Loans and grants

Social Fund

The Social Fund is administered by Jobcentres and provides discretionary loans and grants for those on certain benefits.

Community care grants are available for families under 'exceptional pressure'
Budgeting loans are available if you need to buy something in a one-off payment but need help spreading the payments
Crisis loans are just that – loans for immediate urgent needs such as food or housing when everything hass gone badly pear-shaped

They also administer cold weather payments, which you may be entitled to if your child receives Disability Living Allowance.

Family Fund

The Family Fund helps families on a low income with severely disabled children by providing grants for 'things that make life easier and more enjoyable', such as washing machines, hospital visiting costs, computers and holidays. You can apply once a year.

"The Family Fund called today and said they can help! I was all of a dither because it was so out of the blue. They have offered money for garden play equipment, clothes, days out and sensory toys. The woman on the phone was lovely!" lou031205

Charities

There are thousands of funds for certain disabilities or people in certain geographical areas.

The following list includes some charities offering grants for families with children with special needs. Many of these organisations offer a lot more than grants, including information, advice and many other services. But if you're specifically looking for grants for your child, then this is a good place to start your research.

Aidis Trust Helps disabled people communicate more effectively - Communication aids, computers and assistive technology for people with disabilities. Advice, assessment and installation.
BDF Newlife Child and Family Grants Information and grants for specialist equipment.
Birchington Convalescent Benefit Fund Small grants towards holidays.
The Caudwell Charity Grants for children with an illness, disability or special needs.
Child Brain Injury Trust Small grants for children with acquired brain injury (or their siblings) to allow them to participate more in society eg. Trips out, funding for a new hobby etc.
Children Today Charitable Trust Provides grants for special equipment for children and young people with disabilities.

Mumsnet special needs webguide has links to heaps of other useful organisations

CLIC Sargent Small grants (£200 a year normally) for children and young people being treated for cancer, leukaemia or lymphoma or receiving palliative care for these diseases.
Cystic Fibrosis holiday fund Grants for children and young people with cystic fibrosis to have a holiday or special day out.
Dreams Come True 'Wish granting' for children and young people with serious or terminal illness.
Family Welfare association Distributes funds from over 70 trusts and is able to help out with welfare needs such as clothing, beds, and cookers, school trips etc.
Jessie's Fund Funding for music therapy.
Happy Days Children's Charity Provide holidays and days out for children with special needs (including young carers).
League of the Helping Hand Small grants (£50-£250) for essential household items, help with heating bills, travel costs for hospital visiting, grants for breaks for carers. Families cannot contact directly, you will need to ask your doctor, social worker, family support worker etc to complete your application.
Lions Clubs International There are many local Lions Clubs and they can help fund-raise for specific needs. Some may help with small grants.
Make-A-Wish Foundation(r) UK 'Wish granting' for children and young people with life-threatening conditions.
The National Holiday Fund for Sick and Disabled Children Organises holidays to Florida for children with a serious illnes or disability.
Newman Holiday Trust A voluntary organisation which provides holidays for children with special needs.
Pearsons Holiday fund Small grants (up to £75) for holidays/activities for children with special needs from benefit-income families. Their remit includes children with physical or learning disabilities, young carers, asylum seekers and homeless children.
REACT (Rapid Effective Assistance for Children with Potentially Terminal illness) Grants for children and young people with terminal/life limiting illnesses. Also offer holiday homes.
Roald Dahl Foundation Grants up to £500 for children and young people up to age 25 with certain medical conditions (neurology and haematology). Applications must be presented from a healthcare worker or similar.
Rotary International Local Rotary clubs may have small grants that they are able to give to local families, or may raise money for specific causes.
The Salvation Army Offers some grants for families on low incomes.
Starlight Children's Foundation 'Wish-granting' and hospital entertainment for children with serious and terminal illnesses.