Deadline: 05-Jan-2026
The Wolfson Foundation offers grants to organisations supporting people with disabilities, focusing on independent living, training, employment, and supported housing. Funding covers new builds, refurbishment, and essential equipment, with grants ranging from £25,000 to £75,000, and match funding requirements depending on project size.
Introduction
The Wolfson Foundation provides funding to help organisations working with people with disabilities enhance independent living. Grants are available for new build projects, refurbishment work, and essential equipment, particularly for initiatives that support training, employment, and supported housing. The funding aims to improve facilities and services that enable greater independence for people with disabilities.
Focus Areas
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New Build, Refurbishment, and Equipment – Projects that improve or expand facilities to support disabled people.
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Independent Living Support – Initiatives that help people with disabilities live more independently.
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Training and Employment – Programs that enhance skills, employment prospects, and inclusion.
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Supported Housing – Facilities that provide safe, accessible housing for disabled individuals.
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Young People Transitioning to Adult Services – Projects supporting smooth transitions from children’s services.
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Organisations Facing Fundraising Challenges – Preference given to charities struggling to raise funds from the public.
Grant Details
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Minimum Grant: £25,000
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Typical Grant Range: £40,000 – £75,000
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Match Funding Requirements:
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Projects costing £50,000–£80,000: some match funding may be required.
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Projects costing above £80,000: at least 25% match funding required (Stage 2 application).
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Who is Eligible?
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Registered or Exempt Charities or equivalent organisations
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Local Authorities
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Preference for organisations that may find it challenging to raise funds from public donations
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Applicants should hold at least a ‘Good’ rating from a relevant regulator (e.g., CQC, Ofsted) if applicable
Why It Matters
Funding from the Wolfson Foundation enables organisations to:
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Improve facilities and services for people with disabilities
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Promote independent living through training, employment, and supported housing
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Support young people transitioning from children’s to adult services
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Expand capacity for organisations that struggle to secure public fundraising
How to Apply / How It Works
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Prepare Proposal – Include clear objectives, project scope, and anticipated benefits for people with disabilities.
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Stage 1 Application – Submit initial application demonstrating project alignment with Wolfson priorities.
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Stage 2 Application – Provide detailed plans, budget, and confirmation of match funding if applicable.
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Grant Approval – Successful projects receive funding to support new build, refurbishment, or equipment purchase.
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Implementation and Reporting – Deliver the project and report outcomes to the Wolfson Foundation.
Tips and Common Mistakes
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Clearly demonstrate how the project improves independent living for disabled people.
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Ensure match funding requirements are met before submitting Stage 2 applications.
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Include evidence of need and expected impact for training, employment, or supported housing initiatives.
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Provide regulator ratings if applicable to strengthen the application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply? Registered or exempt charities and local authorities, preferably organisations supporting disabled people with limited access to public fundraising.
2. What types of projects are funded? New builds, refurbishment, and essential equipment for independent living, training, employment, and supported housing.
3. What is the grant range? Typically £40,000–£75,000, with a minimum of £25,000.
4. Is match funding required? Yes, some match funding may be required for projects over £50,000; at least 25% for projects over £80,000.
5. Are regulator ratings required? If applicable, organisations should hold at least a ‘Good’ rating from relevant regulators like CQC or Ofsted.
6. Can the funding support young people transitioning to adult services? Yes, projects that support this group are eligible.
7. How should applications demonstrate impact? Include clear objectives, expected outcomes, and measurable benefits for people with disabilities.
Conclusion
The Wolfson Foundation funding provides critical support for organisations enhancing independent living for people with disabilities. By funding new builds, refurbishments, and essential equipment, the programme empowers organisations to improve facilities, expand services, and provide training, employment, and supported housing opportunities. This initiative strengthens capacity, promotes inclusion, and ensures greater independence for disabled individuals across the UK.
For more information, visit The Wolfson Foundation.