Deadline: 15-Dec-2025

The Motability Foundation Travel Training Grant provides £50,000–£1 million to UK-based organisations to deliver travel training schemes for disabled people. The programme supports new initiatives, expansion of existing services, and innovative approaches to enhance independence and confidence on public transport.

Motability Foundation Travel Training Grant

Overview

The Motability Foundation is offering grants to strengthen travel training schemes across the UK. The initiative aims to help disabled individuals gain confidence and independence when navigating public transport. Funding can be used to scale existing services, introduce new approaches, or test innovative models of travel support.

The programme prioritises:

• Enhancing travel confidence and independence for disabled people

• Supporting practical, sustainable training interventions

• Encouraging innovation in mentoring, peer-support, and training methods

Why It Matters

Many disabled individuals face challenges when travelling independently, such as:

• Limited accessibility and infrastructure support

• Anxiety or lack of confidence

• Insufficient guidance or information

Travel training schemes funded by this programme aim to:

• Improve mobility and access to work, education, and social opportunities

• Increase self-confidence and emotional resilience

• Reduce reliance on personal assistance and promote autonomy

Who is Eligible?

Eligible organisations include:

• Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisations (DDPOs)

• Charities, community interest companies, and other legally constituted UK-based organisations

Eligibility requirements:

• Operational for at least three years

• Demonstrate financial stability with sufficient income and reserves

• Capable of delivering effective travel training programmes with measurable outcomes

Grant Funding Details

• Funding Amount: £50,000 – £1,000,000 per project

• Project Duration: 1–3 years

• Funding Can Cover:

  • Staffing and training delivery costs

  • Materials and resources for travel sessions

  • General overheads to ensure programme sustainability

Focus Areas and Priorities

The grant supports projects that:

1. Deliver existing travel buddy or mentoring programmes

2. Implement classroom-based or structured training for travel independence

3. Pilot innovative or experimental approaches to boost travel confidence

4. Improve access to information, emotional support, and public transport guidance

5. Encourage replicable models of peer-support, mentoring, or creative solutions

How to Apply / What to Do

1. Prepare a Proposal: Detail objectives, approach, expected outcomes, and the programme’s impact on disabled people’s travel confidence.

2. Demonstrate Organisational Capacity: Provide legal documents, financial records, and evidence of at least three years of operational experience.

3. Outline Funding Use: Explain how funds will be allocated for staffing, training materials, session delivery, and overheads.

4. Submit Application: Follow the Motability Foundation’s official application process and adhere to deadlines.

5. Evaluation: Applications are assessed for innovation, impact, scalability, and alignment with programme priorities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to demonstrate organisational stability or legal constitution

• Not showing a clear plan for measurable impact on disabled people’s independence

• Overlooking sustainability or replicability of the proposed model

• Submitting applications without a detailed budget or funding breakdown

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply?
UK-based charities, DDPOs, community interest companies, and legally constituted organisations with at least three years of operational experience.

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

3. How long can a project run?
1 to 3 years.

4. What types of projects are supported?
Existing travel buddy or mentoring programmes, classroom-based training, and new or experimental travel confidence initiatives.

5. Can the funding cover staff and materials?
Yes, grants can cover staffing, training delivery, materials, and essential overheads.

6. Are innovative projects encouraged?
Yes, creative and experimental approaches that improve independence and travel confidence are prioritised.

7. Who benefits from this grant?
Disabled people across the UK, especially those in underrepresented or deprived areas.

Conclusion

The Motability Foundation Travel Training Grant is a strategic opportunity for UK organisations to expand or innovate travel training services. By funding initiatives that enhance independence, confidence, and access to public transport, the programme supports lasting inclusion, equity, and improved mobility for disabled communities nationwide.

For more information, visit Motability Foundation.