Your Opportunity (18 to 24 year olds)
This programme is currently closed, as all funding for this year has now been allocated and will reopen for applications in April 2024.

Important Information
From 24 October 2023, the Your Opportunity grant programme, which supports young people aged between 18 and 24, and their families, is closed to new applications.
More than 1,400 families have received a Your Opportunity grant since we opened the current programme in April 2023 and all available funding has now been allocated.
We know this is disappointing news for anyone who would like to apply, but we expect to reopen the programme in April 2024 when more funding is available. As soon as we have the exact dates, we will post them on this page, and on our social media channels.
If you have already submitted an application, you do not need to do anything. We will contact you directly by the end of November to let you know whether, or not, we are able to provide you with a grant.
About Your Opportunity
Your Opportunity is a dedicated grant programme which aims to enhance the life of disabled, or seriously ill, young adults, aged 18 to 24 years old, living at home. Young people cannot apply on their own but applications should come from parents or carers.
Funding for Your Opportunity is limited and applications are accepted from families on a first-come, first-served basis, until funding is fully allocated.
Who can apply?
You can apply for your young adult if you can say yes to all the following:
- you are the main parent, or carer, of a disabled or seriously ill young adult aged 18 to 24, who lives at home with you
- you have not received a Your Opportunity grant, on behalf of this young adult, in the past 12 months
- you have lived in the UK for the last six months
- you are a family on a low income from work, or benefits such as Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit etc.
Our eligibility criteria
The young adult you’re applying for needs to have a high level of support needs, in three or more of the following areas, to meet our eligibility criteria:
- personal care, supervision and vigilance – needs support with feeding, washing, toileting, or needs to be supervised at all times
- access to social activities – needs extra support to access social or leisure activities, including difficulty travelling, or where they are currently socially isolated
- education/vocational training – has additional educational support needs, or needs extra help to attend vocational training
- communication – needs support to listen, speak or understand
- therapy and medical treatment – needs treatment or therapy. We’ll need to know what treatment is given, who does this, how often and when; or where your young adult is unable to manage their treatment or medication needs themselves
- specialist resources used – needs resources such as a wheelchair, oxygen, screen magnifier or electronic communication aid
- the physical environment – needs support with getting around, travelling independently, and keeping safe.
What can you apply for?
You may find the following ideas and examples helpful when thinking about what would benefit your young adult:
- digital equipment – including laptops, tablets or software to help with learning, coursework or gaming
- clubs and activities – membership fees, sports training, support with season tickets or materials for a hobby
- musical instruments – contributions towards an instrument of your choice
- sports equipment – kit or uniforms, specialist equipment, such as a specialist sport or lightweight wheelchair, or wheelchair maintenance
- transport – railcards, train tickets or bus passes
- day trips – tickets for the cinema, theatre, concerts or meals out
- support for learning – books, stationery or uniform, to support further education, training or vocational courses, including conferences or study weekends
- driving ambitions – contributions for a provisional licence, including licence costs, learning materials, theory tests or initial lessons
- bedroom furniture – assistance with beds and bedding, or televisions
- white goods – kitchen items such as fridge freezers, cookers or washing machines, to help with independence.
Your Opportunity cannot consider:
- requests for a family break or a holiday (but day trips can be considered)
- requests for standard or electric wheelchairs (as these should be provided by statutory services)
- any equipment that should be provided under statutory provision through local, education or health authorities.
How to apply
This programme is currently closed, as all funding for this year has now been allocated and will reopen for applications in April 2024.
If you have questions or want to know more about Your Opportunity, please contact us.
Your Opportunity funders
‘Your Opportunity’ is funded by Family Fund along with The Edward Gostling Foundation, Pears Foundation and NPC Open Philanthropy.
Information and Support for disabled young adults and their families
NDTI – Preparing for Adulthood
NDTI are an independent, not-for-profit organisation that has worked alongside people, communities, policy makers, support organisations and services to support children and young people who have a learning disability.
Find resources on preparing for adulthood, employment, independent living, relationships, local offer and EHC planning.
Call 01225 255 268
Transition Information Network
The Transition Information Network is a source of good practice, information, and support for disabled young people, families, and professionals. It’s part of the Council for Disabled Children and was set up to provide targeted information and resources about preparing for adulthood.
Visit the Transition Information Network website
Contact
Contact are a disabled children’s charity who support families by providing guidance and advice.
Contact provides information and advice on key topics to think about as your child moves into adulthood.
Visit the Contact website
Call 0808 808 3555
National Autistic Society
The National Autistic Society is the UK’s leading charity for people on the autism spectrum and their families.
They provide advice and guidance about strategies and support that can help with transitioning between different stages of life.
Visit the National Autistic Society
Princes Trust
Princes Trust support young people to succeed. They provide courses, resources and other support to help young people aged 11 to 30 to develop essential life skills, get ready for work and access job opportunities.
Visit the Princes Trust website
Affinity Trust
Affinity Trust support people with learning disabilities, autism, mental health, physical disabilities, and other complex needs to live as independently as possible.
Visit the Affinity Trust website
Call 01844 267800
Leonard Cheshire
Leonard Cheshire provide support to people with disabilities to live, learn and work as independently as they choose whatever their ability. They provide a variety of services including residential and supported living, therapy suites, social activities, and training.
Visit the Leonard Cheshire website
Grants for disabled young adults
Using the Turn2us grant search, you can find local and national grants you may be eligible to apply for. All you need to do is provide some details and Turn2us will show a list of grants you could apply for in your area.
Turn2us grant searchPlease note that any information you include on the form will not be shared with Family Fund. You can find the Turn2us privacy policy on their website.
For support with the Turn2us grant search tool, call 0808 802 200.