Deadline: 30-Jan-2026

The Motability Foundation is offering grants of £50,000 to £1 million for one- to three-year projects that strengthen community transport for disabled people in the UK. The initiative supports innovative approaches, shared infrastructure, volunteer engagement, and sector-wide replicability to build a resilient and equitable transport network.

Motability Foundation: Building a Resilient Community and Shared Transport Sector Grant

Overview

The Motability Foundation has launched a strategic grant programme designed to inspire innovation and strengthen community transport services for disabled people across the UK. This funding opportunity prioritises projects that create long-term sector resilience, enhance service delivery, and enable scalable solutions.

The grant aims to:

• Encourage pioneering approaches in community transport

• Foster collaboration and shared infrastructure

• Support volunteer engagement and organisational capacity

• Promote replicable models for sector-wide adoption

Why It Matters

Community transport plays a vital role in connecting disabled people, particularly in underrepresented or deprived areas. Many existing services face resource constraints, volunteer shortages, and operational challenges. By funding innovative, scalable projects, the Motability Foundation seeks to:

• Increase accessibility and equity in transport

• Build sustainable and efficient services

• Strengthen the overall network of community transport providers

Who is Eligible?

Eligible organisations include:

• Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisations (DDPOs)

• Charities and social enterprises operating in the transport sector

• Community transport operators and innovation bodies

Eligibility requirements:

• Legally constituted and active for at least three years

• Demonstrated sound governance and financial stability

• Commitment to benefiting disabled people, particularly in underserved areas

Grant Funding

• Funding Range: £50,000 to £1,000,000

• Duration: 1 to 3 years

• Designed to support innovative, scalable, and replicable solutions rather than maintaining existing services

Focus Areas / Programme Priorities

The grant emphasises projects that:

1. Test new operating models for community transport

2. Develop shared infrastructure for efficiency and collaboration

3. Integrate digital tools to improve service delivery

4. Strengthen the role of volunteers and capacity-building initiatives

5. Offer replicable models to be adopted by other organisations

How to Apply / What to Do

1. Prepare Your Proposal: Outline objectives, innovative approach, expected outcomes, and replicability.

2. Demonstrate Community Impact: Show how your project benefits disabled people, especially in deprived areas.

3. Provide Organisational Evidence: Include governance, financial stability, and prior experience in community transport.

4. Submit Application: Follow the Motability Foundation’s official application guidelines and deadlines.

5. Evaluation: Projects will be assessed based on innovation, impact, scalability, and alignment with programme priorities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting proposals that focus solely on maintaining existing services

• Failing to demonstrate replicability or sector-wide impact

• Neglecting to provide evidence of organisational stability and governance

• Ignoring the specific needs of disabled communities in underrepresented areas

FAQ

1. Who can apply for this grant?
Eligible organisations include DDPOs, charities, social enterprises, community transport operators, and innovation bodies active for at least three years.

2. What is the funding range?
Between £50,000 and £1,000,000 per project.

3. How long can a project last?
One to three years, depending on scope and objectives.

4. Can existing transport services be funded?
No. The programme focuses on innovative and replicable solutions, not maintenance of current services.

5. What is the main purpose of the grant?
To build resilience, innovation, and sector-wide capacity in community transport for disabled people.

6. Is volunteer engagement important?
Yes, projects that strengthen volunteer involvement and capacity are highly valued.

7. Are projects required to be scalable or replicable?
Yes, projects should offer approaches or tools that can be adopted by other organisations across the sector.

Conclusion

The Motability Foundation grant offers a transformative opportunity for organisations in the community transport sector. By supporting innovation, collaboration, and replicable models, the programme aims to improve transport equity for disabled communities while strengthening the resilience and sustainability of services nationwide.

For more information, visit Motability Foundation.