Summary: A new fund from the Henry Smith Foundation's Building Independence Programme, which supports registered charities and non-profit organisations helping young people with learning disabilities gain meaningful work experience and progress into paid employment.

Expression of Interest deadline: 2 September 2026

Funding Available:

• • Up to £200,000 over four years (£50,000 per year).
  • Around 8 grants are expected to be awarded.

Key Priorities: Projects should:

• • Embed trained job coaches in mainstream and SEND schools.
  • Provide early vocational profiling and careers preparation.
  • Create meaningful and well-matched workplace experiences.
  • Strengthen partnerships between schools, employers, families and support organisations.
  • Develop clear routes into supported internships, employment and paid work.