FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Funding from Charitable Sources
If you are considering applying to a charity, benevolent or occupational fund for financial assistance, the following information sources can help you to identify specific organisations that may be able to help you:
A Guide to Grants for Individuals in Need is a book published by the Directory of Social Change, 0207 7391 4800. A social worker, Citizens Advice or local library may have a copy that you can refer to, or you can purchase a copy. You can also search on Turn2Us for information on benefits and grants available from voluntary and statutory services.
The Association of Charity Officers, 01707 651777, has a list of members who can provide funding for equipment. The organisation advises individuals in need on sources of charitable help. It has no funds itself for grant aid. The Association can tell you if there is a charity related to your past or present occupation.
Funding may also be obtained from local charities that exist to benefit people in a specific village, town or city. Refer to A Guide to Grants for Individuals in Need or contact SID, 0800 0439395.
Action for Blind People, Macmillan Cancer Support, MS Society, the Elizabeth Finn Trust & the Universal Beneficent Society (for older people) are among the charities who can help with financial support, providing the criteria set by the individual organisation is meet. Local branches of national charities may also be able to arrange grants from their parent charities, if contacted directly.
Serving and ex-service men, women and families may be eligible for assistance from SSAFA (Soldiers Sailors & Airmen’s Families Association), 01252 837782. The Royal British Legion, 01372 451233, provide a similar service.
For families caring for severely disabled children under the age of 16, financial help is available from the Family Welfare Association, 0207 254 6251. They also offer grants to disadvantaged people for post-16 education & training.
Applying for funding
Charities have criteria to which they match applications and so may not grant funds for certain items or activities. This may also be the case if there is statutory funding available. Applications for funding may not result in the total amount being granted, so it may be necessary to apply to several charities to achieve the whole amount. Grants can be in the form of a single lump sum, weekly amount or an annuity, depending on the charities rules.
Charities normally want applications to include - name, address, age, marital status, place of birth, occupation (past or present), information about the nature of the disability, income and benefits, the amount of money required and what it will be used for.
Some charities may only accept applications if they are made on the applicants behalf by a professional such as a social worker or Citizens Advice Bureau. Contact the charity before applying to find out if the application would match their criteria. This saves needless effort. As charities meet at varying intervals, it is important to apply for funds for holidays and educational activities in plenty of time.
+ Additional Information: Financial support
More information on living with a disability in Surrey can be found at www.askenid.org.uk and in the leaflet Information for You available from SID (Social Information on Disability), 0800 0439395.