Sources of Financial Assistance for People Who Use AAC

Communication Matters is aware that it can be very difficult for a person to apply for financial assistance. All too often, individuals are barred from applying and applications can only be made through charitable or community-based organisations.

However, if you have a good idea and want funding to help you, the following organisations may be worth approaching if you are interested in applying for funding as an individual.

  • The Prince’s Trust: This organisation focuses on supporting people aged between 14 and 30 to access education, training and employment.
    www.princes-trust.org.uk
     
  • Barchester Healthcare Foundation: The mission of the BHC Foundation is to make a difference to the lives of older people and adults with a disability, supporting practical solutions that lead to increased personal independence, self-sufficiency and dignity. www.bhcfoundation.org.uk
     
  • The Big Boost: This Big Lottery fund gives financial awards to individuals aged between 11 and 25 to help them get their ideas off the ground. www.thebigboost.org.uk
     
  • Benevolent Societies: Within the UK there are a number of Benevolent Societies who give grants and sponsorship to a wide range of individuals for all sorts of projects including the purchase of equipment. Each society publishes a set of criteria relating to the types of projects they will consider and the individuals who qualify for support under their awards criteria. In many cases these relate to a specific field of work and would include not just someone working in this trade or field but also their families. More information can be found at: www.joblinks.org.uk

 


Directories for Individual Funding

(The following information has been taken from www.skillset.org)

Obtaining individual funding is always extremely difficult as many funding initiatives are aimed at companies or organisations. There are, however, a few directories of grant-making trusts which list organisations and charities that do support individuals. Although many have strict application criteria, it's worth wading through them to see if you, or your project, fit the bill.

Here are some examples (these directories are usually available in public libraries and colleges, all good bookshops, as well as from the publishers’ website):

  • Directory of Grant Making Trusts 2005-06: Published in association with The Charities Aid Foundation, this publication lists trusts that award money to companies, charities and individuals. Published by The Directory for Social Change www.dsc.org.uk
     
  • The Educational Grants Directory 2004/05: This publication lists sources of funding for students looking for help up to first degree level. Also contains a guide to loans and sponsorship available. Published by The Directory for Social Change www.dsc.org.uk
     
  • Charities Digest 2006: Charities Digest provides details and information for over 5,000 organisations. Not only does it contain contact names and registration number for each entry, it also includes useful sources of legal advice. Charity Choice Publications www.charitysearch.org.uk
     
  • Grants Register 2006: Leading Source for up-to-date information on the availability of, and eligibility for, postgraduate and professional awards. Published by Palgrave Macmillan www.palgrave.com
     
  • Grant Net: Free to use funding search site provided by Grantfinder, the grants database. The site contains the most comprehensive and up-to-date database of grants, loans and other initiatives operating in the UK. www.grantnet.com

     


    Other Forms of Support

    • Association of Disabled Professionals: If you’re interested in seeking other forms of support than just financial assistance, it may be worth contacting the Association of Disabled Professionals. The ADP provides advice by and for disabled people relating to employment issues. www.adp.org.uk
       
    • Learning & Skills Council: You may want to contact your local Learning & Skills Council representative and find out about their Disability Equality Scheme. www.lsc.gov.uk/regions

       


      Council for Voluntary Services

      The following web link will provide you with information about your local Council for Voluntary Services office, and other useful local points of contact: www.nacvs.org.uk/cvsdir

      It should be possible to arrange a one to two hour appointment with your local office, who can provide you with access to a ‘Grant Seeker’ or ‘Funder Finder’ funding directory database and other local funding opportunities.