Variety Club’s Equipment Grants scheme

The Variety Club’s Equipment Grants scheme offers funding for specialist equipment which will be of clear direct benefit to a child or children up to the age of 18 with a disability/disabilities and/or with special needs.

The scheme aims to provide whatever equipment is required, whether it is: 

o Medical, such as monitoring equipment;
o Basic care like feeding tubes or hoists; or
o Sensory play or mobility equipment for a nursery or playgroup.

There is no lower or upper limit on the level of grant which may be awarded. However, most grants are for less than £5,000. Many requests are for sums under £1,000.

Applications can be made on behalf of individual children. These must be supported by a letter from an appropriately qualified medical professional, such as an occupational therapist, physiotherapist or paediatrician.

Applications can also be made from non-profit making groups and organisations working with children up to, and including, the physical age of 18 years. These include statutory bodies (schools and hospitals), hospices and small registered charities. The applicant must confirm that they will take responsibility to arrange for the maintenance and insurance of any equipment funded by Variety.

Funding is not available for:  

o Standard household equipment/furnishings;
o Standard medical equipment;
o Repayment of loans;
o Garden adaptions;
o Garden sheds or summerhouses;
o Cost of a family/wheelchair adapted vehicle;
o Administrative/salary costs;
o Laptops, iPads, computer hardware;
o Maintenance or on-going costs;
o Travel costs;
o Therapy sessions;
o Reimbursement of funds already paid out;
o Hire, rental costs or down payments;
o Trips abroad or holiday costs;
o Trampolines (due to safety aspect);
o Medical treatment or research;
o Education/tuition fees;
o Trikes, bikes or buggies.

Applications may be submitted at any time.

Application forms are available to download from the Variety Club website.

Payments are usually made on receipt of invoices from the supplier.

Contact details for the scheme are:

Julie Thomas
Grants Programme Manager
Variety Club
Variety House
93 Bayham Street
London NW1 0AG
Tel: 0207 428 8120
Email: grants@variety.org.uk

(Source: GRIN)