Finding A Grant For a Disabled Child

NPUK
NPUK Online Community Member Posts: 17 Connected
Where can I get a grant during these difficult times??  I am supporting a family of a disabled 12yr old boy.  He has outgrown his running/cycling stroller and as his disease has progressed he also needs more support for his trunk and head.  Being able to go outdoors with his dad who jogs with him in the stroller or takes him into the countryside is such a wonderful experience for him.  He has lost the ability to speak but his vocal sounds demonstrate how much he is enjoying this experience.  We don't want him to be stuck indoors in his wheelchair so would like to secure a grant for him to get the adult stroller but it's very expensive.  The family have managed to get a grant from one small charity but they have a £1400 shortfall as the stroller is very expensive.  A lot of the grant providers eligibility criteria states they must be on benefits but the only benefit they have is DLA for their son.  Does anyone know of any charities that I could approach?  My first thought was The Family Fund but their criteria is that the family have to be on a low income and in receipt of benefits.  I hope someone can help as it would mean the world to this family if they could continue giving their son some much needed outdoor leisure experiences.  Many thanks in anticipation of your help.  I've found this site so fantastic when asking for advice and information.

Comments

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,463 Championing
    HI,

    I think alot of those grants will have an eligiblity criteria of low income or certain means tested benefits. I've found these links.



  • NPUK
    NPUK Online Community Member Posts: 17 Connected
    @poppy123456 Thank you.  Yes i got bogged down searching through all the grant providers on turn2us and the family not meeting the criteria so i thought i'd post on here.  Then we've got Covid making it hard for charities to raise funds and more people applying for grants.  I will try your links  - I haven't tried wellchild.....forgot about that charity.  Thanks
    I did try the skybadger website and you can search the area they live in and various trusts/charities come up where the criteria is that they have to live in that particular area.  However, the only one I found said they'd been inundated so most people will be disappointed.
    Thanks also to @woodbine I had already looked at turn2us but good that you posted it as other people may not know about it so it could also help them.
  • Chloe_Alumni
    Chloe_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 10,506 Championing
    Hi @NPUK, just wanted to check in and see if the tools above have been helpful. :)
  • NPUK
    NPUK Online Community Member Posts: 17 Connected
    @Chloe_Scope I haven't been successful with my efforts yet but it may be taking some people a while to get back to me.  It seems the majority only help those on low incomes and in receipt of benefits.  I have tried The Lion's Club and The Rotary Club in their area but not had a response yet.  I also think Covid is just making it so hard to get a grant as fundraising is very difficult for all grant providers.  
  • Ross_Alumni
    Ross_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,611 Championing
    Hopefully you get a response from the others soon @NPUK. As you say, the pandemic may be causing a delay in reply speeds.
  • Chloe_Alumni
    Chloe_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 10,506 Championing
    Hi @NPUK, I can imagine it's not the easiest time to be applying. I hope you are able to get somewhere soon. :)
  • AlexW_Scope
    AlexW_Scope Scope Posts: 223 Empowering
  • Denise11
    Denise11 Online Community Member Posts: 99 Empowering
    Hi 
    What about Children in Need, Barbados or the Shaftesbury Trust, which are there for kids.  This year there are so many cuts is the state's purse but these charities just might be able to help!