Disability and Neurodiversity Grants for UK Projects
Grants for UK groups working with disabled people, SEND families, autism and ADHD: named funders open now, who qualifies, and what makes a strong application.
If your group works with disabled people, children with special educational needs (SEND), or autistic and ADHD communities, there are funders set up to help. This guide names funds open now, explains who qualifies, and covers what funders in this area look for. It is for organisations: charities, CICs and community groups. Funding for individuals works differently.
Updated 9 October 2026. Every grant linked below was checked as open on that date.
What kind of work gets funded?
Funders in this area back a wide range of activity, including:
- neurodiversity support, such as autism and ADHD peer groups, coaching and family support
- SEND services for children, young people and their carers
- accessible activities and spaces, from inclusive sport to sensory rooms and adapted equipment
- advocacy and independent living support for disabled adults
- employment and skills projects that help disabled and neurodivergent people into work
If your work removes a barrier for disabled or neurodivergent people, it is likely to fit somewhere.
Funders open now
True Colours Trust UK Small Grants. For local organisations working with disabled children and young people, children with life-limiting conditions, and their families. Grants are up to £10,000, though many are smaller, and the programme is open at any time (True Colours Trust).
Sport England's Movement Fund. Grants or pledges of £300 to £15,000 for projects that help people who face barriers to being active. Inclusive sport and activity sessions are a natural fit. There's no deadline, but apply at least 12 weeks before you start. Decisions usually take six to eight weeks.
Awards for All England. The National Lottery's main small grants programme gives £300 to £20,000 for projects of up to two years that bring people together and help people reach their potential. It funds a lot of inclusive community work.
Local disability funds. Some community foundations hold funds for one condition or area. In Cumbria, for example:
- the Disability Fund for Cumbria supports practical work that helps disabled people into employment, including local organisations that employ disabled people
- the Lakeland Disability Support Fund gives £100 to £5,000 to charitable groups and individuals with physical disabilities in the former South Lakeland council area, for things like disabled access and adapted equipment
Ask your own community foundation whether it holds similar funds. They are often not advertised widely.
You can browse all health and social care grants on GrantMatch, then filter by your type of organisation.
Funding for individuals is different
Some disability funders mainly support families and individuals rather than organisations, so check who a fund is for before you apply. Access to Work, from the government, helps disabled people get or stay in a job (GOV.UK). It isn't a grant for groups, but it's worth knowing about if your project supports people into work, so you can point them to it.
Who is eligible?
Most funders in this area want to see:
- a clear purpose linked to disability, SEND or neurodiversity
- a recognised structure, such as a charity, CIC or constituted group with a bank account
- real involvement of the people you serve in shaping the work
- an understanding of access and safe, inclusive delivery
- safeguarding policies, especially for work with children or adults at risk
Newer groups aren't shut out. Small funds and community foundations often back early-stage work.
How to make your application stronger
Show co-production. Say how disabled or neurodivergent people helped design the project. A quote from a member, or a note on how you consulted your community, carries a lot of weight.
Be specific about access. Explain what you do to make the work accessible: the venue, the timing, quiet spaces, formats and transport.
Cost access properly. Include things like British Sign Language interpreters, easy read materials, accessible transport or extra support staff. Funders would rather see these costed than discover a gap later.
Use your community's language. Match the terms the people you work with use. It shows you're close to the work.
Questions people ask
Are there grants for autism and ADHD support groups? Yes. Peer support and family groups can apply to general community funds like Awards for All, as well as disability-specific funds such as True Colours Trust where the work involves children and young people.
Can we get a grant for accessibility improvements to our building? Often, yes. Some local disability funds name disabled access, and general community building funds may cover it too.
Do we need to be a disability charity to apply? No. Many funders care about who benefits, not your name or legal form. An inclusive sports club or arts group can apply.
For the bigger picture, read our guide to grants for community groups, or the companion guide on grants for mental health and wellbeing projects.
Want grants matched to your work? Create a free GrantMatch account and we'll show you what's open for your group. Every listing stays free to read.
We check every deadline on the funder's own website before publishing. Funders do change dates, so always confirm on their site before you apply.