Freephone Helpline 0808 808 3555

Charities which may give GENERAL GRANTS to families caring for a child with a disability

There are grant-making organisations for specific disabilities and rare conditions that we have not been able to include here. There are also funds restricted to particular counties or areas of the UK, to people who have been in certain occupations and to denomination or faith of applicants. Call our freephone helpline for information on any of these funds.

Please read carefully as not every grant will be applicable to you. An application does not mean you are guaranteed a grant. We advise contacting more than one organisation for the item you need.

Turn2us is an online grants information service www.turn2us.org.uk

Disability Grants also has information about grants at www.disability-grants.org/

Information correct July 2017. We endeavour to keep this information up-to-date but criteria may change at short notice.

Act Foundation
Contact details
Type of grant
Eligibility criteria
How to apply / Grants Manager, The ACT Foundation, 61 Thames Street, Windsor,SL4 1QW 01753 753 900 www.theactfoundation.co.uk
Financial assistance up to £2,500 towards the cost of: building adaptations where a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) has been awarded and there is a shortfall, mobility aids, specialised seating and car seats, specialised beds and sleep system, sensory toys and equipment, room padding, communication aids, specialised software, respite at a registered centre for the applicant only, vehicle adaptations. No grants for: equipment or work for which there is statutory funding available, building works (unless a DFG has been secured), garden works, ordinary domestic items (e.g. flooring, white goods, furniture, clothing), holidays, retrospective funding (e.g. where goods have already been purchased or ordered and a deposit paid or where building work has already commenced), deposits for vehicles.
Individuals, with the aim of enhancing the quality of life for people in need, with a mental health problem or physical disability.
Download application form from website -only accept postal applications, unable to accept applications sent by e-mail.

Action for Kids (List currently closed on a temporary basis only, check back with website)

Contact details
Type of grant
Eligibility criteria
How to apply / Ability House, 15A Tottenham Lane, London N8 9DJ
Tel: 020 8347 8111 www.actionforkids.org/equipment-for-carers
Mobility equipment not available on the NHS. This includes powered, manual or sports wheelchairs, walkers, trikes scooters and car seats
Applications welcome from or on behalf of any child or young person up to the age of 26 with a physical or other disability.
You will need to arrange an assessment for your child with the equipment supplier and an occupational therapist or a physiotherapist. Apply online or call the helpline.
Children Today Charitable Trust
Contact details
Type of grant
Eligibility criteria
How to apply / Children Today Charitable Trust, 17B Telford Court, Chestergates Business Park, Chester, CH1 6LT 01244 335 622 www.childrentoday.org.uk
Grants for specialised equipment not funded on the NHS. Funding for equipment such as electric wheelchairs – individually adapted to give maximum independence, walking aids, trikes, educational toys – specially designed for children with disabilities, dapted car seats, lifting aids to enable movement, posturepedic sleep equipment.
Children and young people who are sick or disabled (under 25).
Applications must be for specialised pieces of equipment for individual children (not groups or schools) and must be made by the individual applying, their parent, or legal guardian. Call them to discuss your needs and request an application form.
The Birchington Convalescent Benefit Fund
Contact details
Type of grant
Eligibility criteria
How to apply / Church Society, Dean Wace House, 16 Rosslyn Road, Watford WD18 0NY 01923 235 111 www.churchsociety.org/aboutus/managed/Fund_Birchington.asp
Modest grants to help children and their families to take a holiday where they might otherwise not be able to afford to do so.Grants are only given for holidays for children. No grants towards expensive or overseas holidays.
Children (under 18) who are recovering from illness or have a long-term illness.
Applications must be made by a third party, such as a doctor or social worker. Download an application form from the website, and send to the Church Society.
Bruce Wake Charitable Trust
Contact details
Type of grant
Eligibility criteria
How to apply / PO Box 9335, Oakham, Rutland LE15 0ET 0844 879 3349 www.brucewaketrust.co.uk
One-off grants towards sporting and leisure activites.
Applications related to the provision of sporting and leisure activites for physically disabled wheelchair users.
Applications only through a charitable organisation or equivalent, submitted with appropriate financial information to the address above. Fill in a form on the website.
Newlife the Charity for Disabled Children - Equipment Grant Service
Contact details
Type of grant
Eligibility criteria
How to apply / Newlife Centre, Hemlock Way, Cannock, Staffordshire WS11 7GF
Newlife Nurse Helpline: 0800 902 0095 www.newlifecharity.co.uk/docs11/about/nurse_services.shtml
Grants for essential equipment such as: pain relieving beds, wheelchairs, communication aids, and more. Free loan of essential equipment such as beds, wheelchairs, hoists etc. Free loan of specialist toys.
Disabled and terminally ill children 18 years or under, permanently resident in the UK.
Grant applications must be supported by professionals who can specify and support the equipment needed. Downloaded or post to a family or supporting professional by calling the Newlife Nurse helpline above. Loan of specialist sensory toys can be made directly by a family.
British Gas Energy Trust
Contact details
Type of grant
Eligibility criteria
How to apply / Freepost British Gas Energy Trust 01733 421060 www.britishgasenergytrust.org.uk
Grants to clear fuel debts, other priority bills, purchasing of energy efficient white goods and cookers, bankruptcy or debt relief costs and contributions to funeral expense arrears and in some occasions boiler repairs and replacements in England, Scotland and Wales.
Families and individuals living in need, hardship or other distress who are struggling with their gas and / or electricity debts.
Seek money/debt advice before applying to increase your chance of a successful application. Online applications or print out an application form and send to the trust. You will need to send proof of income.
The League of the Helping Hand
Contact details
Type of grant
Eligibility criteria
How to apply / The Secretary, LHH, PO Box 342, Burgess Hill, RH15 5AQ
01444 236099 www.lhh.org.uk
One-off grants of up to £250 towards essential household items, specialist equipment and carers break (when funding allows). No grants for computers or IT equipment, except for the blind or those who are confined to their house due to disability. Unable to assist with specialist mobility equipment or building works.
Those who are living on a very low income, receiving welfare benefits, who have exhausted all other funding sources including statutory, occupational, local and specialist charities. Helps those with physical and diagnosed mental health conditions, learning disabilities and people caring for an adult or child with a disability.
Form filling and submission by a recognised social care, health, housing support, charity or other relevant agency who can vouch for the application and distribute the funds. Download a form from the website and send it with an SAE.
Mobility Trust 11
Contact details
Type of grant
Eligibility criteria
How to apply / Denise Valentine 19 Reading Road, Pangbourne, Berkshire RG8 7LR 0118 984 2588 www.mobilitytrust.org.uk
Provide powered wheelchairs or scooters for people unable to get them through statutory sources or afford to buy them. No grants are given.
People with disabilities.
By telephone or email directly by the individual or through a third party, explaining why equipment is needed, details of any disabilities and the cause of them.
Lifeline 4 Kids
Contact details
Type of grant
Eligibility criteria
How to apply / 215 West End Lane, West Hampstead, London NW6 1XJ www.lifeline4kids.org
Specialised equipment such as electric wheelchairs, mobility aids and items including specialised computers and sensory toys– see website for full details. No funding for building or garden works, fridges or cookers. No cash grants
Disabled children and young people under the age of 19.
For an individual child you should indicate the specific requirement and cost, brief factual information about the child including full name, date of birth, health condition and family name, postal and email address and contact telephone number. This should be sent via the email link . Application forms can be emailed or posted to the applicant after following their guidelines.
Buttle UK
Contact details
Type of grant
Eligibility criteria
How to apply / 15 Greycoat Place, London SW1P 1SB 020 7828 7311 www.buttleuk.org
Deliver or fund critical household items such as gas or electric cookers, essential household items, furniture and kitchen equipment, clothing in exceptional or emergency situations, baby equipment, fridges and freezers, washing machines, children’s beds and bedding - maximum grant £300.
Children aged 18 or under living with parents or carers. Families and young people living in crisis
On a web-based application form or request a form by email. Applications must be made by a support worker who is supporting the family or young person who is capable of assessing their needs. They should also be able to administer a grant on behalf of Buttle UK.
The Heinz, Anna and Carol Kroch Foundation
Contact details
Type of grant
Eligibility criteria
How to apply / Mrs B Astle, Administrator, Heinz, Anna & Carol Kroch Foundation, PO Box 327
Hampton, London TW12 9DD 02089790609
Grants to help individuals who are experiencing severe poverty and who also have ongoing medical problems. No grants for education purposes or holidays.
Individuals of any age who are in severe poverty and financial hardship, who have ongoing medical problems or have fled domestic situations.
Must be submitted by a representative of a professional organisation who is working with the client. Applications must be made by letter or email, with a supporting letter from a medical or welfare professional including full financial information and income and expenditure. Applications are generally processed each month.
EDF Energy Trust
Contact details
Type of grant
Eligibility criteria
How to apply / Freepost EDF Energy Trust 01733 421060 www.edfenergytrust.org.uk
Help for individuals and families in need, poverty, suffering and other distress who are struggling to pay their gas and/or electricity debt, or to purchase essential energy efficient household items e.g. washing machines and cookers.
Current domestic account holders of EDF Energy
Apply online or download an application form and fill it in. You will need to send proof of income going back three months – check on the website.
3H Fund
Contact details
Type of grant
Eligibility criteria
How to apply / Unit B2, Speldhurst Business Park, Langton Road, Speldhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 0AQ 01892 860207 www.3hfund.org.ukTo help with a modest holiday. Families must organise it themselves. Grants are given for the accommodation part of a holiday and are paid to directly to the chosen venue which must be in the UK. Carers can also be awarded a grant for a holiday away from their caring role. Grants awarded are generally between £200-400
Disabled people (whether physically or mentally disabled), their families and carers, on a low income.
Applications may be made using the online enquiry form by the disabled person, by a member of their family or by a referring agency such as social services. Grants are only available in particular areas, check the website.
Carers Trust
Contact details
Type of grant
Eligibility criteria
How to apply / 32–36 Loman Street, London SE1 0EH 0300 772 9600 www.carers.org
Essential household items such as cookers and washing machines, Short breaks, Courses to help carers to acquire new skills, and help them to return to work or overcome isolation, Driving lessons or other transport-related costs.
Carers aged 16 and over.
Applications via your local Carers Trust Network Partner. To find your nearest carers centre or scheme, call or visit http://www.carers.org
React
Contact details
Type of grant
Eligibility criteria
How to apply / React, St Luke’s House, 270 Sandycombe Road, Kew TW9 3NP 020 8940 2575 www.reactcharity.org
Specialist, medical, or educational equipment, and home care equipment eg furniture, kitchen appliances. Respite breaks. Help with hospital and funeral expenses. Also grants available to help with travel and subsistence costs for families whose children are in hospital or a hospice
Financially disadvantaged families caring for a child with a potentially terminal illness.
Application downloadable from website or telephone. Parents and carers may apply but form must be endorsed by a medical or healthcare professional.
Equipment for Independent Living
Contact details
Type of grant
Eligibility criteria
How to apply / Mrs Janet Hillman, Honorary Secretary, Equipment for Independent Living, 19 Flanchford Road, London W12 9ND
One-off grants towards disability equipment to help with mobility, independence and earning power, usually in the range of £100 to £1,000. No grants for equipment supplied by NHS or social services, equipment running costs, building adaptations or decorating, household equipment, holidays or computers unless used as a speech aid or to enable the individual to earn their living.
People over 16 who are disabled in the UK.
Must be submitted through a sponsor who can confirm the equipment is suitable for the individual and has knowledge of disability for example an occupational therapist, a physiotherapist or in the case of equipment related to communication, a speech and language therapist. . The professional should write to the Honorary Secretary describing the applicant’s circumstances and what equipment is needed and why. If appropriate, a full application form will then be sent out. Applications are considered in January, April, July and October.
Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity
Contact details
Type of grant
Eligibility criteria
How to apply / Roald Dahl Foundation, Montague House, 23 Woodside Road, Amersham,
Bucks HP6 6AA 01494 890 465 www.roalddahlcharity.org
Grants of up to £500 are available to enable families to access a variety of support including; Respite care or family days out; play, art or music therapy sessions; peer group or counselling sessions; equipment or expenses so children can join in activities with their friends; access to social communications technology; expenses to attend a family support event or conference; payment of utility bills as a direct result of applicant’s health condition, car seats, walkers, bicycles, pushchairs, mobility chairs; specialist furniture, fittings or household appliances; beds, cots, bedding, or clothing, living expenses when a child is admitted to hospital away from the home town, travel expenses to and from hospital.