Regain - The Trust For Sports Tetraplegics

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £150,000 (in grants)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Up to 6 months
• Grant Range: £100 - £5,000 (maximum 75% of equipment costs)
• Geographic Focus: England and Wales (British tetraplegics)
• Total Income (2024): £266,770
• Application Method: Quarterly deadlines

Contact Details

Website: www.regainsportscharity.com

Email: enquiries@regainsportscharity.com (general), grants@regainsportscharity.com (grant applications)

Phone: 07572 841861

Overview

Founded in 1993 (originally as The Trevor Jones Tetraplegic Trust), REGAIN is the only UK charity dedicated exclusively to improving the independence of British men and women who have become tetraplegic through a sports, leisure, or recreational injury. With total income of £266,770 in 2024, the charity distributes up to £150,000 annually in equipment grants. Over the past 30+ years, REGAIN has supported over 3,500 tetraplegics, including helping four compete in Paralympic Games. The charity operates throughout England and Wales, focusing on practical support through equipment funding, educational opportunities, and employment assistance to help beneficiaries lead independent and fulfilling lives.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Equipment Grants: £100 - £5,000 (up to 75% of equipment costs)

• Applications reviewed quarterly with fixed deadlines
• Grants paid directly to equipment suppliers
• Three-year restriction on reapplications after successful grant

Quarterly Application Deadlines:

• Q1: March 23rd
• Q2: June 21st
• Q3: September 20th
• Q4: December 2nd

Priority Areas

Equipment funded includes:

• Specialist lightweight and electric wheelchairs
• E-motion wheels for those with limited arm use
• Sports wheelchairs (for rugby, basketball, tennis, wheelchair racing)
• Hand bikes and handcycles
• Accessible car adaptations
• Voice-activated computers and computer-aided equipment
• Mobility aids to improve independence

Additional Support:

• Learn & Earn Programme: Six-week remote training to become Lived Experience Consultants and Accessibility Consultants
• Education and employment opportunities support
• Assistance enabling participation in sports and challenge events

What They Don't Fund

• Equipment already purchased
• Second-hand equipment (typically)
• Equipment that should be provided through statutory funding (Social Services/NHS)
• Replacement for equipment available through public services
• Equipment from non-reputable retailers
• Applicants who received a grant within the previous three years

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees

• Rob Smith
• Miles Dean
• Paul Coleman
• Stephen Killick
• Lord Ivar Mountbatten (President)
• Dominic Coleman

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

Staff

• Paul (Director): Joined REGAIN in January 2020 as full-time Director. Previously served as Head of Fundraising for Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis, with entire career spent in the charity sector including CEO positions at local and national charities.

• Dom Coleman (Senior Grants Officer): Working with REGAIN since 2012, responsible for reviewing all equipment applications and presenting details to the board. Dom has lived as a tetraplegic since 1993, bringing lived experience to the grants review process.

Patrons

• Barry Davies
• Brough Scott
• Mark Foster
• Paul Sculthorpe
• Peter Norfolk
• Charlie Hodgson

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

1. Prepare Supporting Documentation: Obtain endorsement from a medical professional (consultant, occupational therapist, case manager, physiotherapist, care manager, or appropriate relative)

1. Submit Quotes: Email quotes for required equipment to grants@regainsportscharity.com

1. Complete Application: Submit application with all supporting documentation by the relevant quarterly deadline

1. Grants Panel Review: Applications are reviewed by a Grants Panel consisting of the Charity Director, a REGAIN trustee, and a beneficiary of the charity. Each request is considered independently on its own merits and availability of funds.

1. Additional Information: The panel may request additional information or documentation

1. Interview: Zoom or telephone discussion with applicant

1. Board Recommendation: Panel makes recommendation to Board of Trustees

1. Final Decision: Decision communicated within 6 months of application submission

Important Notes:

• Applications must be submitted by quarterly deadlines
• No guarantees are given that applications will be successful
• Grants are paid directly to equipment suppliers, not applicants
• Equipment must be from reputable retailers

Decision Timeline

Up to 6 months from application submission to final decision notification.

Applications are reviewed quarterly following the deadline dates, with the panel meeting to assess applications, potentially requesting additional information, conducting interviews, and making recommendations to trustees before final decisions are communicated.

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly disclosed. The charity states that “grants are reviewed by a Grants Panel” and “no guarantees are given” to applicants. With up to £150,000 available annually and maximum individual grants of £5,000, the charity could potentially fund 30 full grants per year, though actual numbers vary based on grant sizes and available funds.

The charity emphasizes that “each request is considered independently, on its own merits and will be granted after consideration of the funds available at the time.”

Reapplication Policy

Applicants cannot apply again for three years from the date of their grant award letter if their application is successful.

There is no stated restriction on unsuccessful applicants reapplying in subsequent quarters.

Application Success Factors

Based on REGAIN's documented approach and requirements, applications are more likely to succeed when they:

1. Include Strong Professional Endorsement: Applications must be endorsed by a consultant, occupational therapist, case manager, physiotherapist, care manager, or appropriate relative. The quality and detail of this endorsement matters.

1. Demonstrate Equipment Not Available Through Statutory Services: Clearly show that the equipment cannot be obtained through Social Services or NHS funding. REGAIN will not substitute statutory funding.

1. Source from Reputable Suppliers: Equipment must be from reputable retailers, with proper quotes provided.

1. Focus on Independence and Quality of Life: Applications should clearly articulate how the equipment will improve independence, mobility, communication, education, or employment opportunities.

1. Request Appropriate Funding Levels: Remember the maximum grant is £5,000 and covers up to 75% of costs. Applicants must demonstrate ability to fund the remaining 25%.

1. Submit Complete Applications: Include all required documentation and quotes with initial submission to avoid delays.

1. Meet Eligibility Criteria: Applicant must have tetraplegia resulting from a sports, leisure, or recreational activity.

1. Demonstrate Long-term Benefit: The charity has supported tetraplegics to achieve education, employment, and sporting goals over the past 30 years, suggesting they value equipment that enables long-term positive outcomes.

Common Rejection Reasons:

• Equipment already purchased
• Funding available through statutory services
• Insufficient professional endorsement
• Equipment from non-reputable sources
• Previous grant received within three years

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Niche Focus: REGAIN is the only UK charity exclusively dedicated to sports-related tetraplegia, making them a unique and vital resource for this specific community
• Quarterly Rhythm: Plan applications around the four annual deadlines (March, June, September, December) rather than rolling submissions
• Professional Support Essential: Medical or therapy professional endorsement is mandatory - invest time in securing detailed, supportive documentation
• Fund the Gap: Ensure statutory funding sources (NHS, Social Services) are exhausted first, and clearly demonstrate why REGAIN's support is needed
• Patient Timeline: Allow up to 6 months for decisions - don't expect rapid turnaround, and plan equipment needs well in advance
• One Chance Every Three Years: Successful applicants cannot reapply for three years, so ensure the grant request covers all essential needs
• Lived Experience at the Heart: With a grants officer who is himself tetraplegic, applications demonstrating genuine understanding of lived experience and independence challenges will resonate strongly

References

1. REGAIN - The Trust for Sports Tetraplegics official website: https://regainsportscharity.com/
2. Apply for a grant page: https://regainsportscharity.com/grants/
3. About REGAIN Sports Charity: https://regainsportscharity.com/about/
4. Staff information: https://regainsportscharity.com/about/staff/
5. UK Charity Commission Register - Charity Details for REGAIN (1030693): https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1030693&subid=0
6. UK Charity Commission Register - Full Print for REGAIN: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/1030693/full-print
7. National Funding Scheme - REGAIN Profile: https://platform.nationalfundingscheme.org/regain---the-trust-for-sports-tetraplegics