Please note that unfortunately the trustees can no longer consider applications for mobility scooters.

 

Q: Who can DTD Charity help?

A: We aim to help severely disabled people of all ages; including those with significant sensory, physical, and intellectual impairments and those with complex and challenging behavioural needs. We can pay for, or contribute towards specific items which will make a positive difference to the quality of life of individuals or groups.

Q: Which geographical areas do you cover?

A: We are a UK based charity and we are able to accept applications from those individuals living in, or organisations assisting those living in, either the East Midlands or the West Midlands as well as South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire.

Q: How much can be given?

A: Whilst there is no 'official' upper limit, we are a small charity with limited resources and grants made are dependent on the availability of funds to the charity at any particular time. All applications that meet our criteria are treated on their merit and part funding maybe offered when we are unable to cover the whole cost. The majority of our grants are around £2,000 but we can go up to £5,000.

Q: Can you give cash?

A: We do not give 'hard cash' but order and pay for invoiced items, where funding has been agreed. Suppliers chosen must be able to invoice us directly for payment and usually three quotes are required.

Q: Who can apply?

A: Applications are welcomed from individuals, professional workers and representatives of organisations and institutions. Where the request is from a private individual, a letter of support from a professional worker involved with the disabled person, (e.g. therapist, doctor, teacher) is essential.

Q: Is a letter of support vital?

A: In the case of individual applicants, a letter of support from a professional is essential. Suitable people from whom to solicit support might include your family doctor, hospital consultant, social worker, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, teacher or worker from a community or disability organisation that knows you. Where specialist seating, manual or powered wheelchairs are requested the letter must be from an occupational therapist, physiotherapist or suitably qualified assessor. It should be a comprehensive statement on the appropriate agency's headed notepaper describing the personal / family circumstances and the agency's involvement. It should outline why the application is being submitted and the benefits it will bring if successful. An explanation is needed of why help is not available through statutory means and why the individual/family cannot afford to pay for it themselves.

Q: What financial information is needed?

A: You will be asked to fill in a finance sheet for the household and submit recent bank statements. These help the trustees decide the amount of grant awarded. This is a vital part of the application process.

Q: Can you help with general household items?

A: Where the request involves such items rather than specialist equipment, a letter of support must specify how this relates to alleviating the disability, rather than improving general family circumstances. Under usual circumstances we do not help with general household items.

Q: Can you help fund a mobility scooter? 

A: Unfortunately mobility scooters are currently on the list of items that the trustees are not able to consider.

Q: Can you help with holidays?

A:Yes we can, but the holiday must be geared towards the specialist needs of the disabled person. Generalist family holidays will not be considered. Our maximum holiday grant is £1000, and they are usually UK based. We recommend that such applications are made 6-12 months in advance of proposed holiday dates.

Q: Who can't you help?

A: We cannot provide donations for some conditions, for instance, those disability which arise because of the normal ageing process or those that are best described as illnesses rather than disability. Nor are we able to help with requests outside of the geographical areas we cover.  We are unlikely to consider the same applicant within two years of making a grant.

Q: What items are you unlikely to fund?

A: We are unlikely to provide grants for salaries or transport costs. PC's, computers and laptops are rarely funded and only considered when special access is required. We are not able to fund iPads or tablets. Electric bikes are unlikely to be funded. Trustees will consider minor home improvements where they meet our criteria.

Q: What items are you NOT able to help with?

A: Mobility scooters; Educational grants and course fees; Debts of any kind, including utilities and rent arrears; Money direct to other charities. Reimbursement of costs for items already purchased; Motor Vehicle purchase or expenses e.g. repairs / road tax / insurance / licence; Nursing and residential home fees; Funeral expenses/removal expenses; Driving lessons; Major home improvements including top-up grants; Therapies such as swimming with Dolphins, hyperbaric therapy etc; Subscriptions / memberships; Deposits for housing, vehicles and loans; Alternative therapies e.g. reflexology, acupuncture, faith healing; Mobility scooters; Garden maintenance.

Q: How is an application made?

A. By filling in an initial form. This can be done either online by clicking here or by downloading our Initial Enquiry form. Download Form

Q: How long does the process take?

A: Our Fund Manager will contact you within two weeks of receiving your initial application. Successful grants usually take between 6 to 12 weeks but this can vary depending on the request. Donations must be taken up within six months of being awarded.

Q: Who is responsible for any maintenance or insurance on items funded by the DTD Charity?

A: Once funds have been released and the item is delivered it belongs to you. Therefore the applicant is responsible for any related maintenance or insurance for goods funded by us, and for keeping them in good working order. We can not take any responsibility for any items we help fund.

Q: Any other queries?

A: Please contact us if you require more information or have any further questions.