Grant Form

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MDSG GRANT SCHEME

INTRODUCTION

The trustees regularly look at new ways to help our members.  In recent years we have received a number of legacies, which has allowed us to allocate funds towards a new scheme, initially on a pilot basis.

From 1 January 2026 a new grant scheme was opened for the benefit of paid up members of the Support Group.  The maximum amount available for any single grant will be £500.  The outlining criteria are set out below.

The Scheme is made available on a first come first served basis, and as such it may be closed at any time, at the discretion of the trustees.

PURPOSE

Members may apply for a grant if the funds are to be used in one of the following circumstances.  In some cases it is expected that the grant will be used in conjunction with other sources of funding, or alongside the member’s own funds.

A)   The purchase of capital equipment which may be required by the member, e.g. a specialist wheelchair or other mobility aid;

B)   adaptations at home;

C)   specialist medical equipment (not supplied by the NHS);

D)   specific travel expenses (e.g. medical appointments).

WHAT WE DO NOT FUND

The Scheme is designed to meet specific requirements, rather than any form of expense or outgoing.  Given below are some examples  of items which are not eligible for the Scheme; this list is not exhaustive.

A)   General household bills;

B)   Shopping for gifts, Christmas etc;

C)   Paying off existing debts;

D)   Member or family holidays or short breaks;

E)   Equipment already purchased/owned at the time the application is made;

F)   The ongoing maintenance of any equipment (regardless of how this was funded originally).

G)   Expenses incurred from involvement with medical or other trials (these should be paid by the trial owner)

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

A)   Your application can be submitted by a family member or other professional person on behalf of a member.

B)   The beneficiary of the grant must have been a paid-up member of the Support Group in 2024 and 2025. (prior sentence deleted)

C)   The beneficiary of the grant must live in the UK.

D)   Only one application may be made per member, within any 12 month period.

E)   The maximum amount of any single grant is £500.

Applications must be supported by;

1)   A formal quote for the cost of the equipment or expenditure, on headed paper or as provided by the supplier (e.g. PDF Invoice)

2)   Proof that you have already contacted statutory services in respect of the expenditure that is required

3)   An assessment from a qualified healthcare professional to support the application, and the reasons for the expenditure. The assessment            should confirm that the equipment or expenditure needed is suitable for you.

TERMS OF APPROVAL

These will vary, to take into account individual circumstances, but may include;

The cost of the item is to be agreed up front by the member/applicant, with our contribution then paid on receipt of invoices, receipts, credit card slip etc.

A)   In respect of equipment, our contribution will be paid directly to the supplier.

B)   Payments will be made via online bank transfer only to a UK bank account.

C)   If your application is successful, the grant will go towards the overall costs. Any equipment purchased will be owned by you, and you                    will be responsible for any future costs arising such as repairs and insurance.

D)   These future costs are an important aspect of any purchase, and you should think carefully before any commitment is made. We will                   ask applicants to confirm that they will be responsible for these costs before the grant is provided.

E)   If you are awarded a grant, the funds can be reserved for you for up to 12 months.

F)   This allows time for additional funds to be raised (if required).

G)   If the funds have not been used after 12 months the offer will expire and the funds will be returned to the scheme. Members are free to                reapply for a grant in the normal way.

The final decision on all grant applications will rest with the trustees.

HOW TO APPLY

Either click the link below and print out the PDF and post to the office

Grant Form

OR

request an application form, members (or their representative) should send an email to the office at

[email protected]

An application form plus a copy of the scheme criteria will be sent to you for completion and return.  You can return the form and copies of all supporting documents/quotations, either via email or by post.

Upon receipt, the trustees will endeavour to provide you with a decision within 14 to 21 days.