SERVICE DETAILS
We are currently running a small grant programme called 'Your Opportunity' that supports disabled and seriously ill young people aged 18-24 years old who are living at home. This runs in the same way our main Family Fund grants programme for those aged 17 and under. The main difference is that we cannot help with grants for family breaks through 'Your Opportunity'.
'Your Opportunity' has very limited funding and we will accept applications from families on a first come, first served basis until the funding is fully allocated. We can only process one application per household, so if you have already received a grant from Family Fund in the last 12 months, or are awaiting a decision, we will not be able to accept an application to 'Your Opportunity'. This is to help us reach as many families as possible with the limited funding we have.
Please note that young people cannot apply to ‘Your Opportunity’ independently – the application has to come from the parent or carer. You can only receive a ‘Your Opportunity’ grant once.
We will keep https://www.familyfund.org.uk/help-for-18-24-year-olds updated on the availability of funding and announce when it is fully allocated.
If you think that you may be eligible, please return a completed application form (this must be a paper application) and a ‘Your Opportunity’ declaration form, ensuring both are signed before you put them in the post, to: Your Opportunity, Family Fund, 4 Alpha Court, Monks Cross Drive, York, YO32 9WN
If you have questions or want to know more about Your Opportunity, please contact us.
What to apply for?
You may find the following ideas and examples helpful when thinking about what would benefit your young person
Digital/computer equipment
This means things like laptops, tablets, desktops, software to help with coursework, software/IT training, gaming or similar.
A Club and Activities grant
This grant is for things like membership fees, season tickets, or equipment and materials for a young person to follow an interest. This could be for sports training, workshops, music lessons, martial arts, horse riding or similar.
Sports equipment and accessories
This can be for things like kit or uniforms, sports equipment and materials, or specialist equipment to enable you to take part in sports activities, such as a sport wheelchair.
Transport grant
For a young person to get around; this could include a young person’s railcard, train tickets, bus passes or similar.
Recreation grant
This grant helps young people to go out and can be used for things like going to a gig, the cinema, theatre, or even having a meal out with friends.
College starter or Vocational studies grant
This helps a young person to purchase relevant equipment or tools, books, uniform, stationery or materials for a training or vocational course.
Driving Ambitions grant
A short taster course for young people to find out if they will wish to learn to drive.
Musical instrument grant
This contributes towards the costs of musical instruments.
Who can apply?
You can apply if you can say Yes to all of the following:
- You have not received a grant from Family Fund on behalf of any child or young person in the past 12 months.
- You are the young person’s main carer.
- You have lived in the UK for the last six months.
- You are a British or EU citizen; or you have the right to reside in the UK and have recourse to public funds.
- You are in receipt of any of the following benefits: Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit, Income Support, Housing Benefit.
And
You are applying on behalf of a disabled young person who:
- Is aged between 18 - 24 years
- They live at home* with you and have lived with you for six months or longer
If you can say yes to all these, you can apply for a grant.
Eligibility criteria...
Please see https://www.familyfund.org.uk/help-for-18-24-year-olds
How to apply...
Please see https://www.familyfund.org.uk/help-for-18-24-year-olds to request or download an application form. We are not able to accept online applications to Your Opportunity.
