Eligibility criteria

Who is eligible:

Small groups of adults with learning disabilities who wish to live together long-term in a house, and whose parents and or family carers are prepared to put in their effort to make it happen.
We do not offer funding to individuals wishing to live alone, partly because such provision is widely available, but also because the provision would last only as long as the individual concerned, with no continuing legacy.
We do not offer funding direct to existing organisations, because the Trust wishes to empower parents and family carers and adults with learning disabilities to have maximum control and influence on the model and location of what is set up, so that it is the best possible fit for their needs, un-influenced by organisational policies and preferences.
However, applicants can form an alliance with an existing not-for-profit organisation to implement their vision and to ensure the long-term future of their project.
Funding is available to all areas of the UK.
Trustees will take a flexible/pragmatic approach to applications from adults who identify themselves as having a learning disability/borderline learning disability.

We currently offer funding for renovation:

For refurbishment and/or conversion of new and existing property to make it fit for its new purpose.
This could include anything from structural work, electrics and plumbing to furnishings.
Funding is towards the cost of setting up a shared house or a small group of houses. We do not offer funding for the day to day running of supported living as this funding is available elsewhere

In January 2021 we launched a new pilot, after considerable interest we have had to close the pilot to new applications as of August 2022.
We know that for some groups finding the funding to initially invest in property is a barrier.
The pilot is helping us understand if providing funding to buy and where necessary to renovate the property is a helpful approach to people and families.

We piloted two ways of working. Groups who took part in the pilot either

We are looking forward to sharing the learning from the pilot as the projects complete.

Trustees do not start the consideration of an application with a set level of grant (minimum or maximum) in mind.
Trustees will always try to be realistic in their expectations of applicants, and aware that because they are not experts in applying, they may need help to get it right.

There is no set funding rounds, applications can be considered at any time. Decisions about applications are usually made at our trustee meetings which are held quarterly.
Funding is available to all areas of the UK
Groups expressing an interest in applying can be offered the help of the JMS Family Involvement Worker to build their vision and prepare a realistic application.

To discuss your project's eligibility and receive an application form please contact us.