Aims/priorities: This fund aims to support projects and activities that help to build communities that unite families of deaf children.
In this funding cycle, focus will be given to supporting deaf children in the early years (aged 0 to 5). Proposed projects can also involve older deaf children, deaf young people, families, and professionals.
Proposed projects should achieve one or more of the following aims:
- Deaf children and their families can access relevant support to meet their needs within their communities.
- Families have access to peer support and guidance from others who are currently in, or have previously experienced, a similar situation.
- Families are supported to build confidence and skills to aid their deaf child’s development, including providing knowledge and support specific to the child’s needs.
- Families have access to deaf mentors/role models and a wider visibility of deaf adults. This can include empowering young deaf people to develop skills and confidence to become deaf role models and volunteers.
- Deaf children and young people have opportunities to make friends with one another, explore their deaf identity, and feel part of a community.
- Deaf children develop their communication skills through regular and consistent language exposure, interaction, and practice.
- Professionals working with deaf children, including in education and care, have the information they need to support deaf children and have high aspirations for them.
Who can apply? Community groups, charities, and not-for-profit organisations can apply.
Grant amount: Grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 are available.
Application process: Guidance notes and an online application form are available from the National Deaf Children’s Society website.
Deadline: Applications can be submitted at any time and are assessed on a rolling basis.
Contact information: Email: communitygrants@ndcs.org.uk