Grants for disability charities and groups
As of 22 October 2026, GrantMatch lists 16 live grants for disability charities and groups from 9 funders. 3 close in the next 30 days, the first on 26 October 2026, 13 are open all year with no fixed deadline, and 1 was added this week. Each entry links to the official source.
Listings last checked 19 October 2026. Guide checked 21 October 2026.
Disability charities, user-led organisations and community groups run clubs, advice services, short breaks, sport and support for families. This page lists the live grants GrantMatch tracks that are aimed at organisations working with disabled people, including people with learning disabilities and special educational needs.
These grants are for organisations. If you are a disabled person looking for help with home adaptations or work, see the questions below for the GOV.UK schemes that may help.
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Create free accountClosing in the next 30 days (3)
Barchester Charitable Foundation - Group Grants
Barchester Charitable Foundation
Barchester Charitable Foundation Group Grants help small community groups and small local charities that support older people and adults with a disability or mental health condition. The focus is on connecting, or re-connecting, people with others in their local community. The grants can pay for activity projects, equipment or materials that members use, transport costs so members can attend, and day trips, outings or UK group holidays. Awards range from £100 up to £2,600. You can apply if your group is based in England, Scotland, Wales or Jersey. The foundation opens to group applications in January, April, July and October. The October round is open now. It takes up to 10 weeks to process an application, so plan your project dates with that in mind. The foundation will look closely at your accounts, especially your balance sheet. As a guideline, it is very unlikely to help if your financial reserves are over £200,000. There are clear exclusions. The foundation will not fund core or running costs such as salaries and venue hire, indirect services such as websites or newsletters, building projects, or staff and volunteer training. It will not pay for anything already bought or already held. If you have won a grant, you cannot apply again within three years. The foundation may also cap grants to a single charity, including all its branches, in any one year. Official source: https://bhcfoundation.org.uk/apply/who-we-fund. Last checked by GrantMatch on 16 October 2026.
Clare Milne Trust Grants for Cornwall
Cornwall Community Foundation (Clare Milne Trust)
Core and project grants that improve the quality of life, independence or inclusion of people with physical, learning, mental or sensory disabilities in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Amount: £250 to £10,000. Open 14 October to 4 November 2026; decisions mid December 2026. Who can apply: Charities, CICs and community and voluntary groups working in Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly whose main purpose is serving disabled people, meeting the Foundation general eligibility criteria. How to apply: Check the requirements on the Cornwall Community Foundation grant page and apply online by 4 November 2026. Official source: https://cornwallcommunityfoundation.com/grants/clare-milne/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 19 October 2026.
Pathways to Work Innovation Fund
Department for Work and Pensions
The Pathways to Work Innovation Fund from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) pays for projects that test new or significantly different ways to support disabled people and people with long-term health conditions. Every funded project must help people prepare for work, get a job, stay in work or make progress at work. Innovation can mean a new service, a new tool, a new use of technology, a new way for organisations to work together, or a new approach for employers. It can also mean using an existing idea in a different place, with a different group of people or with an important change. Your project can focus on one place, community or group. You need to explain clearly what is new and what DWP and others could learn from it. Applications are open to organisations across the United Kingdom, including charities and voluntary organisations, social enterprises, businesses, universities and research organisations, and councils. You can apply alone or as a partnership, with one lead organisation managing the grant. Applications close on 26 October 2026 at 11:59pm. DWP will tell shortlisted applicants by 9 November 2026. Funding decisions follow from January 2027, and successful projects may begin mobilising from February 2027 once the Grant Funding Agreement is signed. One caveat: the fund is not meant to pay for an organisation simply to carry on delivering an unchanged existing service. DWP also cannot discuss or advise on your project idea before you submit. Official source: https://www.find-government-grants.service.gov.uk/grants/pathways-to-work-innovation-fund-1. Last checked by GrantMatch on 16 October 2026.
Added this week (1)
Guide
Checked 21 October 2026 against the official sources linked.
Who funds disability work
Community foundations hold many funds for disabled people in their area, and some national trusts focus on disability, such as funds for disabled children and their families. Mainstream funders also back disability projects, so do not limit your search to disability-specific funds. Youth, sport, arts and community funds often welcome projects that open their activity up to disabled people.
Source: UK Community Foundations: find your local community foundation
Show disabled people are involved
Funders increasingly ask how disabled people shape your work, from trustees and staff to the people who use your services. If your organisation is user-led, say so clearly and explain what that means in practice.
Access costs
Include the real cost of making your project accessible in your budget, such as British Sign Language interpreters, accessible transport, personal assistants or easy read materials. Many funders will pay for these, but only if you ask.
Help for individuals
Grants for individuals are listed separately from this page. A Disabled Facilities Grant from your council can pay for home adaptations: up to £30,000 in England, £36,000 in Wales and £25,000 in Northern Ireland, with a different system in Scotland. Access to Work can help with the extra costs of working.
Source: Disabled Facilities Grants (GOV.UK), Access to Work (GOV.UK)
Who funds this
| Funder | Open grants here |
|---|---|
| Cumbria Community Foundation | 7 |
| Heart of England Community Foundation | 2 |
| Barchester Charitable Foundation | 1 |
| Bernard Sunley Foundation | 1 |
| Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland | 1 |
| Cornwall Community Foundation (Clare Milne Trust) | 1 |
| Department for Work and Pensions | 1 |
| Newcastle City Council | 1 |
9 different funders in total. Where a maximum award is stated, the middle value is £5,000.
By grant size
| Largest award | Open grants |
|---|---|
| Up to £2,000 | 3 |
| £2,001 to £10,000 | 9 |
| £10,001 to £100,000 | 1 |
| Over £100,000 | 0 |
| Amount varies or not stated | 3 |
All open grants (16)
No deadline listed
Check the funder's current application window before you apply.
Funding for voluntary and community organisations
Newcastle City Council
Newcastle City Council's funding page for voluntary and community organisations brings together the council's grant schemes for groups running projects and events for Newcastle residents. The Newcastle Fund offers grants of up to £25,000 for projects delivered by the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector. Its Small Grants strand offers up to £5,000 for grassroots community projects. The Newcastle Youth Fund supports activities for 13 to 19 year olds, or up to 25 for young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Ward committee funding covers smaller projects and events in specific neighbourhoods or up to four council wards. The page also links to the £80 million Pride in Place Programme for Elswick, Walker, Fawdon, and Throckley, Newburn and Walbottle. Each scheme has its own rules and dates, so check the scheme page before you apply. Official source: https://new.newcastle.gov.uk/communities/grants-funding/funding-voluntary-and-community-organisations. Last checked by GrantMatch on 19 October 2026.
BBC Children in Need – Lead The Change: supporting young people in Sunderland
Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland
BBC Children in Need offers grants up to £41,000 for projects supporting young people in Sunderland. The funding helps organisations working with children and young people who face disadvantage. You can use the money for projects that make a real difference to young lives. The grant closes on 29 April 2026. You need to be based in or working in Sunderland to apply. The funding supports work with children and young people under 18. Projects should help those facing poverty, disability, distress or disadvantage.
Bernard Sunley Foundation
Bernard Sunley Foundation
The Bernard Sunley Foundation funds charities in England and Wales. It supports work that improves quality of life for young people, older people, disabled people, and those who are disadvantaged. You can apply if your charity works with one or more of these groups.
True Colours Trust - UK Small Grants
True Colours Trust
The True Colours Trust UK Small Grants programme backs local organisations and projects that work with disabled children and young people, children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and their families. Grants are up to £10,000, and many are smaller. The funding can pay for activities for children and families, support for siblings, bereavement support, parent-led peer support, and respite that helps the whole family. It also covers equipment and materials, such as upgrades to hydrotherapy pools and multi-sensory rooms, minibuses, and specialised play equipment. The Trust works with children and young people aged from 0 to 25. The programme is open to applications at any time, so there is no closing date. The Trust aims to give a final decision within twelve weeks, though this can take longer at peak times. You will be kept informed of timelines. It suits UK registered charities and CICs with an annual income below £350,000 that deliver projects in the UK. The Trust is especially keen to hear from organisations in areas of high deprivation. One practical caveat: the Trust tries to support as many organisations as possible, so it cannot fund you in consecutive years. If you have had a grant, wait at least two years from your grant payment before reapplying. If you are unsuccessful, wait at least one year from your previous application. The online form also cannot be saved part-way, so gather your information first. Official source: https://www.truecolourstrust.org.uk/uk-small-grants. Last checked by GrantMatch on 16 October 2026.
Roselands Trust Fund
Cumbria Community Foundation
The Roselands Trust Fund, run by Cumbria Community Foundation, gives grants to organisations that support people who live with a disability. It also backs community projects that support older adults or people with disabilities or learning difficulties. The projects must be based in the former local authority areas of Eden and South Lakeland. Grants are normally up to £5,000 over one year. The money comes from the Roselands Trust, the donor behind the fund. The fund suits charitable and not-for-profit organisations. The page lists examples of projects it has supported. These include exercise sessions for adults with physical and learning disabilities, electrically assisted tricycles for older people with disabilities, sailing sessions for a group of adults and children with visual impairments, and dementia group activities. Village hall and community group projects are also on the list. Here is one practical point to know before you start. The fund will not support individuals, and the foundation's normal exclusions apply as well. Only organisations can apply. All applications are now made through the foundation's online application portal. There is a step-by-step portal help guide to walk you through it. If you would like to talk about the fund first, you can contact Sarah Thompson on 01900 820 821 or email grants@cumbriafoundation.org. Official source: https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/roselands-trust/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 16 October 2026.
Eden Rural Community Fund
Cumbria Community Foundation
The Eden Rural Community Fund, run by Cumbria Community Foundation, gives grants to organisations that provide a service for residents of Eden District and the surrounding area. The service must support people over the age of 18 who need help and care because of frailty, age, ill health, or a mental or physical disability. The aim is to help them live independently and safely in their own homes. Families and carers can benefit too. Priority goes to projects that support older people, particularly vulnerable and isolated older people. It also goes to projects for adults aged 18 or over with physical disabilities, mental health needs or learning disabilities, and for carers. Community and volunteer-led initiatives that deliver or improve access to services in rural areas are a priority as well. Examples of projects supported include exercise classes for older people, befriending or social activities to reduce isolation, and equipment for a community centre that will also benefit older people. Improvements to community facilities that make them easier for older people to use are also on the list. One-off grants for capital equipment will be considered. The maximum grant will normally be £3,000, and multi-year funding may be considered. The money comes from charitable funds held by Eden Housing Association after Eden Community Alarms was dissolved. One practical point: individuals cannot apply, and the foundation's normal exclusions also apply. All applications are made through the online application portal. Official source: https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/eden-rural-community-fund/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 16 October 2026.
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Create free accountThe Robinson Family Fund
Cumbria Community Foundation
The Robinson Family Fund is run by Cumbria Community Foundation. It gives grants to organisations that support young people with drug and alcohol problems, homeless people, and people with physical disabilities. It also supports aspiring young sportspeople aged 15-25 who need help to reach their potential. Priority goes to groups and individuals in West Cumbria and Barrow. Charitable, not-for-profit organisations based in Cumbria can apply. So can individuals who fit the fund's criteria. Grants will normally be up to £2,000 over one year. Organisations may receive a single award, or a series of awards paid annually for up to three years, depending on progress. If you apply as an individual, the foundation will take your household income into account when it assesses your application. Young sportspeople need to show evidence of excellence in their chosen field. Alternatively, they can show how they are or will be raising aspirations for young people in the priority areas. The fund will not support school trips, family holidays or expeditions. It will not support people who live outside Cumbria. The foundation's normal exclusions also apply, so read them before you start. All applications are made through the foundation's online application portal, and a step-by-step help guide is available. The page gives no closing date. Official source: https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/robinson-family-fund/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 16 October 2026.
Questions
How many grants for disability charities are open?
Today GrantMatch lists 16 live grants for organisations supporting disabled people, from 9 funders. 12 offer up to £10,000 and 13 have no fixed deadline.
Can disabled individuals apply for these grants?
No, these are for organisations. Individuals can look at a Disabled Facilities Grant from their council for home adaptations, Access to Work for help with work, and grants from disability charities and benevolent funds.
How much is a Disabled Facilities Grant?
Up to £30,000 in England, £36,000 in Wales and £25,000 in Northern Ireland, depending on household income and savings. Disabled Facilities Grants are not available in Scotland, which has its own system.
Can we include access costs in a bid?
Yes. Most funders will cover costs such as interpreters, accessible transport and personal assistants if they are part of the project budget.
How do you check these grants?
We collect grants from official funder pages, GOV.UK, councils and community foundations, and remove them when they close. Each grant page links to its source and shows when we last checked it. Always confirm the details with the funder before you apply.
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Tell us about your organisation once and GrantMatch shows the grants you are most likely to win, checks your eligibility and emails you when new funding for disability charities and groups opens. Free to start, no card needed.
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Sources and how we check
We collect grants from official funder pages and remove them when they close. Each grant page links to its source and shows when we last checked it. Always confirm the details with the funder before you apply. Guide sources: