Finding the funds - applying to charitable funders

Fersiwn Gymraeg o’r dudalen hon

Being disabled or caring for a disabled person may impact on your financial situation by:

• Reducing your income
• Increasing your living expenses
• Needing to purchase expensive items
• Increasing travel costs

It is important to be aware that charities or grant-giving trusts rarely give money for things that might reasonably be expected to be obtained from, or funded by, statutory sources. Therefore, it is probably a waste of time to apply to them if you have not already checked with potential statutory providers. If you have not already read that page, you are strongly advised to do so before applying to charitable sources. However, it should not be considered a complete or comprehensive list and so it is probably wise to seek advice from a specialist disability advice service, such as Scope Response, to ensure that you have considered and exhausted all possible statutory sources.

If you have decided that you need the assistance of a charity or grant-giving trust, you will next need to identify which ones you can apply to. It might be possible to obtain a list from your care manager, social worker, a local advice organisation (such as the Citizens Advice Bureau), or a disability organisation.

Alternatively, there are numerous organisations listed in a directory called A Guide to Grants for Individuals in Need, which is available in the reference section of most public libraries. Searching the guide can be quite time-consuming; it is possible to access similar information on the internet. Once you have obtained a list of likely funders, you will need to start on the often lengthy and complex business of making applications. If you are applying for a large sum, it is unlikely that you will receive all of it from one source, but will need to seek help from several sources.

Take time to ensure that you match the eligibility criteria for the charities or trusts to which you are applying. Find out if applications are required in writing, online, or on the organisation’s own application form. Some trusts and charities require applications to be submitted via a third party, for example Social Services, or some other professional known to you or the individual seeking the grant. Some may only accept one application per year.

Suggestions for making a successful application

Always investigate whether help is available from statutory authorities – for example, social services, education, health services – before applying to charitable bodies.

Before you start writing applications set up a fundraising file to keep copies of any correspondence sent or received.

Aim to give as much relevant information as possible but do try to keep your letter succinct. Below are the sorts of things to include:

• Background information – confirm the diagnosis of the person for whom you are applying, how their condition affects them, and any particular difficulties this might present.
• Purpose of grant – what is the grant for?, a piece of equipment, a holiday, certain household items. Explain how this will benefit the individual concerned. Will there also be a positive impact on other members of the family, carers? If so, include details.
• Professional view - if possible include a letter from a professional who works with the individual concerned. The letter should confirm the appropriateness of the equipment/item sought and state its benefits.
• Amount of grant – confirm the amount of money required. Obtain several quotations, so you can demonstrate the price range, and that you have done the research and will be paying a competitive price.
• Statutory sources – if you have tried to get funding via statutory agencies and have been advised that funding will not be available, request a brief letter confirming this. Enclose a copy of the letter with your own application.
• Personal contribution – if you or your family are able to contribute to the overall amount, mention this.
• Trustees – explain that you will be approaching a number of trusts and charities to try and raise the funds collectively. Thank the trustees for considering your application and supply contact details should they require any further information.

You may wish to use a sample letter (Word document, 40KB) to give guidance on writing your application.

Once you have written the application, but before you send it:

• Put it to one side and leave it overnight, come back to it fresh the next day. Are you still happy with it?
• Consider getting someone not personally involved to check it for you. They may be able to give you some interesting insights on how clear and understandable it is going to be to someone, not familiar with you, reading it for the first time.
• Make a copy and keep it safe in your file.
• Not all organisations will acknowledge receipt of your application so if you need to know it has arrived safely tell them this and enclose a stamped addressed envelope.
• Make sure you post it in good time to meet any stated deadline.

Remember that very few organisations will give funds for debts, or pay retrospectively for items you have already purchased. If you are already burdened by debt or fear you are about to be, it is essential that you seek urgent professional advice. Your local Citizens Advice Bureau may be able to advise. Alternatively, you could seek advice from The National Debtline.

Further information on grants

A Guide to Grants for Individuals in Need 2009-2010
Directory of Social Change, 09/10.
ISBN 978 1 906294 30 4

How to Raise Money for Good Causes

The National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux
Tel: 020 7833 2181
Fax: 020 7833 4371
Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Find your local Citizens Advice Bureau. Alternatively you could try the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux's online advice guide.

National Debtline
Freephone: 0808 808 4000
Fax: 0121 410 6230
Website: www.nationaldebtline.co.uk

Turn 2 Us
Freephone: 0808 802 2000
Website: www.turn2us.org.uk
Advises people how to access the money available to them – through welfare benefits, grants and other help.

More information from Scope

Contact Scope Response for information, advice and support on cerebral palsy and disability issues.

This information was last reviewed June 2010.