- Who is eligible for a grant?
- How much can be applied for?
- When should we apply?
- Are grants given over a period of time, say three years?
- Do we need to be a registered charity?
- How long before we can re-apply?
- Will you come and visit us?
- Will you want a report?
- How do we apply?
- How will the grant be paid?
- When will the grant be paid?
- Can we send photographs, drawings, plans etc?
- Will you come to our Open Days/Launch Party?
- Can we come and see the Trustees to discuss our application?
- Can I apply for funding as an individual?
If there is a question you would like answered, please complete a general enquiry form.
Who is eligible for a grant?
Charities and organisations who aim to aid the research into learning disability and to aid the care and relief of those affected by learning disability. We consider under learning disability the conditions generally referred to as severe learning difficulties, together with autism. In this area, we consider projects concerning children or adults. Please note that we do not give grants for research into or care of those with mental illness or dyslexia.
How much can be applied for?
Grants are awarded for amounts from £250 and depend on a number of factors including the purpose, the total funding requirement and the potential sources of other funds including, in some cases, matching funding.
When should we apply?
Meetings of the Trustees are usually held in June and early December each year and applications should therefore be submitted no later than 1 May or 1 October for consideration at the next relevant meeting. Please feel free to submit your application whenever you're ready rather than waiting for the deadline. The deadlines are final. There is a different procedure for small grants (under £5,000). Read more information on small grants
Are grants given over a period of time, say three years?
Most of the grants given are one-off although the Trustees would consider longer term commitments in exceptional circumstances.
Do we need to be a registered charity?
Yes, or an affiliate of one. Schools and Parent Teacher Associations can also apply.
How long before we can re-apply?
A second application from an organisation will not normally be considered for a period of at least two years after completion of an initial grant or notification of an unsuccessful application.
Will you come and visit us?
The Trustees do not usually visit applicants although all applications to the Fund will be subject to independent review by one of our panel of Assessors.
Will you want a report?
Where a specific project is funded, successful applicants will normally be asked to submit a written, brief report, on completion of the project. We do not have a pro-forma for this report. Please click here for more information on research application reports.
How do we apply?
The following links provide more detail:
How will the grant be paid?
The grant will be paid by cheque made payable to the organisation, never an individual, within one month of us receiving the signed grant offer letter from the applicant.
When will the grant be paid?
Within one month of us receiving the signed grant offer letter from the applicant.
Can we send photographs, drawings, plans etc?
As much as we enjoy looking at photographs of organisations' work, we would rather you did not send such information as it is not necessary.
Will you come to our Open Days/Launch Party?
We cannot accept invitations from applicants as we do not wish to be seen as giving preferential treatment.
Can we come and see the Trustees to discuss our application?
Due to the number of applicants, I am afraid this is not an option. Please telephone us or use our enquiries form for any problems you may have.
Can I apply as an individual?
Grants are made to registered charities.