Family Fund Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £34+ million (government grants received 2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 4-6 weeks average (up to 12 weeks)
• Grant Range: Variable based on need (covers items like washing machines, computers, family breaks)
• Geographic Focus: UK-wide

Contact Details

• Website: www.familyfund.org.uk
• Phone: 01904 550055
• Email: info@familyfund.org.uk
• Online Portal: Family Portal for applications and tracking

Overview

Family Fund Trust (charity number 1053866) is the UK's largest provider of grants to families on low incomes raising disabled or seriously ill children. Founded as a charity, it has grown to support approximately 150,000 families annually through grants and services. With over £34 million in government grants received in 2023, the organization focuses on providing practical support to help families have choices and enjoy ordinary life. The charity has received significant recognition, with CEO Cheryl Ward being awarded a CBE in 2024 for her services to social care. Family Fund operates with exceptional efficiency, spending 94p of every £1 on charitable activities, and is supported by its trading subsidiary Family Fund Business Services, which generated over £3 million profit in 2023-24.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Support for Families with Disabled Children (SFDC): Main programme for families in England (rolling applications when funding available)
• Your Opportunity: Programme for young adults aged 18-24
• Various regional programmes: Coverage across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland

Priority Areas

• Essential household items (kitchen appliances, washing machines, fridges)
• Technology equipment (tablets, laptops, computers)
• Clothing and bedding
• Sensory and play equipment
• Family breaks and holidays
• Items that improve quality of life for disabled/seriously ill children

What They Don't Fund

• Children in local authority care
• Families not meeting low-income criteria
• Families who don't meet the high support needs criteria (must need support in at least 3 of 7 key areas)

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Governance and Leadership

CEO: Cheryl Ward CBE joined as Commercial Director in 2008, became Group CEO in 2012. Under her leadership, the charity has expanded its reach significantly. Awarded CBE in 2024 for services to social care.

Chair of Trustees: Roy O'Shaughnessy, former Group Chief Executive of Capital City College Group and Shaw Trust.

Other Key Leadership:

• Louise Wood: Operational responsibility for frontline grant delivery, ICT and change functions (joined October 2021)
• Board includes professionals from HR, banking, and third sector backgrounds

Trustee Compensation: No trustees receive remuneration, payments or benefits from the charity.

Lived Experience: Five trustees have experience raising or caring for a disabled or seriously ill child; four trustees are disabled themselves.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

• Online application (recommended): Fastest processing through Family Portal at familyfund.org.uk
• Paper applications: Available by download or postal request (arrives within 10 working days)
• Required documents: Professional reports detailing child's support needs, benefit entitlement evidence

Decision Timeline

• Average: 4-6 weeks from complete application
• First-time applicants: May take longer due to detailed eligibility assessment
• Maximum: Up to 12 weeks during peak periods
• Quickest: Some applications processed much faster than average

Success Rates

Success rates not publicly disclosed, but organization awarded over 84,000 grants across 12 programmes in 2023-24.

Reapplication Policy

Can reapply every 24 months (recently changed from 15 months in England).

Application Success Factors

Key Requirements:

• Child must need high level of support in at least 3 of 7 key areas
• Family must be on low income (working or on benefits)
• Must be permanent UK resident for at least 6 months

Application Tips:

• Use online application form for faster processing
• Provide comprehensive professional reports about child's needs
• Ensure all required documentation is complete to avoid delays
• Online applications are processed more quickly than paper applications

What Makes Applications Stand Out:

• Clear demonstration of how disability/illness impacts the family
• Evidence of genuine financial need
• Professional reports that clearly articulate support needs
• Complete applications with all required documentation

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Family Fund uses social model of disability - focus on support needs rather than medical diagnosis
• Online applications are strongly recommended for faster processing
• First-time applicants should allow extra time for eligibility assessment
• Professional reports are crucial - ensure they clearly detail support needs in multiple areas
• Organization is highly efficient and values for money - emphasize practical impact
• Reapplication possible every 24 months, so maintain relationship for ongoing support
• Peak periods (like start of school year) may extend processing times

References

• Family Fund official website: www.familyfund.org.uk
• Charity Commission register entry 1053866: Family Fund Trust
• Family Fund Annual Report and Financial Statements 2023-24 (PDF)
• Family Fund grant application guidance and FAQs
• Family Fund leadership team and trustees pages
• Family Fund impact report 2023-2024