Registered UK-based charities can apply for funding to support new and innovative projects that benefit blind and partially sighted people in the priority areas of education, employment, engagement, collaboration, and sustainability.

The Thomas Pocklington Trust is offering grants to registered charities to support projects and activities that deliver positive outcomes for blind and partially sighted people across the United Kingdom. 

The Trust will support new and innovative projects that will achieve a positive impact in at least one of the following priority areas:

• Education: enabling opportunities for blind and partially sighted children and young people in and entering education.
• Employment: creating employment opportunities for blind and partially sighted people.
• Engagement: facilitating the voice and encouraging self-determination of blind and partially sighted people.
• Collaboration and Sustainability: promoting positive change to improve the capacity and sustainability of the sight loss sector.

Funding will also be considered for applications in the following areas:

• Infrastructure and impact – including developing technological capabilities, restructuring reviews, Theory of Change, feasibility studies, partnership working (including resource sharing) and integrations and mergers.
• Insights and research – including gaps in data and evidence that can improve knowledge across the sector.
• Innovation Seed Fund – initial funding for ideas and projects which can have a transformative benefit to the lives of blind and partially sighted people.

Funding can be used to cover costs such as new staff posts, professional fees, paid training, resource development, or capital items. 

Most grants will be around £10,000 or less. However, larger amounts will be considered in exceptional circumstances. The programme may close early depending on demand.

The deadline for applications is 5 February 2023. 

How To Apply

This fund is now open. The deadline for applications is 5 February 2023, however, the programme may close sooner depending on demand.

Guidelines and access to the grants portal is available from the Trust's website.