Previously known as the Family Fund Trust for Families with Severely Disabled Children and celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023, the Family Fund Trust aims to helps meet the needs of families living on the lowest of incomes who are raising disabled and seriously ill children. Its vision is that families raising disabled or seriously ill children have the same choices, quality of life, opportunities and aspirations as other families.
The purpose of the charity, as set out in the governing document, is
(1) Primarily to assist families, parents and others with parental responsibility in the United Kingdom caring for a severely disabled child or person, and
(2) The relief of those in need by reason of disability, ill health, financial hardship or other disadvantage by:
(i) providing support by way of financial grants, goods, services and information;
(ii) furthering knowledge about disability and its impact on the disabled child or person, their siblings, parents or carers; and
(iii) working with other charitable organisations to delivery financial grants, goods, services and information to those in need by reason of disability, ill health, financial hardship or other disadvantage.
The current grant-making priorities of the Trust are:
o Families living on the lowest of incomes across the UK caring for a child or young person with a disability or serious illness up to the age of 25.
o Carers of disabled children and young people up to the age of 21, and their families, requiring a short break.
o Carers of disabled children and young people up to the age of three, requiring a lease for a vehicle that will support their mobility needs.
o Siblings within families living on the lowest of incomes caring for a child or young person with a disability or serious illness up to the age of 25 years; and
o As many families as possible will receive grants within the funding that is available.
The Trust aims to ensure that its grant-making
o Is informed by family voice.
o Meets a family’s individual needs.
o Provides a choice.
o Covers the cost of the item, where possible.
o Promotes positive outcomes.
o Results in lasting change.
o Is flexible and practical, and
o Is efficient, effective and responsive.
Further information, guidance and how to apply for grant support is available on the Trust’s website.
Applications may be made at any time.
