The Margaret Dobson Further Education Trust offers small grants to charities that support young adults with learning difficulties.

General grants are offered, of up to £5,000 for registered charities that provide support to 18-25 year olds with learning difficulties after they leave school. The aim is to give them practical skills to prepare them to be able to lead independent lives.

Applications will be prioritised on the basis of meeting the first plus two other criteria, from the list below:

• designed for, and aimed, at people with learning disabilities aged 18 to 25 outside the school environment. Those aged 16+ who are not in formal education, training or work will also be considered
• offer the opportunity for people to gain transferable life skills, which may include how to access support
• offer employment experience
• build in accredited training
• enable social interaction with other people, and allow self-expression and confidence-building
• from smaller organisations that are demonstrating an entrepreneurial approach to a locally identified issue
• working in partnership with relevant local organisations and service providers.

The current funding round closes on 31 March 2024.

For full details, including guidance and access to the online application form, visit the Margaret Dobson Trust website.