The Baily Thomas Charitable Fund is a registered charity, which was established primarily to aid the research into learning disability, and to aid the care and relief of those affected by learning disability by making grants to voluntary organisations (including schools and Parent Teacher Associations) within the UK working in this field.

The Trust consider under learning disability the conditions generally referred to as severe learning difficulties, together with autism. In this area, they consider projects concerning children or adults. Learning disability, thus defined, is their priority for funding. They do not give grants for research into or care of those with mental illness or dyslexia. Funding is available only to organisations within the UK. Grants will not normally be awarded to individuals.

Applications will only be considered from voluntary organisations which are registered charities or are associated with a registered charity. Meetings of the Trustees are usually held in April and October each year.

The Fund offers small grants up to £10,000 (Aug ) and larger grants over £10,000 (deadline Aug , meeting Nov). Funding is normally considered for capital and revenue costs and for both specific projects and for general running/core costs.

The following areas of work normally fall within the Fund’s remit:

• Capital building/renovation/refurbishment works for residential, nursing and respite care, and schools;
• Employment schemes including woodwork, crafts, printing and horticulture;
• Play schemes and play therapy schemes;
• Day and social activities centres including building costs and running costs;
• Support for families, including respite schemes;
• Support in the community schemes;
• Swimming and hydro-therapy pools and snoezelen rooms
• Independent living schemes;

How to apply: For further information visit their website www.bailythomas.org.uk/ or contact the Fund Administrator on 01582 439225 or email info@bailythomas.org.uk