Funding is at the discretion of the Trustees. Grants range from around £100 to £500,000.
Applications are accepted from organisations that help the visually impaired in the UK or overseas. Organisations need not necessarily be a charity and can be a community interest company (CIC) or social group and could include:
- National and local blind and partially sighted societies
- Schools and colleges for visually impaired people
- Sports and social organisations for visually impaired people
Application from public libraries run by local authorities will be considered if these are additional to the local authority’s core service. Volunteer-run libraries may be supported if they are supported in cash or in kind by the local authority.
The funding can be used for costs associated with projects to improve or enhance services that will benefit people with significant visual impairments. Preference will be given to projects that will lead to longer-term benefits after the funding has ended.
Eligible costs can include equipment or materials. Staffing costs for specific, time-limited projects may be considered at Trustees’ discretion.
Applicants are considered four times a year.