Will Charitable Trust (UK)
The Will Charitable Trust has announced that its grants programme will temporarily close to applications on the 15th November 2024. The Trust offers grants of between £3,000 and £30,000 to UK registered charities providing services and care for blind people, individuals with learning disabilities, and those affected by cancer. Both project and, in some circumstances, unrestricted grants are available. Charities with an annual turnover of more than £500,000 are eligible to apply. This closure will allow the Trustees to review their strategy, with the revised programme expected to open around midsummer 2025. Applications can be submitted up until the closure date.

Funding for Projects that Address Severe Learning Disabilities (UK)
UK charities, voluntary organisations, and schools can apply for grants to help children and adults suffering from severe learning difficulties and autism. The funding is being made available through the Baily Thomas General grants programme and can be used to purchase equipment, support capital works as well and cover project and core costs. Previous grants have been used to support capital works for residential, nursing and respite care, and schools; employment schemes including woodwork, crafts, printing and horticulture; play schemes and play therapy schemes; day and social activities centres; support for families, including respite schemes; independent living schemes; support in the community schemes; and Snoezelen rooms. The next deadline for applications seeking funding over £9,000 is the 1st December 2024. Applications for £9,000 and below can be submitted at any time.

Funding for Respite Breaks for Disabled Children and their Families (UK)
Families and groups of children, schools, organisations, and other registered charities can apply for financial assistance from the Adamson Trust for the cost of holidays or respite breaks for disabled children with physical, mental, or emotional impairments. To be eligible, the child must be a resident in the UK, between the ages of 3 and 17, and the Trust requires evidence of their disability or illness from a medical or social services professional. Grants from the Trust usually only cover a portion of the holiday expenses. The next closing date for applications is the 31st December 2024 for the February meeting.

Funding for Special Schools and Colleges (UK)
Grants of up to £75,000 are available to special schools and colleges for children and young people with special educational needs. Grants are awarded towards capital costs such as new buildings, refurbishing existing buildings, and equipment. The funding is available for projects focused on helping pupils develop skills that would help them gain employment or live independently after leaving school or college. The grants are made through the Wolfson Foundation’s Special Schools and Colleges grants programme. There is a 2-stage application process. The closing date for Stage 1 applications is the 5th January 2025. Applications successful at this stage will have until the 1st March 2025 to complete the stage 2 application.

Funding to Support Disabled & Disadvantaged Children (UK)
Grants of up to £5,000 are available to registered charities to fund equipment and services to support disabled and disadvantaged children under 13 across the UK. The Toy Trust fund helps disadvantaged children and their families to alleviate suffering; support children through awful experiences; encourage achievement through adversity; purchase vital equipment; provide care; bolster existing initiatives; initiate brand new projects; and satisfy basic needs. Groups that have carried out some form of effective fundraising by themselves are particularly encouraged to apply. The next deadline to apply is mid-February 2025 for the March meeting of Trustees.

Grants of up to £2,000 for Projects Tackling Loneliness Amongst Older People and Adults with a Disability (England, Scotland and Wales)
Grants of up to £2,500 are available to charitable organisations for projects that tackle loneliness amongst older people and adults with a disability. The funding which is being made available through the Barchester’s Charitable Foundation offers these grants to support projects that connect or re-connect people with others in their local community. This could include activity projects, equipment and materials, member transport, and day trips.The foundation also offers grants of up to £1,000 to help individuals with mobility issues. Grants can be used to purchase wheelchairs, scooters, bikes, or car adaptations. There are no deadlines and applications can be submitted at any time.