Aims/priorities: The Trust offers funding to support young people who have learning disabilities, with a focus on those who have left formal education. Grants are available for small UK registered charities that promote education, learning, training, recreation and rehabilitation for these young adults, providing practical skills to support them to lead independent lives. The funding is for projects that are designed for and aimed at people with learning disabilities aged 18 to 25 outside the school environment. Those age 16+ who are not in formal education, training or work will also be considered.
Priority will be given to applications from projects which additionally meet at least two of the following criteria:
- Have been adversely affected by the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic and its implications.
- Offer the opportunity for people to gain transferable life skills, which may include how to access support.
- Offer employment experience.
- Build in accredited training.
- Enable social interaction with other people, and allow self-expression and confidence-building.
- From smaller organisations that are demonstrating an entrepreneurial approach to a locally identified issue.
- Working in partnership with relevant local organisations and service providers.
The Trustees are also interested to hear from organisations that support people with a learning disability, and their carers, to better understand the social care system.
Who can apply? Grants are available for:
- Registered Charities.
- Charitable Incorporated Organisations.
- Community Interest Companies.
To be eligible organisations must have a turnover of less than £1 million.
Grant amount: Up to £5,000
Application process: Guidance notes and the application form are available on the Trust's website.
Deadline: 31 March 2021.
Contact information: Tel 01406 420153, Email secretarymdt@gmail.com
Website address: Margaret Dobson Further Education Trust