Accessibility Fund

We are delighted to announce the fourth round of our capital funding programme, the Accessibility Fund.

Grants are available from this fund to make spaces, which can be either indoors or outdoors, more accessible and welcoming for disabled people and people with mental health conditions.

Watch our video below to learn more:

What Can the Fund Support? 

The Experts with Lived Experience who worked with us to design this programme decided that we should be aiming to fund ‘the whole package’: in other words, we don’t just want to fund the cost of an access ramp, or the widening of a doorway. We want to use this fund to support projects that address the accessibility of spaces in a wider, more complete sense. While we expect every project we fund will include an element of improving physical access to the space, we’d also like projects to include other features such as:  

  • A welcoming atmosphere – making sure disabled people feel that the space is truly ‘for them.’ 
  • Sensory-friendly environments – improvements like clearer signage to support people with sensory conditions. 
  • Staff training – equipping people who work at the space with the knowledge and confidence to support disabled visitors. 
  • Clear visitor information – so disabled people know in advance what to expect when they arrive. 

Who Can Apply? 

This fund is open to non-profit organisations including charities, Community Interest Companies, social enterprises, and community groups.

For your application to be successful, you’ll also need to provide evidence that disabled people within your local community have been involved in the planning and design of your project. 

If your organisation doesn’t own the space you are using, you can still apply but we will need to see evidence of security of tenure, such as a copy of your lease. 

Learn more about the Accessibility Fund 

If you’d like to learn more about the Accessibility Fund, what projects we can support and how to apply, then sign up for one of our online drop-in sessions: 

  • Friday 14 August at 10:00am
  • Monday 17 August at 2:30pm
  • Thursday 20 August at 10:30am
  • Wednesday 2 September at 2:30pm

To join any of these sessions, please e-mail Ged Cassell, Funding Policy and Evaluation Manager: ged.cassell@barnwoodtrust.org. 

Please contact Ged to discuss your project before making your application. 

Deadline to apply 

  • Friday 25th September at 5pm

We recommend contacting Ged to discuss your project before applyingged.cassell@barnwoodtrust.org

Watch our video below to learn more about different types of accessibility:

Further information 

Ready to apply?

Complete the Expression of Interest form below and e-mail it to Ged Cassell, Funding Policy and Evaluation Manager: ged.cassell@barnwoodtrust.org by Friday 25th September at 5pm.