Small grants, generally for £1,000 or less, are available for individuals, registered charities, charitable organisations and schools across the UK to assist with the costs of respite breaks or holidays for children aged over 2 and under 18 who are living with emotional, mental or physical challenges.
The Adamson Trust (also sometimes referred to the Robert and Agnes G Adamson's Fund) has recommenced accepting applications after pausing its application process earlier this year. Applications are now being accepted for the Trust's February 2027 meeting.
The Adamson Trust accepts applications to provide financial help with the cost of holidays or respite breaks for disabled children aged between 3 and 17 with physical, mental or emotional impairments. The Trust believes that disabled children and young people should be able to go on holiday with or without their families. In the latter case, an added benefit is respite for the family.
The conditions for applying for grant support is designed to be straightforward so as to not discourage anyone from applying. Eligible children must be aged over 2 and under 18, with evidence of their disability or illness confirmed by a medical or social care professional. Applications may also be made on behalf of groups of children, organisations and other registered charities.
Grants usually cover a relatively small part of the holiday cost, and the Trust may seek assurances that a family has sufficient personal or supplementary funding to cover the balance.
Normally, as soon as one application window closes, the next one opens. However, the Trust paused its application process earlier this year due to a high volume of requests for grant support.
The Trust has now opened to applications for its winter 2027 application round with a deadline of Thursday 31 December 2026. Applications will be considered at the Trust's February 2027 meeting.
Further information, guidance and an application form is available on the Trust’s website.