Learning Disability Support Fund (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 26-Feb-25

Inspiring Scotland is currently accepting applications for the Learning Disability Support Fund aims to sustain and support organisations working directly with people in Scotland with learning disabilities to build a more inclusive society, reduce inequality and provide opportunities for fulfilling lives.

The last thirty years have seen enormous changes in how people with learning disabilities are supported in society, however there is more work to be done. The Scottish Government remains committed to building a society where people with learning disabilities are fully included, valued, and supported to achieve their potential and their needs and rights are fully realised. The Learning Disability Support Fund will provide funding to third sector organisations working to promote equality and inclusion for people with learning disabilities in Scotland.

Objectives 

• The third sector plays a critical role in improving the lives of people with learning disabilities. This funding is aimed at supporting organisations’ efforts to create a society where people with learning disabilities can lead fulfilling, independent, and active lives as equal citizens.
• People with learning disabilities have shared their priorities in recent consultation and research. This has informed the fund objectives. Funded work will contribute to at least one the following objectives:
  • A more inclusive society
    • Organisations should provide activities that specifically address stigma, discrimination, bullying and loneliness of people with learning disabilities. Organisations should be working to improve the visibility of people with learning disabilities and focus on the rich contribution people with learning disabilities make in all aspects of life.
  • Improved health outcomes for people with learning disabilities
    • Organisations should provide activities that address health inequalities for people with learning disabilities. For example, this might be providing accessible health (including mental health) information for people with learning disabilities or supporting access to health services.
  • People with learning disabilities have a social network and safe relationships
    • Organisations should provide activities that offer opportunities for people to develop friendships and a social network. This might include providing education and support around developing relationships.

Funding Information

• Total funding available is £1,625,000: £325,000 for the first six months October 2025 to March 2026, and £650,000 per year for the following two years. The total minimum award per organisation will be £75,000 over the award period and the total maximum award per organisation will be £250,000.

Who can apply?

• You must be a Scottish not-for-profit organization
  • You should be a Scotland-based, not-for-profit, incorporated organisation with a ‘legal personality’. Please note if you are a registered charity this does not automatically mean you are an incorporated organisation, so please check the legal form of your organisation before applying. Eligible legal forms are shown below.
    • Company Limited by Guarantee
    • Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation
• Statutory services (e.g., NHS, Local Authorities) are not eligible to apply.
• You must have a bank account registered in the name of your organisation. This bank account must require two signatories for withdrawals.
• You must have strong experience working with people with learning disabilities
  • This fund is open to not-for-profit organisations committed to improving the lives of people with learning disabilities, their families and carers. This should be clearly set out in your organisation’s governing document (Memorandum and Articles or Constitution).
  • You can apply for funding if your work supports the transition to adulthood for children with learning disabilities who are over 14 years old. The Fund is not for work related to children under this age.
• Your organisation’s annual income must be between £100,000 and £2 million
  • Organisations with annual income levels of between £100,000 and £2 million are eligible. In addition, your request for funding must be less than 30% of your reported income. For example, an organisation with an annual income of £100,000 can apply for a maximum of £30,000 per financial year, or a total of £75,000 over the fund period. You will be asked to provide your income for the past three years, as reported in your annual accounts.

Documents Requirements

• All applications will need to upload the following documents:
  • Project or application budget (using the template provided)
  • Your organisation’s Memorandum and Articles or Constitution
  • A copy of your organisation’s most recent, signed Statutory Accounts
  • Your organisation’s Safeguarding policy
  • Your organisation’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy

For more information, visit Inspiring Scotland.