Elifar Foundation Limited

Quick Stats

• Annual Income: £234,000 (FY 2023)
• Grant Type: Individual equipment grants
• Decision Time: Not publicly specified
• Grant Range: Not publicly specified
• Geographic Focus: UK-wide
• Age Focus: Children and young adults up to age 28

Contact Details

• Website: www.elifarfoundation.org.uk
• Email: enquiries@elifarfoundation.org.uk
• Phone: 020 7318 5873
• Address: Camelot Park Road, Dormans Park, East Grinstead RH19 2NQ

Overview

The Elifar Foundation is a small national charity established to help improve the care, facilities, and equipment available to profoundly disabled children and young adults, both at home and in residential care. Registered in 2013 (charity number 1152416), the Foundation focuses specifically on children and young adults up to age 28 who have severe learning difficulties and associated physical disabilities. The charity is run almost entirely by volunteers, with all administrative costs covered by corporate sponsors, ensuring that every donation goes directly to equipment grants. The Foundation's trustees include busy professionals, amongst them parents of severely disabled children, who meet regularly to assess applications on an individual basis.

Important Note: As of early 2025, the Foundation is not accepting new applications due to a shortage of available funds. They are working to generate funding and will reopen applications when resources permit. Prospective applicants should check the website or contact the Foundation directly for updates on application availability.

Funding Priorities

What They Fund

The Elifar Foundation provides grants to individuals (not organisations) for highly specialised disability equipment that would otherwise be unavailable due to lack of funds or statutory provision. Equipment funded includes:

• Electronic wheelchairs and manual wheelchairs
• Specialised trikes and adaptive cycling equipment
• Specialised seating systems
• Communication aids and devices
• Eating aids and adaptive feeding equipment
• Special beds and sleep systems
• Hoists and lifting equipment
• Sensory equipment
• Specialist holidays designed for disabled children and young adults

Each application is assessed individually by the trustees, and grants are discretionary and subject to available funding.

Eligibility Criteria

• Children and young adults up to age 28
• Individuals with severe learning difficulties and/or physical disabilities
• UK residents
• Equipment must not be readily available through statutory provision (NHS, local authorities, etc.)
• Financial need must be demonstrated
• Supporting evidence from a professional (medical, educational, or social care) is required

What They Don't Fund

• Applications from individuals over age 28 (currently suspended due to funding pressures)
• Equipment readily available through statutory services
• Retrospective funding for equipment already purchased
• Organisational or project grants (the Foundation funds individuals only)

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Governance and Leadership

The Foundation is governed by a board of seven trustees who serve on a voluntary basis without remuneration. The trustees are professionals from various sectors and include parents of severely disabled children, bringing direct lived experience to decision-making. The Foundation operates with 20 volunteers and no paid staff, keeping administrative costs to an absolute minimum. All running costs are covered by a corporate sponsor, allowing the Foundation to direct 100% of donations and fundraised income to equipment grants.

How to Apply to Elifar Foundation Limited

Current Status

Applications are currently closed due to shortage of available funds. The Foundation is working to generate funding through fundraising events and donations, and will reopen the application process when resources permit.

How to Apply (When Open)

Applications are made using the Elifar Grant Application Form available on the Foundation's website. Applicants must provide:

• Completed application form
• Financial details demonstrating need
• Supporting evidence from a professional (such as an occupational therapist, doctor, teacher, or social worker) explaining the need for the equipment

Applications can be submitted on behalf of the individual by parents, guardians, carers, or professionals.

Decision Process

The trustees meet regularly to assess applications. Each application is considered on an individual basis, taking into account:

• The severity of the individual's disability
• Financial circumstances of the family
• Whether the equipment is available through statutory provision
• The impact the equipment will have on the individual's quality of life
• Available funds at the time of application

Grants are discretionary and there is no entitlement to funding. Decision timelines are not publicly specified and may vary depending on funding availability and application volume.

Reapplication

Individuals may apply for different equipment needs at different times, subject to the Foundation's funding availability and eligibility criteria.

Application Success Factors

While specific success rates are not published, applications are more likely to be successful when they:

• Clearly demonstrate the individual's disability and need for specialist equipment
• Include strong supporting evidence from qualified professionals
• Show that statutory funding sources have been explored and are unavailable
• Demonstrate genuine financial need
• Explain clearly how the equipment will improve the individual's quality of life, independence, or participation
• Include accurate costings from reputable suppliers

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Foundation values evidence-based approaches - include relevant research and data to support your methodology
• Focus on demonstrating direct benefit to young people aged 5-25 in disadvantaged circumstances
• Consider starting with a Small Grant to build a relationship before applying for larger amounts
• Emphasize collaborative approaches and partnerships where relevant
• Be specific about geographical reach and target demographics
• Include clear success metrics and evaluation methods in your proposal
• Contact the Foundation before applying to ensure alignment with current priorities

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Joseph Patrick Trust
• Variety, The Children's Charity
• Iah Charity Company Limited
• The Hargreaves Foundation
• The Baily Thomas Charitable Fund
• John Horniman's Children's Trust
• Woodroffe Benton Foundation
• The Rob George Foundation
• The Clothworkers' Foundation
• The Forbes Charitable Foundation

References

• Elifar Foundation Official Website (www.elifarfoundation.org.uk) -
• Charity Commission Register Entry for Elifar Foundation Limited (Charity Number: 1152416) -
• Annual Returns and Trustee Reports filed with Charity Commission (Financial Year Ending 31 May 2023)
• Third-party disability charity directories (Beyond Mobility, Tomcat, SNAP Charity) -