Submit Applications for Harry’s Fund – United Kingdom

Deadline: 31-Dec-2026

Harry’s Fund provides financial support to young people aged 11–21 in Northamptonshire who have a diagnosed neurodiverse condition or are undergoing assessment. Grants of £100, and in some cases bursaries of up to £250, are available to support education, wellbeing, vocational training, hobbies, and essential personal development needs.

About Harry’s Fund

The Northamptonshire Community Foundation is accepting applications to Harry’s Fund, a grant programme designed to improve the education, health, and wellbeing of young people with neurodiverse conditions.

The fund provides financial assistance to help young people access resources, activities, and opportunities that support their development, independence, and quality of life.

Focus Areas

Harry’s Fund supports:

• Education and learning support
• Health and wellbeing improvement
• Personal development
• Vocational training and apprenticeships
• Leisure and recreational activities
• Social inclusion and participation

Funding Information

• Standard grant amount: £100
• Larger bursaries: Up to £250
  • Available where the application clearly demonstrates a significant impact on the individual’s wellbeing

What Can the Funding Be Used For?

Funding may support:

• Essential equipment
• Uniforms for vocational courses or apprenticeships
• Tools required for training programmes
• Travel costs
• Textbooks and recommended reading materials
• Gym memberships
• Bicycles
• Weighted blankets
• Sensory equipment and sensory support items
• Hobbies and leisure activities
• Other essential costs that contribute to education, health, or wellbeing

What Cannot Be Funded?

The fund does not support:

• Tuition fees for Higher Education

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must:

• Be aged between 11 and 21 years at the time of application
• Live in Northamptonshire
• Have a confirmed diagnosis of a neurodiverse condition, such as:
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • ADHD
  • Related neurodiverse conditions
• Or be currently undergoing the referral process for diagnosis

Required Evidence

Applicants must provide evidence of their neurodiverse condition through:

• A diagnosis letter, or
• Confirmation from a school SENCO or SEND department showing that support is being provided

Referee Requirements

Applications must include an independent referee.

The referee must:

• Be a professional who knows the applicant’s circumstances
• Be able to provide an informed reference

Suitable referees may include:

• Counsellors
• Education professionals
• Representatives from local charities
• Other relevant support professionals

The referee cannot be:

• A family member
• A personal friend

How to Apply

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Ensure the applicant:

• Is aged 11–21
• Lives in Northamptonshire
• Has a diagnosis or is undergoing assessment for a neurodiverse condition

Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents

Prepare:

• Diagnosis letter or SENCO/SEND confirmation
• Details of the item, activity, or support being requested
• Information demonstrating how the funding will improve wellbeing, education, or health

Step 3: Identify an Independent Referee

Obtain support from a qualified professional who can verify the applicant’s circumstances and needs.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Complete the application and provide all required supporting information and referee details.

Tips for Applicants

• Clearly explain how the requested funding will improve wellbeing or educational outcomes.
• Provide detailed information about the item or activity being funded.
• Demonstrate the positive impact the support will have on daily life.
• Include complete and accurate supporting evidence.
• If applying for a bursary above £100, explain why additional funding is needed and the difference it will make.

Why This Fund Matters

Young people with neurodiverse conditions often face additional barriers in education, wellbeing, training, and social participation. Harry’s Fund helps reduce these barriers by providing practical financial support that enables young people to access resources, experiences, and opportunities that contribute to their personal growth and overall wellbeing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for Harry’s Fund?

• Applicants must:
  • Be aged 11–21
  • Live in Northamptonshire
  • Have a diagnosed neurodiverse condition or be undergoing assessment

How much funding is available?

• Standard grants:
  • £100
• Larger bursaries:
  • Up to £250
    • Awarded where a strong wellbeing impact can be demonstrated

What types of neurodiverse conditions are eligible?

• Examples include:
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • ADHD
  • Related neurodiverse conditions
• Applicants undergoing referral or assessment may also be eligible.

What can the grant be used for?

• Education-related costs
  • Textbooks
  • Travel
  • Training equipment
• Wellbeing support
  • Weighted blankets
  • Sensory items
  • Gym memberships
• Personal development
  • Hobbies
  • Leisure activities
  • Bicycles

Can the fund pay Higher Education tuition fees?

• No.
• Contributions towards Higher Education tuition fees are not eligible.

What evidence is required?

• Applicants must provide:
  • A diagnosis letter, or
  • Confirmation from a school SENCO or SEND department

Who can act as a referee?

• Suitable referees include:
  • Counsellors
  • Teachers or education professionals
  • Charity representatives
  • Other support professionals
• Referees cannot be:
  • Family members
  • Personal friends

Conclusion

Harry’s Fund offers grants of £100 and bursaries of up to £250 to support neurodiverse young people aged 11–21 living in Northamptonshire. The programme helps improve education, health, wellbeing, and personal development by funding practical resources, activities, and opportunities that can make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.

For more information, visit Northamptonshire Community Foundation.