Deadline: 01-Aug-2026
The Olive and Jesse Palmer Fund is a local grant programme supporting non-profit organisations in Peterborough. It focuses on improving the lives of young people with learning disabilities by funding inclusive activities and development opportunities.
The fund aims to strengthen community-based initiatives that help individuals build confidence, skills, and independence through meaningful participation.
Key Objectives of the Fund
- Support young people with learning disabilities
- Improve access to positive and inclusive activities
- Promote personal development and wellbeing
- Encourage social participation and community inclusion
- Help individuals reach their full potential
- Strengthen local non-profit initiatives
Focus Areas
- Social and recreational activities for young people with learning disabilities
- Inclusive community participation programmes
- Skill-building and personal development initiatives
- Wellbeing-focused support activities
- Projects that promote confidence and independence
- Local engagement and community integration
Funding Details
- Grants of up to £5,000 per organisation
- Funding supports practical, community-based projects
- Designed to expand or improve existing initiatives
- Focus on direct, measurable local impact
Who Is Eligible?
- Non-profit organisations
- Organisations operating within Peterborough
- Groups working directly with young people with learning disabilities
- Community-based initiatives focused on inclusion and development
- Charities or voluntary sector organisations delivering relevant services
Eligible Activities
- Organising inclusive recreational activities
- Running skill development or life skills programmes
- Providing social engagement opportunities
- Supporting creative, sports, or cultural participation
- Delivering wellbeing and confidence-building initiatives
- Expanding access to community services for young people
How the Fund Works: Step-by-Step
- Identify needs of young people with learning disabilities in the community
- Design an inclusive project or activity programme
- Ensure alignment with personal development and wellbeing goals
- Prepare application outlining impact and delivery plan
- Submit proposal to the Olive and Jesse Palmer Fund
- If successful, receive funding up to £5,000
- Implement and deliver the project locally
- Report on outcomes and community impact
Evaluation Criteria
- Benefit to young people with learning disabilities
- Level of inclusion and accessibility
- Strength of community impact
- Practicality and feasibility of the project
- Clear outcomes for personal development
- Value for money and sustainability
Why This Fund Matters
- Improves inclusion for young people with learning disabilities
- Strengthens local community support systems
- Promotes independence and confidence-building
- Expands access to meaningful social activities
- Enhances wellbeing and quality of life
- Supports grassroots organisations delivering direct impact
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying with projects outside Peterborough
- Proposing activities not focused on learning disabilities
- Lack of clear inclusion or accessibility plan
- Weak explanation of expected outcomes
- Overly broad or non-community-based proposals
Pro Tips
- Focus on clear, practical benefits for participants
- Emphasize inclusion and accessibility in all activities
- Show how the project builds confidence and independence
- Demonstrate strong local community involvement
- Keep delivery plan realistic and measurable
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the grant amount? Up to £5,000 per organisation
- Who can apply? Non-profit organisations in Peterborough
- What is the main focus? Supporting young people with learning disabilities
- What types of activities are funded? Social, recreational, and development-focused programmes
- Can organisations outside Peterborough apply? No
- Is this funding for individuals? No, only organisations are eligible
- What is the goal of the fund? To improve inclusion, wellbeing, and development opportunities for young people with learning disabilities
Conclusion
The Olive and Jesse Palmer Fund supports local non-profit organisations in Peterborough to deliver inclusive and meaningful activities for young people with learning disabilities. By funding practical community-based initiatives, the programme helps improve wellbeing, build skills, and create opportunities for greater participation and personal development.
For more information, visit Cambridgeshire Community Foundation.