Grants & Support
At Blind Ambition, we are dedicated to supporting individuals who are blind or visually impaired by providing information on various grants available to enhance education, training, and daily living needs. Below are some notable organisations and programs offering financial assistance:
Gardners Trust for the Blind
The Gardners Trust for the Blind offers financial assistance to registered blind and partially sighted individuals in the UK. They provide one-off grants for education, training, household items, and potential pension grants.
How to Apply:
- Apply directly in writing with confirmation of disability from a third party.
- Contact: The Gardners Trust for the Blind, Suite 1, Unit 2, Stansted Courtyard, Takeley, Parsonage Road, Essex CM22 6PU
- Telephone: 020 7253 3757
- Email: gardeners@smithfield-accountants.co.uk
Guide Dogs
Guide Dogs provides grants for assistive or adapted technology and sensory items for children and young people under 18. The grants cover items not available from statutory services, with a minimum 10% contribution required. They also offer the Custom Eyes scheme for large print books for individuals up to 25 years old.
How to Apply:
- Download an application form from their website.
- Grants are considered bi-monthly.
- Website: www.guidedogs.org.uk
RNIB Technology Grants
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) provides grants up to £500 for UK residents who are registered blind or partially sighted and receive a means-tested benefit. Grants can be used for computer access equipment and assistive technology.
How to Apply:
- Download an application from their website.
- Applications are accepted year-round and require a supporting statement.
- Website: www.rnib.org.uk
The Vision Charity
The Vision Charity supports various groups and projects within the blind and visually impaired community. They fundraise for equipment, specialist services, and community projects, including sports participation for visually impaired children.
How to Apply:
- Contact Mr. Larry Davis via email or telephone.
- Email: larry.davis@visioncharity.co.uk
- Telephone: 01634-682548
- Website: www.visioncharity.co.uk
Civil Society Bursary Scheme
Civil Society Media is offering ten bursaries to individuals who may struggle to access career development opportunities. Successful applicants can choose three items from their portfolio of publications, training, and events, valued at £500.
How to Apply:
- Submit your application to events@civilsociety.co.uk with the title “Civil Society Media Bursary Application.”
- Bursaries are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Application Form
RNIB Pre-Employment Service
RNIB offers an information, advice, and guidance service for those looking for paid employment. While they do not write CVs or job search on your behalf, they can provide feedback on CVs and cover letters, help with positive disclosure, and assist with Access to Work applications.
Contact:
- RNIB Helpline: 0303 123 99 99
- Website: www.rnib.org.uk
RNIB Paid Placement / Work Trial Grants
RNIB offers grants for employers to provide paid work trials (placements) to visually impaired individuals. Placements can last up to 12 months and must be for a position the employer is looking to fill.
How to Apply:
- Contact the Pre-employment team via the RNIB Helpline: 0303 123 99 99
- Website: RNIB Jobs
In To Work (ITW)
RNIB partners with Shaw Trust and others to help blind and partially sighted individuals gain employment, providing training on assistive technology to make them job-ready.
Contact:
- Email: TFL@rnib.org.uk
- Telephone: 0303 123 999
TAVIP (Technology Association of Visually Impaired People)
TAVIP provides peer support and formal training on accessibility features in mainstream products and assistive technology. They offer monthly training sessions, an email discussion list, and an annual TechaBreak conference.
Contact:
- Email: info@tavip.org.uk
- Website: www.tavip.org.uk
Additional Resources
- Blindaid: For London residents.
- Website: www.blindaid.org.uk
- Blind in Business: Employment support.
- Website: www.blindinbusiness.org.uk
- Blind Veterans UK
- Website: www.blindveterans.org.uk
- British Wireless for the Blind Fund
- Website: www.blind.org.uk
- Individual Technology Solutions for Vision Impaired People (ITSVIP)
- Website: www.itsvip.co.uk
- The Primary Club: Funding for visually impaired sports clubs.
- Website: www.primaryclub.org
- The Vision Foundation: For London and community groups.
- Website: www.visionfoundation.org.uk
- The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers:
We encourage you to explore these resources and contact the respective organisations to learn more about the specific grants and support available. If you notice any errors or resources or grants we’ve missed please contact us.