Grant News
The Forbes Charitable Foundation is offering grants to organisations supporting adults with learning disabilities across the UK. The Foundation aims to increase independence and social inclusion, especially where other sources of support are not generally available.
UK registered or exempt charities and community interest groups can apply. Funding supports people with mild to moderate learning disabilities through employment and training, financial inclusion, support networks and accommodation. Activities can include skills training, employment initiatives, advocacy, community support, respite services and supported living.
Between 6 -10 organisations will be supported.
Main grants of up to £30,000 per year are available to charities with annual turnover between £1 million and £20 million. Awards can support capital or revenue costs for up to three years.
Examples of eligible projects include:
- Employment and training – social enterprises, employment initiatives, skills training, volunteering opportunities and transition services for adults aged 18+. This can include literacy, numeracy, job-specific qualifications and support to become work-ready.
- Financial support and inclusion – advocacy, benefits and entitlement advice, support with financial issues, active citizenship and helping people participate in decisions affecting their lives.
- Support networks – day services, community-based care, opportunities to meet people and develop friendships, respite services, and support for families and carers.
- Accommodation – supported living, residential care and dementia care, including helping people access or maintain suitable accommodation and develop independent-living skills
A separate Townsend Discretionary Fund offers one-off grants of up to £5,000.
Organisations initially submit up to 1,000 words outlining their work, geographical coverage and turnover. Those considered for funding are invited to make a formal application and may receive an assessment visit before trustees make their final decisions.
The next funding round for projects starting April 2028 is now open with a deadline of 30 September 2027.