Disability Rights UK is a national registered charity. As a charity, our funds are limited, and we are therefore unable to give financial assistance to disabled students or those working on their behalf.
If you can’t get the money you need to do a course from official or statutory sources, trusts may be able to help you raise the funds. Each trust has its own eligibility criteria, so it’s essential you make sure you meet the trust’s criteria before you apply. There is no guarantee you’ll get a grant from a trust even if you meet their criteria. Grants and awards are made at the discretion of each trust and they usually receive more applications than they can support. Who they help and the amount they give varies considerably.
Part A of the factsheet gives advice about how to apply to trusts. Part B lists trusts that may help with funding. Some trusts only help disabled students, while others help students in addition to other people. Most trusts help young disabled students, but some have flexible criteria and will consider funding mature disabled students.
Contents
Part B – Trusts that may help with funding
Trusts that help disabled students
Trusts that help disabled students (among other people)
Trusts that help women in education
Trusts that help students doing specific courses, including postgraduate courses
Trusts that help disabled students living or studying in certain regions or establishments
Part A – How to apply
Trust criteria
Charitable trusts will usually have an eligibility criteria that you have to meet in order to get help from them. The trusts will usually help you if you are on a low income or experiencing financial hardship and have something in common such as:
- the subject or course you are studying
- your personal circumstances, such as your impairment or medical condition
- where you live or have been brought up
- your family, your parental circumstances or their occupation
- your current or past occupation
- a combination of the above
Before you apply
Make sure you have obtained all possible statutory or official funding before approaching trusts. Before considering your application, most trusts will ask you if you’ve applied for all other possible sources of money.
Disability Rights UK has a number of factsheets that can help you identify other sources of financial support on funding further education for disabled students and funding higher education for disabled students.
When you apply
Contact the trust first to find out how to apply
- Read any instructions that are sent with the application.
- If you have to fill in a form, follow the instructions clearly. If you have any problems filling in the form, contact the trust directly.
Be clear about what you need the money for and how much you need
- Be concise. Write enough to say why you need the funding and how you match the criteria, but keep it short enough to be easy to read.
- If you have to fill in a form, avoid using extra sheets of paper unless it allows you to do so or if you feel it is absolutely necessary.
Try and make your application relevant to the trust to which you are applying
- Don’t send standard letters to several different trusts.
- It may be best to target your applications to a maximum of five or six trusts, rather than send out a large number of applications. This means you can spend more time on each, which should enable you to produce better quality applications.
Indicate how you propose to obtain all the funds you need
- Give a brief summary of the total amount you need and how you propose to raise this amount.
- Give details of other sources of funding you have approached or will approach.
- Many trusts give relatively small grants (for example, £100 - £200). You may need to apply to several in order to raise the full amount.
Ask for a realistic amount of money
- Check the details of the trust’s criteria and the amounts of the grants given.
Always check your application before you send it
- If possible, get someone else to check it for you.
Make sure your application arrives on time
- Some trust selection panels meet only once or twice a year to consider applications. Some trusts have deadlines for receiving applications.
- Because of the volume of applications they receive, some trusts are unable to acknowledge that they have received your application. If you’d like acknowledgement, send a self-addressed envelope or reply-paid postcard.
Keep copies of your applications and any further contact you have with the trusts. If you have any queries about your application, you can contact them again. Bear in mind that they may not have a staffed office that deals with day-to-day enquiries so it may take a while to get a response.
Disability Rights UK is unable to contact trusts on behalf of applicants.
Part B – Trusts that may help with funding
This list of trusts is divided into sections according to the people they aim to help. Remember you may fit into more than one category.
All application forms and further information can be obtained by contacting the trust directly.
Make sure you read the full information given and contact the trust for additional information before deciding whether to apply. It is best to enclose a self-addressed envelope (SAE) with all postal correspondence.
The following trusts are not the only ones that may be able to help you.
At the end of this factsheet there are details of websites and books you can consult for further sources of funding.
Trusts that help disabled students
Kidney Care UK
3 The Windmills, St Mary's Close, Turk Street, Alton GU34 1EF
Tel: 01420 541424
Email: info@kidneycareuk.org
Website: https://kidneycareuk.org/get-support/patient-grants/
One-off grants to help with the cost of university or college fees where appropriate, or the cost of books, equipment, lodgings or other expenses involved with educational and job opportunities. These grants are given to people with kidney disease of UK nationality. The application will need to be supported by renal social worker, transplant consultant or a member of your kidney care team.
Gardner’s Trust for the Blind
Suite 1, The Old Farmhouse, Stansted Courtyard, Parsonage Road, Takeley, Essex, CM22 6PU
Tel: 020 7253 3757
Email: gardeners@smithfield-accountants.co.uk
The trust gives one-off grants to people who are registered blind or partially sighted and live in the UK. The maximum amount of grant that can be awarded is £600. These grants can be used for assistive technology, education or training costs and household equipment.
Cystic Fibrosis Trust
One Aldgate, Second Floor, London, EC3N 1RE
Tel: 020 3795 1555
Email: jlef@cysticfibrosis.org.uk
Website: www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/joseph-levy-education-fund
The Joseph Levy Education Fund helps adults over the age of 18 with Cystic Fibrosis with costs of higher education, vocational training or other professional qualifications. It also accepts application from people with Cystic Fibrosis aged 16 or 17 who are not moving into formal further education and wish to undertake vocational training instead. Applications are accepted all year round, but the Panel only considers them twice a year. Applications received by 31 May are considered in June and those received by 30 November are considered in December. To apply you will need to download an application form from the website and email it to the above address.
Snowdon Trust
Unit 18, Oakhurst Business Park, Southwater, West Sussex RH13 9RT
Tel: 01403 732 899
Email: info@snowdontrust.org
Website: www.snowdontrust.org
The Snowdon Trust grant scheme helps students with a physical condition, long term illness or learning difference. Bursaries are made for one or two years and do not normally exceed £5,000. Awards are made for assistive technology and software, mobility equipment, additional cost of accessible accommodation, the cost of carers accommodation, sign language interpreters, notetakers and other vital human support. In exceptional circumstances, a grant cam be provided to help with the cost of tuition fees. You will need to provide evidence that this request is directly related to your experience of disability.
Applications are open year round. A panel meets three times a year to coincide with the three terms of the academic year.
You can apply by completing an online application form or by downloading the application form from the website.
The Trust also offers disabled students scholarships of up to £30,000 towards Masters fees and living expenses. It has been designed to identify and accelerate disabled students who have the ability create change and influence others.
Student Health Association
Email: Complete the online contact form
Website: www.studenthealthassociation.co.uk/
Grants of up to £500 are made to full-time (or nearly full-time) higher education students for support needs related to their impairment or medical condition. They expect students to apply for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) before applying to their Student Enablement Fund. Students who are disabled but not entitled to receive DSA are more likely to be awarded a grant. Applications should be made through their website and supporting evidence must be emailed to shaaf@studenthealthassociation.co.uk. Deadlines for applications are 1 March, 1 June, and 1 November. It takes about a month after the deadline to finalise awards.
Trusts that help disabled students (among other people)
Young Peoples Vocational Development Individuals Programme
Skinners’ Hall, 8 Dowgate Hill, London, EC4R 2SP
Tel: 020 7213 0561
Email: charities@skinners.org.uk
Website: www.skinners.org.uk/grants-and-trusts/atwell
Grants are available for young people living in London and Kent from low-income backgrounds, to help them gain vocational accredited qualifications. Grants of up to £2,000 are available to people aged between 16 and 26 years old, to take courses up to a level 4 that will help them move into employment. You can a receive a one-off award or a series of payments across the duration of the course. They consider grants for tuition fees, examination fees, general expenses during training such as accommodation, food, travel to college, childcare and living costs. To apply, you must complete an online application form. There are no applications deadlines, so you can apply at any time. It can take at least 4 to 6 weeks for a decision to be made.
The Birkdale Trust for Hearing Impaired
PO Box 852, Southport, PR8 9WG
Website: www.grantsforthedeaf.co.uk
Email: Complete the online contact form
The charity makes grants to young people up to the age of 25 towards the cost of specialist equipment, BSL courses, individual tuition and speech and language therapy. The Trustees meet six times per year to consider applications. You can download the form from the website. The completed form should be sent to the address above.
The Thomas Wall Trust
Five Kings House, 1 Queen Street Place, London, EC4R 1QS
Website: www.thomaswalltrust.org.uk
Email: Complete the online contact form
The charity supports people aged 18 or over who face financial hardship which prevents them from entering employment or education. Grants of up to £1,500 are available towards course fees to take accredited vocational training up to a level 3 and/or £750 for costs associated with studying such as equipment, travel, or any other relevant study costs. Applicants must have been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least three years, prior to the start of their course and have been unemployed for at least 6 months within the last 2 years. To apply, you must complete an online application form.
Trusts that help women in education
Funds for Women Graduates - FFWG Charitable Foundation
The Grants Administrator, Mrs J F Collett-Flatt, 4 St Michaels Gate, Shrewsbury, SY1 2HL
Tel: 01743 383047
Email: grants@ffwg.org.uk
Web: www.ffwg.org.uk
The FFWG offers Foundation Grants to women on postgraduate courses. Grants are only given for the final year of a PhD or D.Phil. Grants are intended to contribute towards living expenses, not fees, while studying or undertaking research at an approved higher education institution in Great Britain. The student’s nationality does not matter and there is no age limit. Grants are offered on a needs basis and the maximum amount is £6,000 and awarded in July for the following academic year.
FFWG also offers Emergency Grants to graduate women who face an unforeseen financial crisis whilst engaged in study or research. Emergency grants are offered on a needs basis twice a year, in April and December, and the maximum amount is £2,500.
Hilda Martindale Educational Trust
Tel: 07597 391729
Email: HildaMartindaleTrust@rhul.ac.uk
The Trust aims to help women towards training or studying for a career in a profession where women are underrepresented. The maximum award is £3,000. You will need to apply online. The application cycle for the 2025/26 is open with a deadline for 12 February 2025.
Trusts that help students doing specific courses, including postgraduate courses
Construction Youth Trust
London Scottish House, 95 Horseferry Road, London, SW1P 2DX
Tel: 020 7467 9540
Email: hello@constructionyouth.org.uk
Website: www.constructionyouth.org.uk
The trust helps financially disadvantaged young people who face barriers to accessing opportunities in the construction industry.
The trust delivers free courses that provide work experience as well as careers advice and practical training.
Grace Wyndham Goldie (BBC) Trust Fund
The Trustees, Grace Wyndham Goldie (BBC) Trust Fund, Pension and Benefits Centre, BBC Cymru Wales, Central Square, Cardiff, CF10 1FT
Tel: 0303 081 2848
Email: mypension@bbc.co.uk
Website: www.bbc.co.uk/charityappeals/appeals/grants/grace-wyndham-goldie
Grants are made towards educational costs to relieve short term hardship. Awards are made to people who are (or have been) engaged in broadcasting or an associated activity, as well as their children and dependants. To apply, you must complete an online application form or download and complete a copy of the form from their website. The form needs to be submitted by 31 July for consideration by the Trustees in September.
The Stationers' Foundation
Administrator, The Stationers’ Foundation, Stationers' Hall, Ave Maria Lane, London, EC4M 7DD
Tel: 020 7248 2934
Email: education@stationers.org
Website: https://stationers.org/education-charity/educating-for-the-future.html
The Stationers’ Foundation offers a number of scholarships and awards to those whose courses relate to the Communications and Content Industries.
The Foundation gives grants to UK residents under the age of 25 who intend to pursue a course of study associated with printing, bookbinding, archiving, stationery, papermaking, publishing, book selling or newspaper production. Awards average £2,000 each.
There is also a postgraduate bursary scheme which offers 16 annual awards for students on postgraduate courses that are related to the Communication and Content industries. Successful students receive a bursary of up to £9,000.
Financial assistance is also available towards the cost of starting or continuing education at college or university. Preference is given to students intending to enter the Communications and Contents industries after completing their courses. The application form can be downloaded from the website.
The Foundation also offers prizes and scholarships.
Saint Luke’s College Foundation
Dr David Benzie, 15 St Maryhaye, Tavistock, Devon PL19 8LR
Tel: 01822 613 143
Email: director@StLukesCF.org.uk
Website: https://stlukescf.org.uk
The Foundation offers awards to students for postgraduate studies in the fields of religious education and theology, normally studies leading to a taught or research Master’s degree or a PhD. Grants can help with the cost of fees, subsistence, travel, books, research, equipment, and study aids such as amanuensis. There is no age limit. Applications can only be made between January and 1st May each year. Funds are limited but the Foundation is keen to hear about and provide for unmet needs in the fields of theology and religious education. Application packs are sent out on request. Awards are announced on 30 June each year.
The Engineers Trust
The Worshipful Company of Engineers Charitable Trust Fund, Saddlers’ House, 44 Gutter Lane, London, EC2V 6BR
Tel: 020 7726 4830
Email: clerk@engineerscompany.org.uk
Website: www.engineerscompany.org.uk
The Engineers Trust is the charitable trust of the Worshipful Company of Engineers. The charity gives grants and assists in the support of hardship experienced by engineers, particularly whilst in education. There is no standard application form for grants. The applications are made in writing in any format to the contact details above.
Trusts that help disabled students living or studying in certain regions or establishments
England
Point North
Victoria House, Whitfield Court, St John’s Road, Meadowfield Industrial Estate, Durham DH7 8XL
Tel: 0191 378 6340
Email: info@pointnorth.org.uk
Website: https://pointnorth.org.uk
Point North is an independent grant-making charity, which can provide support for disabled individuals and families in need in County Durham and surrounding areas.
Wales
The Cambrian Education Foundation for Deaf Children
Website: www.cambrianfoundationfordeafchildren.com
The foundation helps hearing impaired students under the age of 25 in further and higher education. Applicants must be resident in Wales or have parents living in Wales. One-off grants are available up to a maximum of £500 and applications must be supported in writing by a teacher/tutor. Applications are considered throughout the year.
Scotland
Holywood Trust
Hestan House, Crichton Business Park, Bankend Road, Dumfries DG1 4TA
Tel: 01387 269 176 Fax: 01387 269 175
Email: funds@holywood-trust.org.uk
Web: www.holywood-trust.org.uk
The trust provides grants to young people aged between 15 and 25, who are resident in Dumfries and Galloway. Preference is given to people with health conditions or experiencing social disadvantage. Grants can include a contribution towards college or university expenses. The application must be made through a online Grants Management System.
The trust will not support postgraduate courses or second-degree courses.
John Watson’s Trust
James Hamilton, The John Watson’s Trust Administrator, Signet Library, Parliament Square Edinburgh EH1 1RF
Tel: 0131 225 0658
Email: jhamilton@wssociety.co.uk
Website: www.wssociety.co.uk/charities/jwt/
The trust will give grants to individuals up to and including 21 who have a physical or learning disability and are in education. Grants may be awarded for specialist tuition, books and equipment, bus passes, laptops where there is a special education need and college expenses. You can apply for a grant of any size with most awards ranging between £200 to £2,000. Applicants must be from Scotland and preference is given to those living in Edinburgh and the Lothian region. The deadlines to apply for a grant are 2 January 2024, 8 March 2024, 24 May 2024, 26 July 2024, and 25 October 2024. To apply, you must complete an online application form. Applications must include a supporting letter from a professional such as a teacher, social worker or a GP.
Webster and Davidson Mortification for the Blind
N Barclay, Thorntons Law LLP, Whitehall House, 33 Yeaman Shore, Dundee DD1 4BJ
Tel: 01382 229111
Email: gfulton@thorntons-law.co.uk
The trust makes awards to blind and partially sighted people to support their learning and appreciation of music. The Trust's annual income is used to provide a Musical Education Award and funding towards educational visits. Preference is given to people normally resident in Scotland. The closing date for application forms is 31 March each year.
Other funds
Rotary clubs and other ‘service in the community’ clubs
Local clubs and organisations have helped many students. Your local library will have a list of clubs and names of contacts.
Hardship Fund (England)
Discretionary Fund (Scotland)
Financial Contingency Funds Scheme (Wales)
Support Fund (Northern Ireland)
These schemes are broadly similar across the UK. Each institution administers these funds, which are available to support part-time and full-time students experiencing financial hardship. In England and Wales, priority is given to mature students, disabled students, final year students and care leavers over the age of 18. In Northern Ireland and Scotland, it is entirely up to the individual college or university how the funds are distributed. Contact the student support officer at your college or university to apply.
Additional information
For details of other trusts or charities, you can search through the books and directories or contact the organisations listed below. Most of the resources mentioned should also be available in your college library or local reference library.
Directory of Social Change
The following directories are published by the Directory of Social Change and are available directly from this organisation. You can also access these books at the Directory of Social Change’s reference library, based at the address below.
First Floor, 10 Queen Street Place, London EC4R 1BE
Tel: 020 4526 5995
Email: cs@dsc.org.uk
Website: www.dsc.org.uk
• A Guide to Grants for Individuals in Need 2024/25
Trusts that help with all types of expenses, not just for education
Money Saving Expert.com
Website: www.moneysavingexpert.com/students
Consumer website with tips for students on cutting costs, finding the best deals and saving money.
Royal Medical Benevolent Fund
Website: https://rmbf.org/
Information and advice to medical students on managing their finances. This includes sources of funding such as charitable trusts.
Other organisations’ lists
Other voluntary organisations or advice centres may have their own lists of trusts to help specific individuals. For example, the Royal National Institute of Blind People www.rnib.org.uk produces a factsheet, which lists grant-awarding charities that may assist blind and partially sighted students,
Sponsorship
It is sometimes possible to get sponsorship from employers to do courses, either if you already work for them or if you agree to work for them after you have finished your course. This type of sponsorship is usually only available for work-related courses.
Disability Rights UK Student Helpline
For further information on the support that is available for disabled students, please contact our Disabled Students Helpline - 0330 995 0414.
We also produce a range of education factsheets covering these subjects and frequently asked questions which you can access through our website at disabilityrightsuk.org.
Disability Rights UK resources
All our guidance and resources are free to download on our website at disabilityrightsuk.org.
23 September 2024