GRANTS DISTRIBUTED DURING FINANCIAL YEAR END MARCH 2025

Anthony Nolan £2,877 Anthony Nolan makes lifesaving matches for people with blood cancer and blood disorders. A stem cell transplant could give someone a second chance at life. All proceeds from the sale of ‘Open Links’ by Dominic Holland are donated to Anthony Nolan. You can buy a copy from Amazon UK.

Ayr United Football Academy £10,000 Funding for the Honest Men’s Club - an initiative aimed at reducing isolation, loneliness, and improving the mental health of men in the community, particularly those aged 20 to 89. Many participants face challenges such as long-term health conditions, including dementia, diabetes, heart conditions, respiratory illnesses, and recovery from brain injuries and car accidents.The club runs once a week on a drop-in basis and has been an essential resource for nearly two years, with an average of 60 men attending weekly. Activities include light physical exercise such as walking football, board games, and presentations from external agencies that offer tailored support.

Bedelsford School £14,000 Bedelsford School is an outstanding special school which aims to provide innovative education and a challenging environment for pupils aged 2 to 19 in Kingston-Upon-Thames. The school specialises in educating pupils with a wide range of Physical Disabilities including those with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties, Moderate Learning Difficulties and Complex Health needs. Our grant is helping to buy an Inowalk machine which will be used by around 50 children each year that enables movement and physical activity.

Bothers Andre Cafe $24,000 The mission is to share the many talents of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) with the world. The only paid employees of the Café are the IDD individuals, everyone else are volunteers. This grant pays for equipment to expand their coffee shop and bakery in a second location.

The Campus School at Boston College $25,000 The Campus School educates students ages 3 to 22 with extensive support needs. It is a unique population including students with Cerebral Palsy, Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome), Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Global Developmental Delays. The personalized educational and therapeutic services focus on the potential of each student. Grant is to install ceiling lift to assist in comfortable and secure movement of the students. lift ($10k) equitable adaptive technology purchases ($15K)

Fairshot £13,000 Empowering Adults with Learning Disabilities through Specialty Coffee in London. This grant is towards a graduation ceremony for the young adults who have been training in ‘24/25 and sponsoring 2 new learners at their cafe.

Families United Network £10,000 Their Youth and Adult social clubs and skills workshops provide opportunities for over 75 young people and adults with disabilities and additional needs to have fun, make new friends and learn vital life skills as they transition into adulthood.

Fine Cell Work £10,000 Funding their Awards Scheme This scheme is an important initiative to encourage their stitchers. It enables them to reward them with cash prizes and certificates for volunteering, progress and participation. It will benefit c.150 prisoners across England.

Freedom Kit Bags £10,000 Providing women and girls in Nepal with the means and education to manage their Menstrual cycle hygienically, with comfort and dignity. This grant will enable them to increase production in two of their Sewing Rooms, Nepalgunj and Sanfebagar, to provide training, education, benefiting another 500 women/girls.

Friends of the Elderly Ireland £5,000 Christmas is often the loneliest time for older people, with many spending the day in silence, without visitors or calls. Friends of the Elderly hosts three Christmas parties each year, providing a festive celebration for 300 members. For some, it may be their only Christmas dinner. Held in a hotel, the event includes a four-course meal with wine, professional entertainment, and a special gift for each attendee. For many, this may be their only gift of the season.

Guy’s Gift £5,000 Since taking their first referrals for support in 2009, Guy’s Gift has helped over 4,500 children to cope with a range of debilitating problems that arise following bereavement. With their support they have been able to move forward and go on to reach their full potential after experiencing such a life-changing event. This grant will provide 12 months of CPD sessions for school professionals and healthcare professionals.

Honeypot £5,758 A national young carers charity who offer countryside respite breaks to give young carers, with responsibilities beyond their years, the opportunity to make happy childhood memories and build brighter futures. This grant will give 12 young carers a well deserved break and support.

The Latin American Foundation for the Future $5,000 (LAFF) works in Cusco, Peru. Their mission is to break the cycle of poverty in disadvantaged communities through quality education and personal development. This grant will directly cover the school fees and supplies for 38 beneficiaries at Casa Mantay. helping them not only attend school but also regain a sense of normalcy, rebuild their confidence, and work toward a future full of possibilities for both themselves and their children.

Mamabiashara £5,000 Emergency need grant following extreme flooding in Kenya. They rescued and set up more groups than before (four of them from areas specifically impacted by the flooding) as well as paying for medical aid for small girls requiring medical aid after having been sexually assaulted. Together with our previous grant, Mamabiashara were able to rescue around 600 women who each have an average of three children. Plus the two small girls who required surgery (and are now doing well)

The Mindstep Foundation £3,000 The Mindstep Foundation is a registered charity funding mental health and suicide prevention research, awareness and support. This grant has allowed Mindstep to sponsor an individual to qualify as a Therapeutic Counsellor.

The Mizen Foundation £15,000 Funding the Sparkle Awards which shines a spotlight on the extraordinary acts of kindness and community impact demonstrated by young individuals. The Sparkle Award celebrates individuals who embody the values of kindness, support, and community spirit. These are young people who may not always receive academic accolades but make an indelible impact on the atmosphere and well-being of their schools and communities. From lending a helping hand to offering words of encouragement.

P.E.A.K £45,000 An organisation dedicated to supporting families and educators who live or work with children pre or post an autism diagnosis. Their mission is to give support and training in practical strategies that address challenges faced whilst navigating the autistic spectrum so that your children reach their peak potential. The Brothers Trust start up grant is in its second year enabling this small charity to take a step up and we are really excited about the difference this has already made.

Sparks Book Awards £4,968 Funding the purchase of books for 720 disadvantaged children.

The St Francis Centre $30,000 St. Francis Center provides food, clothing, and other essential services for families in need in the Fair Oaks neighborhood. In an area once plagued by crime, the St. Francis Center staff, volunteers, and neighbors worked together to build a vibrant community. This grant will benefit 3 areas - $5k for asmartboard, $5K for their Art in Action project, and $20K towards building a playpark.

Sunny Days Children’s Fund £8,090 Purchase of an Eye Gaze machine. This is a communication aid using a mouse that is controlled by eyes. A special camera attached to the computer follows your eyes to see where you are looking on the screen. This will be a life changer for the recipient and her family.

Together for Short Lives £15,000 Together for Short Lives is the only national UK charity working to support children’s palliative care. They focus on enhancing the quality of life, providing relief from suffering, and offer holistic support to children and their families during their most challenging times. This grant will help them to support 30 families.