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  • Our mission

Our mission

Family Fund is the UK’s largest charity providing grants for families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people. Last year, we provided 92,585 grants or services worth over £32 million to families across the UK.

Our purpose is to improve the lives of low-income families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people.

Our mission is to provide items and services to all low-income families in the UK raising disabled or seriously ill children, that they could not otherwise afford or access, and that help improve their quality of life, realise their rights, and remove some of the barriers they face.

Our vision is that all families raising disabled or seriously ill children have the same choices, quality of life, opportunities and aspirations as other families.

We provide grants for a wide range of items, such as washing machines, sensory toys, family breaks, bedding, tablets, furniture, outdoor play equipment, clothing and computers. It can be a struggle financially, emotionally and physically for families raising a disabled or seriously ill child, and these grants help break down many of the barriers families face, improving their quality of life and easing the additional daily pressures.

Our ambition is to provide 150,000 grants and services to families across the UK by 2022. Click here to read our full strategy. 

Family Fund was established in 1973. On 29 November 1972, Sir Keith Joseph, Secretary of State for Health and Social Services, told the House of Commons that the government intended to provide £3 million, with the possibility of a further similar sum later, to help families caring for a disabled child. This unexpected announcement was the result of a public campaign on behalf of children affected by Thalidomide.

The first grant of £26 for hospital visiting costs was issued on 1 April 1973. For over 20 years the Family Fund operated as part of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation but in 1996 became an independent charitable trust.

Today, we are funded by the four UK governments, private donations and income we generate through the work of our trading arm, Family Fund Business Services. Over the 40+ years of our existence, we have helped with over a million grants for families.

We believe that our families face ever-present and substantial pressures in their lives. We believe that by providing grants we help relieve some of that pressure and provide vital time and space in families’ lives. We believe that this time and space helps strengthen the family unit to support parents in raising their children. We believe all children deserve the best possible opportunities and that, by providing these grants, we help extend the boundaries of what is possible.

Find out more about our impact.

Read some of our families’ stories.

Read our latest annual report.

Published: 17th July, 2015

Updated: 21st January, 2021

Author: Jim Paterson

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    In 2018/19 we helped 59,018 families with grants across England.

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    Working with the sector

    We work with organisations across the third sector to help deliver change and services for families raising disabled or seriously ill children.

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    Our Board of Trustees provide the vital skills, expertise, experience and commitment essential to the proper management of the Fund, and to develop our services to continue to meet the needs of families.

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    Our senior management team provide guidance and leadership for the organisation.

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    We are a small team working hard to deliver a large number of grants to families across the UK every year.

  • Wales

    Wales

    In 2018/19 we helped 1,055 families with grants across Wales.

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    Northern Ireland

    In 2018/19 we helped 4,036 families with grants across Northern Ireland.

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    Scotland

    In 2018/19 we helped 6,268 families with grants across Scotland.

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  • Apply for a grant

    Apply for a grant

    If you’re raising a disabled or seriously ill child, and need support with essential items, we can help

  • My Account

    My Account

    If you have had a grant from us before you may be able to complete your next application online.

  • Who do we help?

    Who do we help?

    We help families across the UK who are raising a disabled or seriously ill child or young person aged 17 or under. Find out if you could be eligible.

  • What can we apply for?

    What can we apply for?

    We will look at any grant request that relates to the needs of your disabled or seriously ill child, young person and your family.

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    Family break - Inspire

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  • Child and young person eligibility criteria

    Child and young person eligibility criteria

    We use our own child and young person's eligibility criteria. Read through to see if you may be eligible for support.

  • I would like to apply for a grant

  • Order an application pack

  • Computers and tablets

    Computers and tablets

    We can consider grants towards a variety of computers and tablets

  • Kitchen appliances

    Kitchen appliances

    We can consider helping with a variety of kitchen appliances to support your family’s needs

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Call us on 01904 550055

4 Alpha Court
Monks Cross Drive
York YO32 9WN

© Family Fund 2021 All rights reserved

Family Fund Trust. Private company limited by guarantee. Incorporated in England and Wales. Registration no. 3166627. Registered charity no. 1053866. Scottish charity no. SC040810. Family Fund Trust is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under reference number 912508.

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