Joseph Patrick Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £224,755 (2024/25 expenditure)
• Annual Income: £159,771 (2024/25)
• Decision Time: 4 weeks
• Grant Range: Part-funding of equipment costs (amounts vary by equipment type)
• Geographic Focus: UK-wide (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland)
• Application Volume: Approximately 150-190 applications per year
• Historical Impact: Over 6,000 grants totalling £6 million since 1986

Contact Details

Address: 32 Ufford Street, London, SE1 8QD

Phone: 020 7803 4800 / 020 7803 4814

Email: jptgrants@musculardystrophyuk.org

Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9:00am-1:00pm

Online Application: Available through the Muscular Dystrophy UK website

Overview

The Joseph Patrick Trust (JPT) was established in 1986 by Alexander Patrick CBE, in memory of his father Joseph Patrick and inspired by his brother Andrew, who had Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Joseph Patrick was one of the three founders of Muscular Dystrophy UK (then the Muscular Dystrophy Group) in 1959 and was a long-term funder of the charity through his success in the West Midlands motor industry.

Today, the Trust operates as the welfare fund within Muscular Dystrophy UK, providing essential financial support through grants to people with muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions. Since its founding, JPT has awarded over 6,000 grants, totalling more than £6 million, helping more than 5,000 children and adults obtain vital mobility equipment that maintains their independence and quality of life.

The Trust fills a critical gap by part-funding specialized powered mobility equipment that statutory services (NHS or local councils) do not provide or where the equipment offered does not adequately meet an individual's needs. With recent income growth from £39,230 in 2021 to £159,771 in 2025, the Trust has expanded its capacity to support more individuals while maintaining its focused mission of equipment provision.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Equipment Grants Program (Part-funding, amounts vary by equipment type and available funds)

• Rolling application basis via online portal
• Grants reserved for 18 months from approval date
• One grant per individual within a two-year period

Priority Areas

The Trust provides part-funding for essential powered mobility equipment, including:

• Powered wheelchairs (including all-terrain and specialist sports wheelchairs)
• Mobility scooters
• Adapted computers (for accessibility and communication)
• Electric beds (for positioning and comfort)
• Other powered mobility equipment as outlined in their tariff

Who Can Apply:

• Children and adults with muscular dystrophy or related neuromuscular conditions (including conditions such as spinal muscular atrophy)
• Individuals requiring specialist powered mobility equipment not available through statutory services
• UK residents only (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland)

Important Note: Grants are not means-tested - income or savings do not affect eligibility.

What They Don't Fund

• Equipment required to be provided by statutory services (though regional differences in NHS/Social Services provision are recognized)
• Equipment already ordered or purchased
• Recurring costs: repairs, insurance, batteries, tyres, servicing
• Equipment disposal costs
• Applications from individuals outside the UK
• Direct payments to individuals (payments must go to equipment suppliers)

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Governance and Leadership

The Joseph Patrick Trust is governed by 1 trustee and supported by 8 volunteers. The Trust operates under the umbrella of Muscular Dystrophy UK, with a dedicated Management Committee and Grants Panel that oversees the grant-making process.

Key Personnel:

• The Grants Panel reviews and approves applications
• Equipment Grants Coordinator manages the application process, data entry, and applicant queries

The Trust maintains strong governance policies including safeguarding, risk management, and financial controls. No trustees receive remuneration from the charity, ensuring all resources are directed toward grant-making activities.

Historical Leadership:

Alexander Patrick CBE, DL served as Vice Chairman of the Trustees and later as Vice President of Muscular Dystrophy UK until his passing in 2020. The Patrick family continues to support Muscular Dystrophy UK and the Joseph Patrick Trust.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Online Application System:

The Joseph Patrick Trust uses an online application portal accessible through the Muscular Dystrophy UK website. The process is designed to be user-friendly and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. Applicants are guided step-by-step to register, complete the form, and upload required documents. The form can be printed for records after submission.

Required Documentation:

1. Equipment Quotation: A detailed quotation for the specific equipment required, including model details and specifications. Applications without quotations will not be processed.

1. Healthcare Professional Assessment: A letter from a qualified healthcare professional (physiotherapist, occupational therapist, neuromuscular care advisor, social worker, doctor, or nurse) on official headed paper confirming that the equipment is the most suitable for your needs.

1. Statutory Services Evidence: Proof that you have contacted statutory services (NHS or local council), even if the equipment they offered does not meet your needs. Applications without this documentation will not be considered.

Decision Timeline

• Acknowledgment: Email confirmation within one week of application submission
• Decision: Applicants receive the outcome within one month
• Grant Validity: If awarded, the grant is reserved for 18 months to allow time for additional fundraising
• Extension: Grants not used within 18 months will be released back to the fund unless the applicant requests more time

Reapplication Policy

Individuals can apply for one grant within a two-year period. The documentation does not specify a reapplication policy for unsuccessful applications, but applicants are encouraged to contact the JPT team directly to discuss reapplication options.

Application Success Factors

Critical Success Factors:

1. Complete Documentation: Applications missing any of the three required documents (quotation, healthcare assessment, statutory services evidence) will be returned unprocessed. Ensure all documentation is complete before submission.

1. Statutory Services First: The Trust emphasizes that applicants must first explore what they are entitled to from NHS or local council services. Even if statutory services offer equipment that doesn't meet your needs, you must document this approach.

1. Professional Assessment on Headed Paper: The healthcare professional's assessment must be on official headed paper and clearly state that the specific equipment requested is the most suitable for your needs.

1. Evidence-Based Need: The application should demonstrate why the specific equipment is essential for maintaining independence and quality of life, and why statutory provision is inadequate.

1. Don't Purchase First: Equipment that has already been ordered or purchased cannot be funded. Apply before making any financial commitments.

1. Plan for Ongoing Costs: Before approval, applicants must confirm they can take responsibility for future repairs, servicing, insurance, and disposal. The Trust will not fund these recurring costs.

1. Regional Variation Understanding: The Trust recognizes that NHS and Social Services equipment provision varies by region. Applications should clearly explain local service limitations.

Direct Guidance from the Trust:

From applicant success stories, the application process is described as “really easy” and "couldn't have been easier," suggesting the Trust has worked to make the process accessible. One family applied in September and had their equipment by January, demonstrating the Trust's efficiency when applications are complete.

What Makes Applications Stand Out:

• Clear articulation of how the equipment will improve quality of life and independence
• Specific details about why statutory provision is inadequate for the individual's needs
• Thorough documentation from healthcare professionals
• Realistic planning for additional fundraising if needed (since JPT provides part-funding)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Note: The Joseph Patrick Trust makes grants directly to individuals with muscular dystrophy and related conditions, not to organizations. However, organizations supporting these individuals should be aware of this resource for their service users.

• Individual Focus: This is an individual grant program, not an organizational funding opportunity. Organizations can help clients apply but cannot apply on behalf of their programs.

• Part-Funding Model: JPT provides partial funding, so applicants typically need to identify additional funding sources or fundraise to cover the full equipment cost.

• Statutory Services First: The Trust requires evidence of approaching NHS/local council services first, positioning JPT as a gap-filler rather than primary funder.

• Quick Turnaround: One-month decision timeline makes this a relatively fast funding source when all documentation is in order.

• Long-Term Impact: With over 6,000 grants awarded since 1986, the Trust has a proven track record of supporting individuals with muscular dystrophy and related conditions.

• Accessible Process: Recent move to online applications has streamlined the process, with applicants reporting it as straightforward and user-friendly.

• Geographic Coverage: UK-wide coverage means individuals from England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland are all eligible, addressing equipment needs across different statutory service provision landscapes.

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Variety, the Children's Charity
• IAH CHARITY COMPANY LIMITED
• REGAIN - The Trust for Sports Tetraplegics
• John Horniman's Children's Trust
• MOTABILITY Foundation
• Family Fund Trust
• The Hargreaves Foundation
• The Dan Maskell Tennis Trust
• Peter Harrison Foundation
• The Clothworkers' Foundation

References

• Charity Commission Register of Charities - Joseph Patrick Trust (294475). Retrieved from https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/294475/charity-overview

• Muscular Dystrophy UK - Apply for a Joseph Patrick Trust (JPT) grant. Retrieved from https://www.musculardystrophyuk.org/support/information/housing-adaptations-and-equipment/jpt/

• Muscular Dystrophy UK - Joseph Patrick Trust Grant Guidelines. Retrieved from https://www.musculardystrophyuk.org/app/uploads/2024/05/Grant-Guidelines-July-2023-1.pdf

• Muscular Dystrophy UK - Alexander Patrick CBE, DL - President and Patrons. Retrieved from https://www.musculardystrophyuk.org/alexander-patrick-cbe-dl

• Muscular Dystrophy UK - Success Stories: “My new wheelchair means I can cook breakfast for my daughter”. Retrieved from https://www.musculardystrophyuk.org/about-us/stories/detail/new-wheelchair-joseph-patrick-trust-smart-moves/

• Muscular Dystrophy UK - Success Stories: “His new all-terrain wheelchair has given our son his smile back.” Retrieved from https://www.musculardystrophyuk.org/about-us/stories/detail/boy-with-duchenne-gets-life-changing-wheelchair-grant/

• Muscular Dystrophy UK - JPT equipment grants – you can now apply online! Retrieved from https://www.musculardystrophyuk.org/news/news/jpt-equipment-grants-you-can-now-apply-online/