The National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) offers community grants to bring deaf children and families together. This funding cycle focuses on children aged 0–5, through projects benefiting them directly or indirectly.
Who can apply:
- UK groups and organisations with a constitution or governing document, annual accounts and a UK bank or building society account.
- Applicants need appropriate insurance, routine risk assessments and safeguarding policies, procedures, training and checks where relevant. NDCS normally excludes individuals unless they have a business or organisation bank account; all other criteria still apply.
What you can get:
- £1,000–£10,000 for a 12-month project, including venue hire, transport, promotion, sessional workers, interpreters, language tutors and essential project equipment.
- Projects must support early-years deaf children and meet at least one additional aim, such as family peer support, communication skills, access to deaf role models or community connections.
Key notes:
- One project per organisation in 12 months. Repeat funding for the same project is unlikely; plan how activity could continue after the grant.
- Excluded costs include organisational rent and utilities, salaries for organisation members, retrospective or profit-making activity, building improvements and services normally funded through health or education.
- Apply online after completing the eligibility check. Prepare a safeguarding policy, a bank statement from the last three months and the project budget. You need two contacts aged 18 or over.
- Allow two to three months for processing before your intended start. Application support is available at communitygrants@ndcs.org.uk.
Deadline:
No fixed deadline. Applications are accepted throughout the year, with set assessment dates. NDCS will tell you when to expect a response after submission.