Small Grants

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This page provides all you need to know about our criteria for successful small grant applications and how to apply.

Applications are open

Each year, Communication Matters’ Board of Trustees allocates a set amount that we are able to offer as small grants up to £500. Applications are accepted at any time of the year while funding lasts.

Eligibility criteria

Applications are only accepted from members of Communication Matters. See details of how to join here.

Application criteria

Trustees look favourably on applications that support the use of all forms of communication for users, families or professionals.
 
Some examples of what we consider:
 
  • Supporting an Augmentative and Alternative (AAC) user event.
  • Helping to fund play equipment for children with communication difficulties such as a toy library.
  • Supporting a pilot for a mini AAC research project.
  • Helping someone who wants to attend a course to support the use of AAC, with a family member or friend.
  • Part funding costs to support an AAC event or project in a country where AAC is less well developed than in the UK.
  • If you have an unusual or creative idea around AAC that needs support, we would love to hear about it.
 

How decisions are made

Our Trustees will review your application shortly after receipt. Ideally, your application will be complete and clearly explain how you are meeting the eligibility and application criteria. We may contact you to ask further questions about your funding needs. 

Trustees are less likely to support certain kinds of grant applications, such as:

  • Where other forms of funding are (or should be) available.
  • To part fund the cost of a place at the Communication Matters Conference as we already offer subsidised places.
  • Funding for or associated with a purchase or maintenance of a communication aid.

  • Supporting a professional course or conference costs.

Post application obligations

If your application for a small grant is successful, we will ask you to provide the following items with a month of using the Small Grant:

  • A short report and photo for the CM Journal on your project/activity that was funded, all or in part, by Communication Matters.

  • Receipts / proof of expenditure. 

Completing the application

You will need to complete the online application form with the following information:
 
  • Contact details of the person making the application.
  • Description of the event/purpose to be funded by the project.
  • Description of who will benefit from a successful small grant.
  • Breakdown of how a successful grant would be spent, and whether other funding bodies are funding other aspects of the project or event.
  • Confirmation of the post application obligations (see above).
Apply here