Deadline: 09-Jan-2026

The Motability Foundation’s Developing a New Wheelchair Service Model grant invites UK organisations to redesign wheelchair provision. It focuses on person-centred, evidence-based service models, collaboration with disabled users, and long-term sustainability. The program addresses service gaps, transport equity, and systemic challenges in wheelchair access and maintenance.

Overview of the Grant

The Motability Foundation is offering a strategic funding opportunity to transform wheelchair services across the UK. The Developing a New Wheelchair Service Model grant supports organisations leading the discovery phase of a project to rethink how wheelchair services are designed, delivered, and funded. This initiative aligns with the Foundation’s five-year strategy, placing personal mobility at the core of its mission and ensuring equitable access for all disabled people.

Purpose and Goals

The grant aims to:

• Redesign wheelchair service pathways for better accessibility.

• Create person-centred models informed by lived experiences.

• Identify and address systemic gaps in service delivery.

• Assess financial feasibility for sustainable service models.

• Collaborate closely with the NHS, transport stakeholders, and wheelchair users.

• Improve equity and consistency across geographic regions.

Key Features of the Discovery Phase

Mapping User Journeys

• Document real-world wheelchair service pathways.

• Identify pain points and bottlenecks in service delivery.

• Highlight differences in service quality by region.

Service Gap Analysis

• Examine current challenges such as long waiting times, poor repair support, and inconsistent service.

• Propose solutions for systemic weaknesses.

Financial and Operational Feasibility

• Assess cost-effectiveness of proposed models.

• Ensure sustainability and scalability of new service structures.

Partnership and Collaboration

• Engage disabled people in co-design processes.

• Work with NHS trusts, transport authorities, and relevant service providers.

• Prioritise inclusive decision-making at every stage.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• UK-based registered charities and not-for-profit organisations.

• Organisations with experience in mobility services, healthcare, or social innovation.

• Partners capable of collaborating with disabled users, NHS trusts, and transport providers.

Eligibility Notes:

• Organisations must have capacity to manage evidence-based research and service design projects.

• Must be prepared for a discovery phase leading to scalable implementation.

Why It Matters

• Ensures transport equity for wheelchair users across the UK.

• Addresses longstanding systemic challenges in wheelchair provision.

• Creates a foundation for sustainable, high-quality service models.

• Enhances user experience through person-centred design.

• Supports the Motability Foundation’s strategic mission to improve mobility access.

How to Apply / What to Do

1. Prepare a Proposal: Outline project scope, objectives, and partnership plans.

2. Define the Discovery Phase: Include methodology for mapping pathways and documenting user journeys.

3. Identify Service Gaps: Highlight current challenges and propose solutions.

4. Demonstrate Collaboration: Show plans to work with disabled users, NHS, and transport stakeholders.

5. Assess Feasibility: Include financial, operational, and sustainability plans.

6. Submit Application: Follow the Motability Foundation’s official submission guidelines.

Tip: Emphasise user-centred design, partnership, and evidence-based recommendations to strengthen your application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to involve wheelchair users in co-design.

• Overlooking financial feasibility and sustainability.

• Ignoring regional disparities in service provision.

• Submitting vague or generic proposals without actionable plans.

• Neglecting collaboration with key stakeholders like NHS or transport authorities.

FAQ

1. What is the purpose of the grant?
To redesign wheelchair service models in the UK, focusing on user-centred, sustainable, and equitable delivery.

2. Who can apply?
UK-based charities or not-for-profit organisations with experience in mobility, healthcare, or social innovation.

3. What is the discovery phase?
A research and design stage that maps service pathways, identifies gaps, and develops evidence-based solutions.

4. How long is the grant intended for?
The grant supports the initial discovery phase; subsequent phases may be funded separately based on outcomes.

5. Must organisations collaborate with disabled users?
Yes, active participation from wheelchair users is central to project design and validation.

6. Is funding available for implementation?
This call focuses on discovery; implementation funding will be considered in later phases.

7. What are the evaluation criteria?
Projects are assessed on person-centred approach, systemic impact, feasibility, stakeholder engagement, and alignment with Motability Foundation strategy.

Conclusion

The Developing a New Wheelchair Service Model grant represents a unique opportunity to transform mobility access in the UK. By centring wheelchair users, collaborating with key stakeholders, and designing evidence-based, sustainable solutions, organisations can help build a fair, equitable, and high-quality service system. This initiative is essential for addressing systemic gaps and ensuring that wheelchair users receive timely, efficient, and accessible services nationwide.

For more information, visit Motability Foundation.