Access to Volunteering Fund
The Access to Volunteering Fund Pilot aims to increase the number of disabled people in volunteer positions by breaking down the barriers they currently face when wanting to volunteer. Disabled people are 9% less likely to volunteer than the rest of the population.
Backed by the Office of the Third Sectori, the £2 million Access to Volunteering Fund will give small grants to organisations to support disabled people in realising their desire to volunteer. Organisations can apply for grants between £250 and £5,000, which can be used to help overcome barriers that stop disabled people volunteering, such as specific equipment, a lack of suitable access and understanding of disability issues.
The fund operates between Autumn 2009 and Spring 2011 over five grant rounds. The first deadline for applications is 1 December 2009. However, organisations unable to submit an application by this date will have their applications considered in future grant rounds. In addition to supporting disabled volunteers, the pilot will test different ways to apply for funds such as video applications and face-to-face pitches. The grant fund is being managed by a consortium comprising Charities Aid Foundation, RNIB and Digital Public. For further information please visit: Access to Volunteering Fund