Grants

Grants are funding or goods and services provided to people in need. Grant-giving organisations give a range of things, such as equipment or holidays.

Who can get a grant

Every grant-giving organisation will have its own criteria for who it will support. Some organisations focus on a specific disability, geographical area or occupation. Others help a broad range of people such as those with a disabled child or people on low incomes.

Most organisations will only help when local health and social services aren’t able to. In some cases, a social worker or other professional will need to apply on your behalf. You’ll need to check if you can apply for a grant yourself.

The professionals working with a deaf child may be able to provide letters to support grant applications.

Finding a grant

Local grants

You can find information about grants in your area from your:

• local council
• carers support service
• local deaf children’s society.

National grants

Turn2us is a free service that helps people find grants. It has a database of over 3,000 funds offering welfare and educational grants. You can search through this database on their website (Turn2us). You can also call their Helpline. You'll need to share information about yourself and your location to find the best match between your needs and the available funds. 

Disability Grants lists grant-giving organisations that help people with disabilities. You can search by location, disability and area of need. 

You can find useful publications from the Directory of Social Change. These guides should be available in your local library. 

Support to get online

There are some grants available to help families get online. This can include providing devices, internet access and support for remote learning.

Here are tips on how to access the technology you need to get online.

Apply for a grant

Some grant-giving organisations might be able to give financial support. You can apply for items like a laptop or a tablet that will help you get online. This may be a loan or you might be able to keep the technology.

The following organisations may be able to help:

• Birkdale Trust
• Disability Grants
• Family Action
• Family Fund
• Turn2us
• WaveLength.

Schools and colleges may be able to provide further support.

Financial support

Read the government’s benefits information to find out more. You can also contact your local social services for an assessment of need.

If you need more financial support, you may be eligible for benefits. We have information about the benefits available for deaf children and young people.