GrantFinder
 Family Fund Trust - Your Opportunity Grants Programme

Prepared for Lyndsey Read of Dover District Council

Family Fund Trust - Your Opportunity Grants Programme NEW

Fund ID:	S53982	
Status:	Open for Applications	
Last updated:	Not specified	
Grants are available for families in the UK who are raising a disabled or seriously ill young adult aged 18 to 24 years old and living at home to fund a range of items and activities that will enhance the young person's life.
Fund Information
Funding body:	Family Fund Trust	
Maximum value:	Discretionary	
Application deadline:	None specified	
Background
Set up in 2019, the Your Opportunity grant programmes is funded by a range of funding sources, including the Family Fund, the Edward Gostling Foundation, Pears Foundation and The Julia Rausing Trust. 
When disabled young people reach 18, they lose vital financial and wider support, including available learning opportunities and local groups and activities. These grants are designed to plug some of that gap. They help young people lead fulfilling lives and pursue their goals and interests. 
As household costs continue to rise, the grants can help families meet the significant extra costs of caring.
Objectives of Fund
This dedicated grants programme aims to enhance the life of disabled, or seriously ill, young adults, aged 18 to 24 years old, living at home.
Value Notes
Grants are subject to the funding being available and is awarded at the discretion of the Family Fund.
Match Funding Restrictions
The Fund is not always able to meet the full cost of every item requested.
Who Can Apply
To be eligible, applicants must: 
•	Be the main parent, or carer, of a disabled or seriously ill young adult aged 18 to 24, who lives at home with them.
•	Not have received a Your Opportunity grant, on behalf of this young adult, in the past 12 months.
•	Have lived in the UK for the last six months.
•	Be a family on a low income from work, or benefits such as Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit etc.
The young adult for whom the application is being made needs to have a high level of support needs, in three or more of the following areas: 
•	Personal care, supervision and vigilance – needs support with feeding, washing, toileting, or needs to be supervised at all times.
•	Access to social activities – needs extra support to access social or leisure activities, including difficulty travelling, or where they are currently socially isolated.
•	Education/vocational training – has additional educational support needs, or needs extra help to attend vocational training.
•	Communication – needs support to listen, speak or understand.
•	Therapy and medical treatment – needs treatment or therapy. 
•	Specialist resources used – needs resources such as a wheelchair, oxygen, screen magnifier or electronic communication aid.
•	The physical environment – needs support with getting around, travelling independently, and keeping safe. 

Location
United Kingdom
Restrictions
The following are not eligible for funding: 
•	Requests for a family break or a holiday (although day trips can be considered)
•	Requests for standard or electric wheelchairs (as these should be provided by statutory services)
•	Any equipment that should be provided under statutory provision through local, education or health authorities.
Eligible Expenditure
The following are ideas and examples of things which could benefit young adults: 
•	Digital equipment – including laptops, tablets or software to help with learning, coursework or gaming
•	Clubs and activities – membership fees, sports training, support with season tickets or materials for a hobby
•	Musical instruments – contributions towards an instrument of choice
•	Sports equipment – kit or uniforms, specialist equipment, such as a specialist sport or lightweight wheelchair, or wheelchair maintenance
•	Transport – railcards, train tickets or bus passes
•	Day trips – tickets for the cinema, theatre, concerts or meals out
•	Support for learning – books, stationery or uniform, to support further education, training or vocational courses, including conferences or study weekends
•	Driving ambitions – contributions for a provisional licence, including licence costs, learning materials, theory tests or initial lessons
•	Bedroom furniture – assistance with beds and bedding, or televisions
•	White goods – kitchen items such as fridge freezers, cookers or washing machines, to help with independence.
How To Apply
Applications have opened for 2025.  
Funding is limited and applications are accepted from families on a first-come, first-served basis, until funding is fully allocated. 
Eligibility criteria and the online application form can be found on the Family Fund Trust website. 
Contact the Family Fund helpline for further information.
Useful links
Family Fund UK
https://www.familyfund.org.uk/
Family Fund - Your Opportunity Grant Programme 2025
https://www.familyfund.org.uk/news/your-opportunity-grant-programme-reopened/
Addresses and contacts
For further information on how to obtain this grant locally, please contact the following:
Family Fund Helpline
Family Fund Trust
4 Alpha Court
Monks Cross Drive
Huntingdon
York
YO32 9WN
Tel: 01904 550055
E-Mail: info@familyfund.org.uk