The next application deadline is 1 December 2025
The Baily Thomas Charitable Fund provides small grants and general grants for projects that assist the care and relief of people affected by a learning disability.
Baily Thomas considers learning disability to cover the conditions generally referred to as severe learning difficulties, together with autism. Funding is available for projects that benefit children or adults. The Charity defines learning disability as:
- A need for support/help to fulfil ordinary daily activities.
- Having global intellectual impairment (an intelligence quotient of less than 70), and
- The learning disability was onset before the age of 18 years.
Grants are available for capital or revenue costs and for both specific projects and general running and core costs. Research projects can also be funded. Normally one-off grants are awarded, but occasionally a new project may be funded over 2-3 years, subject to satisfactory reports of progress.
The following funding is available:
1. Small Grants: from £250 up to £9,000.
2. General Grants: over £9,000.
Matched funding isn’t always essential, but it may be expected in some instances, particularly for larger grant requests. Examples of the type of project that could be funded through the programme are (please note that this is not an exclusive list):
o Employment schemes, including woodwork, crafts, printing and horticulture.
o Play schemes and play therapy schemes.
o Refurbishment works for residential, respite care and schools, and
o Support for families, including respite schemes.
Further information, guidance and an online application form is available on their website which can be accessed by following this link
