Aims/priorities: This multi‑year funding is for charitable organisations working with young people with learning disabilities within the UK. It supports the delivery of high‑quality, job coach‑led careers education in mainstream and SEND school settings. The fund focuses on early, structured support that helps young people build real‑world experience and move towards paid employment.
Organisations need to address the key aims of the fund, which are to:
- Embed trained job coaches in school settings so young people receive consistent, person-centred employment support.
- Provide early, structured vocational profiling and careers preparation, helping young people identify strengths, interests and aspirations.
- Create meaningful, well-matched work experiences that give young people exposure to workplaces, rather than generic or tokenistic placements.
- Strengthen partnerships between schools, support networks, employers and specialist providers, ensuring support for young people through a joined-up ecosystem.
- Build clear pathways into supported internships, employment and paid work.
Who can apply? Applications will be accepted from charitable organisations registered in and working in the UK, including:
- Registered charities and Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs)
- Community Interest Companies (CICs) that are not-for-profit with an asset lock
- Other not-for-profit charitable organisations delivering work aligned with the Foundation's objects
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Have at least one year of audited or independently examined accounts.
- Have an annual income of £3 million or less.
- Be based and delivering services in the UK.
To be eligible, organisations need to
- Deliver supported employment and demonstrate a clear understanding and use of the five stage supported employment model.
- Have trained job coaches or use the funding to train or recruit staff in Supported Employment Techniques and Systematic Instruction.
- Have existing, proactive partnerships with schools (mainstream and/or SEND) and be able to embed job coaches in them.
- Be embedded in their local community, understand local labour markets, and demonstrate credible links with employers and families.
- Have experience supporting young people with learning disabilities and understand the specific barriers they face.
Grant amount: Grants of £200,000 over four years (£50,000 per year) are available.
It is anticipated that around 8 grants will be awarded.
Application process: A live webinar will be held on 21 July 2026 (11 am to 12 noon). Registration is required. A recording and transcript will be available for those who cannot attend.
The guidelines, FAQs, and online application can be found on the Henry Smith Foundation.
The first step in the application process is to take the 'simple' online eligibility checker to determine whether the organisation is eligible to apply. This is currently available.
Eligible organisations will be able to submit an expression of interest from 22 July 2026 (9:00)
Contact the Henry Smith Foundation for further information.
Deadline: Wednesday, 2 September 2026 (17:00).
Those who are successful will be invited to submit a full application by 23 October 2026 (17:00).
This will be followed by a phone conversation with a member of the Foundation's grants team in late October to early November. Notification of decisions in mid-December 2026.
Contact information: Email: buildingindependence@henrysmith.foundation
Website: Career Ready - Henry Smith