity even offers grants to bolster pension plans. You can apply by writing to the trust at The Gardners Trust for the Blind, 117 Charterhouse Street, London, EC1M 6AA and should include a sight impairment certification from a third party.
• The Vision Charity
  Finally, the Vision Charity works with associations, groups and charities to help the visually impaired and blind communities. Fundraising pays for specialist services, goods and equipment. If you’re looking to raise cash for a group project or event, it’s worthwhile contacting the organisation.

Government Funding

The government has various funding options for blind people, from the Disabled Facilities Grants, to free bus travel. The Disabled Facilities Grants allows you to apply for up to £36,000 which can be used to modify your home to suit your disability. If you need sight impairment aids, such as talking kitchen appliances, this grant could be ideal. You will need to contact your local authority and have an occupational therapist assess your needs, giving you the groundwork to put in an application.

Meanwhile, the government also provides a number of free travel services if you’re blind, including a free bus pass, and London’s Freedom Pass. There is also an Access to Work grant which could provide the financial means to find and stay in employment.

There is a vast amount of help on offer if you’re blind and need support. Depending on your circumstances, and the intent of your grant, both government funding and charitable help could be the perfect answer to a problem.

If you have a disabled child, you’ll know only too well of the extra expense involved. Children are costly enough, but as soon as you’re dealing with a disability, the bills can soar. Not only are you likely to be paying more for utilities and household goods, but you need to factor in trips to hospitals and special groups too. In addition, you might have had to reduce your working hours so you can give your child the best care possible. So, when special needs trikes and bikes cost far more than for other children, it might seem like you’ll never be able to afford one.

Luckily, there are many charities across the UK who recognise this problem and have set up a variety of grant opportunities to help you pay for this vital piece of equipment. Trikes and bikes give kids with disabilities the chance of freedom and independence, often for the first time, and can help shape and build their confidence for the coming years.

What to Expect from a Trike Grant

Disability bikes and trikes can be extremely expensive, largely due to the extra attachments and special fixtures they require. Some special bikes might even need to be custom built to include lower gears, bespoke pedals or even thoracic support. As such, you can expect the average cost to be way above any normal family’s means.

Whilst some charities will cover the entire cost of a special needs trike, it’s more likely that they’ll provide a partial payment. You will need to fund the rest of the equipment at personal expense, from fundraising or even through the Disability Living Allowance. If you intend to fundraise, don’t underestimate the power of community; starting a campaign with the help of a local newspaper, for example, could have serious money-raising potential.

Important Considerations for Disabled Bikes

Before starting your grant applications or fundraising, you need to be sure you’re purchasing the right trike. After all, you don’t want to spend all that money only to be disappointed and realise you’ve got the wrong piece of equipment.

A few things to consider are;

• Transportation. Trikes and bikes for disabled children can be large and bulky, and are not the easiest things to transport. Some types can be taken apart, but these will cost more.
• Storage. Due to their additional width and size, you need to ensure you’ve got somewhere to safely store this expensive bike.
• Adjustability. As any parent will know, kids grow quickly. Therefore, any trike you buy needs to be adjustable so it’s got long-term value. Things to look for are changeable footplates and extendable handlebars.
• Weight. Disabled trikes can be heavy, and as your child grows, the weight will increase. This means you might not be able to lift it into the car yourself. In such a scenario, you might need to buy a hoist too.

How to Fund Trikes from Charitable Donations

One of the most common ways to fund the purchase of a disabled bike or trike is from a charitable donation. A lot of charities for children can offer financial support, but you need to know where to look. The following list covers some of the UK’s charities known to have formerly provided grants.

• Variety Club
  Helping disabled and disadvantaged children, the Variety Club supports those up to the age of 19. Funds are provided to improve the daily life of youngsters with special needs and disabilities, including grants for trikes and bikes. The average support is between £100 and £6,000.
• Caudwell Children
  This charity has seven core services, one of which is providing mobility equipment such as therapeutic bikes and wheelchairs. Caudwell Children helps children under the age of 19, and receives applications by way of its website.
• Action for Kids
  Supporting youngsters up until the age of 29, Action for Kids can help fund a variety of equipment that is not freely available on the NHS. This includes scooters, trikes, walkers and special needs bikes. Action for Kids aim to improve the personal, mobility and independence skills of children across the UK.
• Cerebra
  Cerebra is known to have offered funding for mobility equipment in the past, and their main grant initiative funds up to 80per cent of the trike or bike cost. The charity supports those with neurological disorders or brain injuries, including children with autism, cerebral palsy and downs syndrome.
• Children Today
  This charity helps people up to the age of 25 and can offer grants to be used for buying trikes, bikes and even lifting equipment. If you’d like to apply for funding, you should contact Children Today directly by phoning 01244 335622.

The importance of a special bike for a disabled child should not be undervalued. It can be one of their only forms of freedom, and being able to pedal off in any direction they choose can be a huge boost to their confidence. As such, if you can’t afford to buy this special needs equipment yourself, seek out support; there are many charities waiting to help.

If you have an autistic child, you’ll know just how much of a financial strain it can put on the family. Managing to live with a disabled loved one is altogether different from struggling to make ends meet. For children needing specialist care, the costs quickly spiral, from having to buy special sensory equipment and toys, to paying for higher utility bills. For this reason, it’s important to reach out and utilise the support offered via external funding.

This often comes in the form of charitable grants, though the government also provides benefits, such as the Disabled Facilities Grant which could help your family.

Charitable Donations

Across the country, there are dozens of autism charities that specialise in offering emotional and financial support for families living with a disabled loved one. A lot of the charities helping children can provide grants to be used for paying bills, buying equipment or even taking the family away on a short holiday. Whilst some organisations give help for a wide variety of conditions, it’s best to focus on autistic charities initially as these will be most likely to provide the specialised help you need.

• Autism Aware UK
  This charity provides families with online support whilst working to increase the awareness surrounding autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). Autism Aware UK has helped fund specialist playgrounds, and could offer financial support to buy equipment.
• The Fred Foundation
  This autistic charity is one of the smallest in the UK and, as such, is only able to help a few children. However, the foundation could provide invaluable support, and has recently funded programmes for Applied Behaviour Analysis, so it could be a good grant source.
• Jewish Autism Trust
  The Jewish Autism Trust runs monthly support meetings, and provides guidance and advice for those in Jewish community who have children with Aspergers and autism. The charity also provides autism grants.
• The John and Lorna Wing Foundation
  If you have an older child who needs help with higher education needs, the John and Lorna Wing Foundation could be ideal. They operate in England and Wales, and provide group and individual autism funding for both research and educational support. Though they don’t have a website, you can contact them by writing to Dr. J.A. Gould at 43 Barnfield Wood Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 6ST.
• Music for Autism
  Sensory play and learning can be extremely important for children with autism; a fact recognised by Music for Autism. This organisation put on interactive concerts for kids to enjoy, and hosts a number of events across the UK. The charity also supports schools with autistic children, as well as special units.

Non-Autistic Charities

There are numerous children’s charities able to help you, regardless of your child’s disability. Though it is a good idea to focus on specialised organisations to start with, you could also try contacting the following.

• The Caudwell Charity
  If your child has a disability, you could be granted funding from the Caudwell Charity. Though they do not fund building projects, clothing or household appliances, they can help with sensory room equipment and soft play toys.
• Children Today Charitable Trust
  If you’re looking for special equipment like sensory toys or bikes, the Children Today Charitable Trust could be ideal. Every claim is means tested, but the organisation weighs up the facts sympathetically to try and help as many people as possible.
• EDF Energy Trust
  If you’re on a low income and worried about energy costs, the EDF Energy Trust could help. Grants are used to cover utility payments, and you can apply if you’re a domestic customer of EDF Energy, London Energy, Seeboard, Energy or SWEB Energy.

Government Funding

The government offer grants for autism in the form of the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG). This allows you make a wide variety of home modifications so that living with a disabled child is easier. The DFG is available for applicants from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and depending where you live the maximum payout is up to £36,000.

Money available via DFG’s are aimed at making your home life easier by assisting you to finance essential changes. If you have an autistic child who shows difficult behaviour towards the rest of your family, you might need to build a new bedroom to provide them with their own space, for example. DFG’s are made for exactly this purpose, though it’s important you give the right evidence to back up your application. For this reason, before applying, it is an extremely good idea to contact your local authority and have an occupational therapist assess your needs. With their guidance, you can give your application the best chance to succeed.

DFG Qualifying Criteria

To be eligible for a grant, you need to either own your own home, be a landlord with a disabled tenant or rent your home, either privately, through the housing association or via local housing authority. You will need to supply a certificate stating that your disabled child will continue living on the premises for at least five years after the work has been completed. In addition, though the process is means tested for adults, your income is not taken into account if you’re applying for your child.

Grants in Scotland

DFG’s don’t exist in Scotland. Instead, individual local authorities provide loans, practical assistance and grants depending on your circumstances. The Scheme Assistance will pay for up to 80 percent of all approved costs, and you will need to work alongside a social worker to create a proposal for the intended work.
Trying to make ends meet when you have a disabled child can be extremely difficult, particularly if you are on a low income. For this reason, you shouldn’t be embarrassed of seeking help, but see it as an invaluable lifeline to benefit the wellbeing of your entire family.

Much of today’s education revolves around tests and examinations, but it’s important that children get the chance to learn and play outdoors too. There are various ways that schools can access funding to help build gardens, playgrounds and sensory areas for their pupils to enjoy, though most routes involve applying to a charitable organisation. In some cases products might be gifted; for others, schools and educational institutes will need to raise a proportion of the funds to put towards the project.

Trees, Gardens and Nature

Encouraging children to spend time outside and understand the intricacies of nature is important. As such, there are a number of organisations that provide help with plants and free trees for schools.

• The Woodland Trust
  Woodland Trust grants for free trees are available every year, normally in March and November to fall in line with the optimal planting times. Schools can apply for packs of 30, 105 or 420 saplings which can be planted, not only for educational purposes but to encourage more wildlife into school grounds. You can apply every season for new trees too, with no current limit in place.
• Dobbies in the Community
  You may have heard of Dobbies Garden Centre, but you may not know they also run a national campaign called “Here We Grow”, the aim of which is to get communities creating gardens and greening up public spaces. You need to contact your local Dobbies Garden Centre and discuss your project with their Community Champion.
• Elspeth Thompson Bursary
  Set up in memory of Elspeth Thompson, the National Garden Scheme (NGS) provide a bursary to financially support community projects and help people learn horticultural skills; an ideal opportunity for education. The project is ongoing, though the closing date is December 31^st each year, with funding decisions made the following February. You can out more about this scheme here.
  

Funding for Playgrounds

Playgrounds form an important role in any child’s life, not only as a place to have fun but to form social connections with friends and acquaintances too. However, even extending a playground can be expensive, and developing a brand new area can cost thousands of pounds. As with bringing nature into your school, there are many charities across the country that can offer financial aid and help you fundraise to give pupils a place they can be safe and have fun. 

• Playground Partnerships
  Organised by the Kids First Trust, Playground Partnerships is a scheme to help schools improve their outdoor spaces. This is ideal if you’re looking to repair or extend an existing space. Any project that’s shortlisted could look forward to a grant of £10,000. However, even if it fails at this stage, a school will receive £250.
• Energy Boost
  Energy Boost is a funding initiative run by the EDF Energy School Grounds Awards Scheme. If your school wants to create an outdoor playground that uses sustainable products and techniques (the use of renewable materials, for example) this could be an ideal option. The scheme has a Sustainability Prize of £6,000 which is awarded to projects that demonstrate an eye for sustainable and educational developments.
•  Learning through Landscapes (LtL)
  LtL is a national school grounds charitable organisation who aim to help schools and childcare facilities improve their outdoor spaces. At the moment, there are no new initiatives for funding but the company often adds new partners, many of whom offer funding of their own. As such, it’s a good idea to monitor the LtL website.One example of a successful scheme is the John Laing School Grounds Award. Primary and secondary schools were offered the chance to win £3,000 by demonstrating projects that involved parents, staff, pupils and governors for both formal and informal education.

Sensory Rooms and Outdoor Equipment 

For schools needing equipment catering to more specialist needs, sensory tools and rooms are often required. These cater towards people who may have sensory, learning or physical disadvantages. Again, there are numerous charities across the UK who can offer both advice and financial support. 

• The Lord Taverners
  Primarily known for their distinctive minibus services, the Lord Taverners also provide financial support for soft play, outdoor play and sensory equipment. If you’re planning to apply for funding, you’ll need to show your ‘Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults Protection and Safeguarding Policy’.The grants are available to schools and clubs who help people under the age of 25 with disabilities, though mainstream schools that have pupils displaying behavioural problems can also apply. For outdoor play spaces, the Lord Taverners can offer up to 80per cent of the play equipment costs.
• Wooden Spoon
  Based in Rugby, Wooden Spoon is a charity aiming to improve the quality of life for young adults and children with social, mental or physical disadvantages. Previous funding has been awarded to sensory garden and soft play room projects.
• True Colours Trust
  This trust offers one-off grants of up to £10,000 to small organisations and schools. Members of the True Colours Trust keenly support multi-sensory rooms, making them an ideal prospect if you’re looking for sensory garden equipment funding or something similar.

Fund from a Variety of Sources

If you’re trying to get money for sensory play equipment, playgrounds or gardens, then the key message is not to give up. Whilst there is little in the way of public funding for such developments, there are a whole host of charities who could help. Combined with fundraising activities by schools themselves, ideas can blossom into exciting projects the whole community can get behind.

Those fighting in the British Armed Forces often put themselves in the path of extreme danger. As a result, many come home with emotional and physical scars from the experience. For those with disabilities, trying to return to civilian life can be immensely difficult, but the same is often true for those leaving their Armed Forces career behind them in an attempt to move onto something new.

If you’re in a position where you need financial help having left the Armed Forces, there are many national and regional schemes that offer grants and other services. These might be the support needed to get a business venture up and running, or could provide life-changing funds to help you with a disability. One of the most important things to remember is that help does exist and you shouldn’t be shy in asking for it.

National Charities

There are several major charities that operate throughout Britain and provide British legion grants and other services for those who’ve served the UK. The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, run by the government, provides grants for disabled veterans who may have experienced an illness or injury during their service. Money is also provided for families of those who’ve been killed in action.

Meanwhile, the Royal British Legion offers a variety of financial support for serving people and their families. An Immediate Needs Scheme provides small grants for emergency circumstances such as the requirement of mobility vehicles or new furniture, for example. The organisation can also pay for short getaways, both for service personnel and their family. British legion holidays are provided at one of the charity’s four holiday Break Centres in the UK. There’s also the chance for children of those in service to enjoy an adventure break.

Finally, if you’re looking to start a business after leaving the Armed Forces, the government fund a British Legion scheme called ‘Be the Boss’. The grant is open to anyone who’s left the service, and the fund is particularly interested in applications from those with a disability, injury or long-term health problems. Up to £7,500 can be granted to help set up a company, whilst £30,000 is available to develop existing businesses further.

Army Injury Compensation

If you’ve been injured whilst on duty, there are a number of charities in the UK that cater towards specific conditions. BLESMA provides financial support to people who’ve lost limbs or limb function, or who may have been blinded in action. Grants can help make everyday life a little easier, from paying for stair-lifts and wheelchairs, to helping fund any necessary car adaptations so you can get around more easily.

Elsewhere, Combat Stress can be of invaluable support to those suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or other mental health conditions. Though actual financial support isn’t provided, all of Combat Stress’s services are free for veterans to use, including residential clinical treatments, community outreach programmes and a six week treatment and rehabilitation course.

Service and Regimental Grants and Support

Depending which regiment you serve with, various means of support is likely to be available. The majority of services have their own financial aid schemes in place, allowing you to find help from the very organisation you’ve served with.

• RAF
  The RAF has a Disabled Holiday Trust that any ex-service personnel and their family can take advantage of if they have a disability. Most conditions qualify, and they don’t even have to have occurred during active service. Self-catering holidays, both in the UK and abroad, are offered, with the Trust paying all expenses.The organisation also provides a benevolent fund which could offer invaluable financial support. If you’re experiencing difficulties with money, the fund can help pay for property repairs, housing and educational costs, disability equipment and modifications, carers and services for dependents with special needs.
• The Royal Navy
  The Royal Navy run several grant schemes for veterans to take advantage of. Both serving and former veterans can gain financial help to pay for furniture, essential household goods, funeral expenses, respite breaks and specialist equipment, such as a mobility scooter.
• Soldiers’ Charity
  For any soldier, including those in the Reserve Army (TA), the Soldiers’ Charity offers a wide variety of help. Firstly, annuities can be provided to help older veterans and widows who are trying to live on a basic state pension. Meanwhile, care home fees can also be covered, whilst bursaries are available for disabled soldiers who want to cover the cost of retraining. These bursaries are also available for ex-soldiers who want to go into higher education, or the children of service men or women who’ve died or been disabled in action, and who’s education needs to be funded.The Soldiers’ Charity can also pay for holiday schemes to provide much needed breaks, and essential needs such as mobility aids.
• SSAFA
  Finally, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) offers grants to a wide range of personnel, both those currently serving as well as ex-veterans. Service men and women can gain funding for rehabilitation, accommodation costs for relatives visiting injured personnel and the expense of modifying a home to suit a disability.

If you’re currently served in the armed forces, or have already left the service but need help, there are many grants and compensation schemes available across the UK. The list above is not exhaustive, so don’t worry if your service isn’t listed. In the first instance, it’s best to contact the regiment you served with as they’ll have the best knowledge of the schemes on offer. Failing that, many charities also provide emotional and financial support, helping you to transition back into civilian life.

If you have a disability, then it’s likely you’re all too familiar with the extra challenges it brings. Regardless of the severity of your disability, even life’s simple tasks can become a struggle, especially if you’re trying to get by on a low income and can’t, therefore, buy equipment or use services that could solve a lot of your problems. This is where the grants can help, allowing you to pay for invaluable support that could seriously increase your personal freedom and independence.

If you’re looking for grant sources, then some of the following may be able to help.

Disabled Facilities Grant

The UK government recognise the need to provide increased mobility to people with a disability and offer a Disabled Facilities Grant. This can be utilised to make modifications to your home to simplify access and allow you to get around more easily. This might be as minimal as having a wheelchair ramp and some grab rails fitted, or it could involve more serious work like widening doors, lowering kitchen units and moving an entire bathroom into a more convenient location.

If you want to get a Disabled Facilities Grant, you have to submit your household income so any payout can be means-tested. If you’re on benefits, however, you will almost certainly qualify for a grant due to your low income. Eligible benefits include income-based Job Seekers Allowance, Housing Benefit, Income Support and Universal Credit. Depending where you live in the UK you could get up to £30,000, though this is the maximum amount and you’re likely to receive a far smaller payout.

To make an application, simply contact your local council to get the relevant form. The grant will not reimburse you for any money spent, so hold off on having any modifications made until money is approved and, even then, wait until your council decides whether they’re going to pay you or a contractor directly.

Travel for Less

Another form of funding for disabled adults is via free and discounted travel. Using public transport can be expensive, especially if you have to rely on a daily bus or train service. However, there are a number of ways to save money, from free bus passes to discounted train and ferry tickets. Regardless of whether you’re a pensioner, registered blind or have a COPD disability which limits your mobility, you may qualify for travel grants.

Reduced fares for travel come in a variety of forms, so you should identify which would be the most worthwhile for your circumstances.

• Bus Passes
  In England and Wales, you could be entitled to a free bus pass if you’re blind, partially sighted, without speech or deaf. You may also be able to get a pass if you were born without, or have lost, your arms, or have a disability or injury which makes walking difficult.To claim a free bus pass, simply contact your local council. In London you can also get a Freedom Pass which provides extra transport on trains, ferries and trams. In Scotland, a National Entitlement Card is available, whilst in Northern Ireland you can get free or discounted fares.
• Train Discounts
  Free train tickets are a rarity, but if you’re disabled you’ll probably be able to get discounted rail fares. The Disabled Persons Railcard offers one third off national rail trips for you and a companion. There are no travel restriction in terms of travelling time, though there is a small fee attached; £20 for a year or £54 for three years. The card also works on some Red Funnel and Stena Line fares.In Northern Ireland, a SmartPass is required. This offers half price tickets for many, but also free train travel for those with severe disabilities such as blindness.
• Road Fee Reductions
  If you’re able to drive, then having a Blue Badge offers a number of benefits. You can apply for this if you receive a Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance, War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement or have received compensation from the Armed Forces. You can also register a vehicle if you’re blind; your carer’s car, for example.Having a Blue Badge means you get extra parking options, saving on fees, but can also avoid paying London’s Congestion Charge.

Carer’s Allowance

If you need the help of carer to live comfortably, then it’s a good idea to check if they qualify for a carer’s allowance. This could mean you won’t have to pay them privately because they receive money from the government for the job they’re doing. It could also help if you’re being looked after by a loved one and they’ve had to cut back on their working hours.

If your carer looks after you for more than 35 hours per week, they should be entitled to a Carer’s Allowance as long as you’re receiving at least one of a number of benefits. These include the Disability Living Allowance or the medium or higher rate of PIP. Your carer also needs to be earning £110 or less per week, though this is the maximum after deductions so be sure they’ve taken into account national insurance, income tax and other work-related expenses first. More details can be found on the gov.uk website.

There are many avenues for you to look down when searching for funding if you’re disabled. A lot of charities can provide extra help if you need money for something very specific, but it’s best to check for government benefits too; often these can be the best and easiest way to quickly introduce more independence and wellbeing to your life.

Having a family is expensive, as most parents will probably attest too. In 2015, it was reported the average cost of raising a child to the age of 21 was £230,000. When you add a disability to the mix this expense quickly soars. Suddenly there’s the need to buy specialist equipment and extra clothes, pay for higher electricity and gas costs and fund trips to hospitals.

There’s also the fact that growing children need constant replacements, pushing costs even higher. This can put a financial strain upon families, and some people, especially those on low incomes, just can’t afford everything they need to provide the best possible care. In these circumstances it’s essential to turn to funding and grants for disabled children.

The Disabled Facilities Grant

If you need to make modifications to your home because of a disability, then you should apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant; a government payment which will allow you to make essential changes to your home. If your child is in a wheelchair, for example, you could have access ramps built and doors widened. You could also have a bathroom relocated, or a specialist wet room built to give your child more independence. All these things cost money, though, and this is where grants for children help.
Unlike applying for adults, your income will not be subject to means testing if you’re applying for someone under the age of 16. Your local council will need to send out an occupational therapist to assess your needs as a family and offer advice to support your application. Once you have a list of the required work and the relevant costs, you can apply for funding. If successful, your local council will decide whether money will be paid to you or to contractors directly, allowing you to have the changes completed to make home life simpler and easier for everyone involved.

Grants for children with disabilities are capped at £30,000 for England, £36,000 in Wales and £25,000 in Northern Ireland. In Scotland a similar scheme is offered via Capability Scotland.

Funding from Charities

Whilst the government can help with home modifications, there are various charities across the UK that offer financial support for everyday life. Some organisations will provide help for specific needs; learning disabilities or cystic fibrosis, for example. Others are more generalised in their approach to grants, and will offer funding for disabled children on a broader spectrum.

One of the most notable charities helping families is Family Fund. This organisation aims to help as many people as possible, from providing money for home accessories to giving the entire family a much needed break.

• Family Fund
  Family Fund is one of the UK’s largest supporters of families with a severely ill or disabled child. There are a large number of grant schemes on offer, and these can help pay for children’s laptops, hospital visits, new washing machines and cookers, or special needs equipment. The charity also works closely with Travel by Inspire, Butlin’s and Haven to offer families free or significantly discounted holidays. This provides the chance for everyone to unwind, relax and reconnect away from the day-to-day struggle of raising a family.Family Fund has their own set of eligibility criteria, though if you don’t meet the qualifications you are still welcome to contact Family Fund to see if they can get help. Family Fund’s listed criteria are that:- You live in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland
  – You have lived in the UK for at least six months and have permanent residency
  – You are the parent or carer of a severely disable or ill child
  – You receive at least one benefit such as Working Tax Credit, Income Support, Child Tax Credit, Incapacity Benefit or Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.

Numerous other charities and not-for-profit organisations also offer support for families with disabled children. Three of the best known are listed below, though there are many more who could offer your help.

• Action for Kids
  Catering to children and young adults up to the age of 26, Action for Kids helps to support people develop mobility and pursue better independent and personal living skills. A variety of specialist equipment that isn’t available through the NHS can be provided, including car seats, trikes, walkers, scooters and sports wheelchairs. Though most of the items are gifted to you, powered wheelchairs are provided on a permanent loan basis so that Action for Kids can take care of the maintenance and repair costs.
• Lifelines 4 Kids
  This charity offers help for children under the age of 18. A wide variety of equipment and resources can be provided, including wheelchairs, special computers and communication aids. To apply, all you need to do is send an email or letter to the charity talking about your child, their conditions and their needs. Lifelines 4 Kids will then get back to you for further information.
• REACT Charity
  REACT is one of the UK’s largest charities focussing on support for families who have children with severe and life threatening conditions. Grants are provided to cover a range of needs, including medical equipment, household items, hospital expense and educational tools. The charity can also help with the costs of memorials and funerals.REACT also has six mobile home sites around the UK, and offers families the chance of a week’s break at one of their locations.

If you have a disabled child, you don’t have to struggle on your own. There is a lot of financial support available from the government and charities, particularly if you have a low income. You shouldn’t be ashamed of seeking support; instead look at it as a way to improve both the wellbeing of your disabled child and your entire family.

There’s no getting around the fact that children are expensive. In 2015, it was estimated that parents spend up to £230,000 raising a child to the age of 21. For families on low incomes, or those put under extra pressure because of an infant’s disability or illness, costs can spiral and just making ends meet might seem impossible. Going on holiday, therefore, might seem like a stretch of the imagination too far.

If you’re in such a position and are desperate to treat your family to a break but have no financial means to do so, there’s a variety of help on offer. Many charities across the UK offer holiday grants for disabled children, and if you know where to look, you can get kids holidays for a fraction of the price. You might even be able to find vouchers or grants that can be put towards getting away, offering the entire family a chance to refresh and recharge themselves.

If you need help with funding a holiday, then consider the following charities, both of which might be able to provide exactly what you’re looking for.

Make A Wish Foundation

Make A Wish Foundation UK’s objective is clear; help to make the dreams come true of children and youngsters who are struggling with life threatening illnesses. This doesn’t have to necessarily be a holiday, but could be an experience or the chance to meet their idol. Since being founded in 1986, the charity has granted more than 8,100 wishes to children and given them the time of their lives.

If you need help with funding for a much dreamt of holiday so your family can enjoy a getaway, Make A Wish Foundation might be the ideal choice.

The Family Fund

The Family Fund was developed as a way to provide help where it’s most needed; in this case, offering financial support to families with low incomes and severely disabled children. The organisation offers grants for a wide variety of things like computers, hospital visiting costs and even white goods like washing machines. They also provide a range of options for special needs holidays in the UK.

If you have a seriously ill child or a youngster with a severe disability who’s under the age of 17, you can apply as long as you meet the following criteria.

• You live in Scotland, England, Wales or Northern Ireland
• You are the carer or parent of a seriously ill or severely disabled child
• You have lived in the UK for six months and have permanent legal residency
• You receive one of the following benefits; Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Universal Credit, Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Employment Support Allowance or Incapacity Benefit.If you don’t receive any of these benefits you may still be able to apply for grant, but the Family Fund will need further details of your household’s income.

 

Provided the Family Fund can help fund your holiday, you’re likely to be offered one of a number of getaway options, including Butlin’s, Haven and Travel by Inspire.

1. Butlin’s
   Working in partnership with the Family Fund, Butlin’s have a dedicated team who can help low income families with special requirements to organise a holiday. Butlin’s Kids is dedicated to ensuring the entire family has a great break. When you’re awarded your grant, you have nine months to use the money, with any funds left over returned to the Family Fund.When booking your holiday, the child applied for and their main carer must be taking the holiday. Other family members and carers can also enjoy the break. Up to £100 of the grant can be converted into ‘spend vouchers’ so you can pay for shopping, dining out and other activities whilst you’re away. The rest of the money will remain in your account and will be returned to the Family Fund if it’s not used within the nine months.
2. Haven Holidays
   Another great option if you’re looking for a kids holiday in the UK is to enjoy a break with Haven. Like Butlin’s, Haven have a dedicated team to help book your getaway and ensure you have everything you need. Whether you want to use your Haven holidays payments for a beachside break or to enjoy a few days near beautiful hills is completely up to you.Your travelling party needs to include the child you applied for and the main carer. Extra carers or family members can also be included in the booking. Like Butlin’s, up to £100 can be converted into ‘spend vouchers’, or you can choose to keep the money in your account for later.

   Extra Savings
   If you don’t get awarded a family break, there is still the chance to save money on holidays with Haven. You may qualify for a 10per cent discount during term time and 5per cent throughout the UK’s national school breaks and bank holiday dates.

3. Travel by Inspire
   The third organisation working with the Family Fund to offer holidays is Travel by Inspire. Working with more than 300 tour operators and agencies, Travel by Inspire offer a huge variety of UK getaways, and even options to go abroad. All bookings must include the main carer and the child applied for, though other family members can be added too.When you’re awarded a Travel by Inspire break, you’ll be sent a Family Breaks & Travel card through the post. You can then use this to make your booking, either by phone, in-store or online. You can also access Center Parcs through Travel by Inspire, but because the organisation doesn’t have a direct contact with the Family Fund, additional booking fees will be added.

Looking after a severely ill or disabled child can be a struggle at the best of times, so it’s important to take regular holidays and breaks when needed. If you can’t afford a getaway, then don’t despair; by turning to organisations like Family Fund and Make A Wish Foundation you can have a dream trip without the costly expense.

Sport can be an extremely positive undertaking for kids, helping youngsters’ gain a sense of teamwork, pride and motivation. However, being able to afford sports isn’t always easy, and there’s often a lot of equipment to pay for, not to mention additional coaching, especially if families are taking sport seriously.

Many charities across the UK recognise the importance that sports play in children’s lives and offer funding, both for clubs and individuals, as a result. If you know where to look, grants are often available. So if your children are becoming sports obsessed and you’re getting worried about the expensive costs involved, consider looking for help from some of the UK’s best known charities and funders.

Sport England – Grants for Organisations

If you’re an organisation and you need funding for football clubs, for example, then Sport England may be able to help. This company want to see more people regularly playing sport, and focuses primarily on disabled people and youngsters between the ages of 14 and 25. By 2017, Sport England intends to have invested approximately £500m into 46 national sports governing bodies to increase the number of people enjoying sports across the country.

Various sports bodies can apply for funding, requesting new equipment to bolster sports player numbers, for example. It’s important that any funding request has an emphasis on getting more people into sport combined with sustaining long-term interest.

Applicants can include:

• Fully constituted trusts, associations or clubs
• Community amateur sports clubs registered with HMRC
• Foundation schools and colleges
• Local authorities
• Independent schools and colleges
• Institutes of further education and higher education
• National governing bodies

Sports Funding for Individuals

In general, if you require sports grants for individuals, you’ll have to rely on smaller charities for funding. Though there are numerous not-for-profit organisations in the UK who can offer help, many will focus on very specific groups and sports, so it’s important to do your research beforehand. However, there are grants for sports to be had, so it’s worthwhile putting in time and effort to narrow your selection and indentify the best places to apply to.

The following are some of the most notable charities offering sports grants, and they may be able to offer financial help.

• The Dickie Bird Foundation
  If you’re looking for individual sports grants, the Dickie Bird Foundation may be able to help. This charity focuses on providing financial help for disadvantaged children, and can pay for equipment, clothing and even a small travel allowance.
• GLL Sport Foundation
  If you’re a talented athlete trying to reach your dream of competing on the world stage, then applying for funding from the GLL Sport Foundation is perfect for you. GLL operates sports facilities in the south-east of England, and along with financial aid of between £250 and £1,500, the foundation offers training grants to allow athletes to access positive role models to help grow their careers.
• Enable Sport
  Founded by Caudwell Children, Enable Sport was developed to provide sports equipment to youngsters and disabled children under the age of 19. You can only apply if your parent’s annual income is less than £45,000, and funding is offered in a limited, one-off programme.
• The Adam Millichip Foundation
  If you need sports funding for individuals with disabilities, the Adam Millichip Foundation could be ideal. Funding is offered for disabled people wanting to get involved in sport as a way to improve their lives, with applications accepted from across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• The Richard Overall Trust
  Finally, for those wanting to encourage disabled and disadvantaged children to play sport, the Richard Overall Trust can provide financial help. Set up in memory of Richard, a Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy sufferer, grants are offered to pay for sports clothes, equipment, training, transport and even tickets to sporting events. Applications can be made by individuals, their carers and families, or even groups. 

Regardless of whether you’re disabled, disadvantaged or a promising athlete lacking the funds to compete, sports grants could be a way of making your dreams come true. For any application, it’s essential to show your passion for sports or the project you’re developing so that charities and backers get caught up in your enthusiasm and offer to help. There are many charitable organisations and funding options available across the country, so if you’re seeking financial support, don’t put it off and start forging your career in sports right away.

Carers do a fantastic job across the UK, writing reports, liaising with professionals, arrangement appointments and carrying out the many responsibilities of hands on care such as dressing, feeding and bathing. In many cases, carers are people’s loved ones; the husband of an elderly wife or the parent of a disabled child, for example. Despite many people becoming carers for people out of love, obligation and necessity, it’s essential for individuals to recognise the invaluable job they’re doing. This means realising they’re doing a full-time job and may need some financial support as a result.

Many carers may have to reduce their working hours or give up their job entirely to look after people they love. As a result, lower incomes, reduced pension plans and fewer job prospects can make life even more challenging. It’s here that carers’ grants can become a vital financial resource to make ends meet. This support is even more essential when you consider the extra equipment that families might need; wheelchairs, bath aids and even special vehicles, for example.

The Difficulty of Being a Carer

The support of friends and family can be a great help to many carers, but it doesn’t replace the fact there are many responsibilities to carry. Regardless of whether you’re caring for a middle-aged child, youngster or parent, being a carer whilst also having your own life and identity is extremely challenging. As a result, family organisations, carers groups and funding for carers are all lifelines, offering the chance to improve both you and your loved ones’ lives.

Government Funding

The British government recognises the roles cares’ play in looking after some of society’s most vulnerable people and, as such, offer a carer’s grant. Each year, the government allocates money to councils who then share this money between social services, local groups and charities to provide services and support at a local level.

If you’re the main carer of a disabled child or parent, you are also entitled to a Carer’s Allowance as long as you work in this role for at least 35 hours per week. The person you’re looking after needs to be receiving either the middle or higher rate of care as part of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or the Disability Living Allowance. In addition, your income must be below £110 a week after income tax, national insurance and other payments, such as work-related expenses like uniforms and tools, are deducted. This is one of the most common mistakes people make; the £110 is after deductions, so if you’ve not applied for a Carer’s Allowance because your earnings were too high, you might want to reconsider your income.

You can find further eligibility details on the gov.uk website.

Other Charitable Funding

In addition to financial support from the government, there are a wide variety of charities across the UK who offer grants and support for carers and those they’re looking after. These include Family Action, Family Fund and Rank Carers Grant Fund.

• Family Action
  Family Action is a charity providing support to young carers, socially isolated families and disadvantaged children. The organisation provides both emotional and practical support to help children achieve their potential, and this is done via a number of finance options.Small grants are given by Family Action, often to families on low incomes. The Welfare Grants Programme offers money towards the expense of general household needs, clothing, medical adaptations and communication aids. Meanwhile, the Educational Grants Programme is a way for children above 14 years old to get training that could help them boost their future employment prospects.
• Family Fund
  Family Fund is the UK’s largest provider of grants to families who have seriously ill or disabled children under the age of 17. These grants can be of huge help to carers, helping families pay the bills or enjoy some respite time away from home.There are many ways in which Family Fund money can help. It can be put towards practical, everyday essentials such as bedding, washing machines, specialist toys and fridges. The charity also offers holiday vouchers which can be redeemed at Butlin’s, Travel by Inspire and Haven, offering the chance for the entire family to get away and enjoy a break; the ideal chance for a change of scenery, to have some respite and get the chance to reconnect with loved ones.Despite its limited funds, the organisation strives to help as many families as possible. Eligibility for funding depends on Family Fund’s criteria, which includes carers being permanent residents of England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, having lived in the UK for at least six months and have permanent residency, and being the parent or main carer for someone under the age of 17. Applicants are also requested to show evidence they receive at least one of a listed number of benefits including but not exclusive of Child Tax Credit, Universal Credit, Incapacity Benefit and Housing Benefit.
• Rank Cares Grant Fund
  Working in partnership with the Carers Trust, the Rank Group have launched a relatively new variety of grants that can help carers continue in their essential roles looking after loved ones.To make an application for funding, you should apply to a local Crossroad scheme or carer’s centre in your local area. You can find your nearest service using org’s locator.If successful, grant money can be used to pay for household items, like washing machines and cookers. It can also pay for courses to help people gain new skills, or cover transport-related costs such as driving lessons or hospital visit expenses. The Rank Carers Grant Fund can also offer help with money for taking a short break.

Access Carer’s Grants for Emotional and Financial Support

If you’re caring for a loved one, then it’s important you remember you’re also doing a job and should be recognised for it. Giving up your own working career and spending your life looking after someone else might seem like the right thing to do, but all too quickly, emotional and financial pressures can begin to creep in. This is why it’s so important to apply for funding, helping you meet the challenges of everyday life head on, and allowing you to give the best care possible whilst regaining a sense of your own identity and independence.

If you have a loved one with a severe learning disability life can be extremely challenging for all manner of reasons. In many circumstances, you or other family members may have had to give up your jobs to look after someone with a disability, and this can result not only in a lower household income, but a degree of isolation too. If you need some financial help to fund everyday activities, one-off excursions or even helping someone with a learning disability into education, there are a number of organisations and benefits that could help.

The Baily Thomas Charitable Fund

The Baily Thomas Charitable Fund normally offers one-off grants for voluntary organisations working with people who have severe learning difficulties. Applications are open to projects trying to building core funding, or who might be fundraising for a specific project. Grants offered are from £250 upwards, and though the Baily Thomas Charitable Fund normally offers a single grant, projects might be funded for consecutive years to help with long-term goals.

The Fund works with projects like daily social activities, employment schemes, independent living schemes, hydro-therapy and swimming pools, support for families, community schemes and core fund building for nursing, residential, schools and respite care.

Forbes Charitable Foundation

Another organisation who supports those with learning difficulties is the Forbes Charitable Foundation. Again, this group normally offers financial aid to small and medium sized organisations who need funding to pay for IT equipment, furniture and fittings, new buildings, refurbishment or vehicles to be used for adults with learning difficulties. However, the foundation also offers limited revenue grants that can help with employment training and short holidays too. Grants are usually under £5,000.

Follow your Dreams

If you want to help a loved one who has a learning difficulty reach their potential, Follow your Dreams might be the ideal charity to help. Instead of a grant application form, teachers, family members or friends of the person with learning difficulties are asked to nominate the individual for an award. Grant money can be used to develop and explore someone’s potential in areas such as art, music, drama, sport or information and communications technology (ICT).

Government Benefits – Disabled Students’ Allowances

As part of the government’s benefit system, the Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) can provide financial support for those wanting to go into education. Adult learning grants are offered to those with mental health problems, long-term health conditions or specific learning disabilities such as dyslexia. Applications are assessed on someone’s needs and not their income, so you can be sure you’re getting the right help and don’t have to worry about household income ruining any chances of a grant.

DSAs and learning grants are paid on top of other student finance so those with disabilities can pay for the extra help they need. The following list outlines the payments that students could expect to receive.

• Full-time Student – Up to £5,212 for specialist equipment to cover the entire course, and a general allowance of up to £1,741 per year. A non-medical helper allowance can also be awarded up to the maximum of £20,725 per year.
• Part-time Student – Up to £5,212 for specialist equipment for the entire course and a general allowance of up to £1,305 per year. Non-medical helper allowances are up to £15,543 each year.
• Postgraduates – Those climbing even higher in further education can apply for a single payment of £10,362 per year.

DSAs can pay for specialist equipment like computers, for example, if they’re needed to support a disability. Computers can be bought or upgraded if they don’t meet the demands of a disability, and students need to pay the first £200 from private funds. Extra travel costs can also be paid for, as can non-medical helpers.

DSAs Assessments

Once eligibility for a DSA has been confirmed, a ‘needs assessment’ will be conducted. This will be initiated by Student Finance England, and paid for through any DSA entitlement due to be awarded. It’s essential not to buy any equipment before the assessment as reimbursements are not given. Once a DSA has been received, items, such as computers, can then be bought from these funds if they’re not provided via a third party.

The Importance of Seeking Help

Across the country, there are thousands of people with learning difficulties, many of whom may be struggling without realising there is financial support available to them. There are a wide array of grants for children with learning disabilities available, allowing families to enjoy short-term holidays and organisations to develop new projects to support disabled people. There are also funds for adults who don’t want to let learning difficulties hold them back and are keen to enter education or go to work.

Seeking out this help is essential as it can offer families and individuals across the UK a sense of freedom and independence they might not have enjoyed before. And with the variety of organisation offering help, there is bound to be one that suits your needs.

Despite many schools across the UK being run via public funding, there are a lot of things that budgets don’t always allow for; additional books, computer access tools or sporting equipment, for example. Luckily there are many organisations and charitable funds in Britain that allow schools and educational institutions to apply for grants, helping to fund extra teaching aids and children’s play equipment.

Who Provides Grants?

There an array of both national and regional charities offering grants for schools, including those like the Arts Council and the Sports Council. A lot of small local Educational Trusts can also offer grants for both individuals and organisations, whilst money from the Lottery, European Funding and the UK Government and its agencies can also help.

One key tool to use when you start looking for funding is The Guide to Educational Grants directory. This is published by The Directory of Social Change and is updated every year to take into account the changing funds available. Most libraries have copies of this book, and it can also be bought from major online retailers. Another place to look if you don’t mind paying a yearly subscription fee is Grants4Schools. This website offers a searchable database of funding for primary and secondary schools, making it far easier to discover new sources of money from the European Union, UK Government, Grant Making Trusts, Lottery and even Commercial Sponsorships.
Types of Funding Available

There is almost an inexhaustible list of things that grants can be used to pay for in the educational sector. Whether your school needs to refurbish an old playground or is raising money to install green technologies, there is probably a source of funding available. Many of the organisations offering grants like to see schools and colleges taking some initiative and fundraising for themselves, with money being used to plug any gaps in the budget.

Grants can cover a huge variety of projects and activities including:

• Promoting sports activities and exercise
• Buying equipment like books, laptops, PCs and other similar items
• Installing renewable energy and green technologies like solar panels
• Enhancing the development of specific subjects like science, music or art
• Buying equipment to help pupils with special needs
• Improving or expanding existing school buildings, facilities and grounds
• Raising basic skill levels and the individual achievements of pupils
• Helping to provide professional development to members of school staff

Charitable Organisations Offering Help

One of the main sources of grants for many schools and colleges across the UK is from charitable organisations. Whilst some of these charities offer money to a wide array of causes, others are more specific in their criteria; focusing on children from disadvantaged backgrounds or those with disabilities, for example. It’s vital, therefore, to do your homework and ensure your project, and those it will benefit, fits with the eligibility criteria given by a charity. However, despite these potential problems, there are still many opportunities to have funding approved, not only allowing you to progress your school’s project but forge new relationships with charitable companies too.

Some organisations perfect for contacting include:

• Ernest Cook Trust
  The Ernest Cook Trust has earned a name as being one of the UK’s leading educational funders. Grants are offered to state schools, charities and not-for-profit organisations that actively encourage children to take a greater interest in the environment, the countryside, the arts or to improve their numeracy and literacy skills.There are two main grant programmes; the large and the small which offer awards of over £4,000 and under £4,000 respectively. Applications need to have budgets and educational elements clearly showcased, as well as a detailed description of the project involved.
• The Eridge Trust
  Part of the Eridge Trust’s aim is to get more youngsters into educational facilities like galleries, centres of art and museums. It offers grants to colleges, groups of schools and local authorities that can be used to undertake trips both in Britain and abroad.There is no need for students to be studying art at an academic level, but all projects need to actively encourage interest in the visual arts. Trips can be to local centres, some of the UK’s best galleries or even overseas. Money can be used to fund one individual unable to afford the trip or to lower the cost of the excursion for every pupil.
• Foyle Foundation
  The Main Grant Scheme for Learning that’s offered by the Foyle Foundation provides money to support schools with special educational needs and those helping pupils with learning difficulties. The foundation also offers support to reduce overheads or contribute towards ongoing revenue for projects and education.One of the best benefits for state schools is the Foyles Schools Library Programme. The average grant offered is £10,000, and it provides a way to build or refurbish libraries.

Schools trying to generate money for new developments, or to buy extra resources for pupils to benefit from, should look to the many funding sources available across the UK. When applying to charities, getting pupils involved can be a good way to show your passion and enthusiasm for a project, encouraging organisations to grant funding. And, by using The Guide to Educational Funding directory, you should have plenty of resources when it comes to finding money for your school or college.