Grants are available for organisations working in partnership with schools, families and employers to help young people with learning disabilities move confidently towards a career. The funding is from the Henry Smith Foundation which is looking to fund high‑quality, job coach‑led careers education in both mainstream and SEND school settings.
The funding is for initiatives that:
- embed qualified job coaches within school settings
- deliver early, structured vocational profiling
- create meaningful, well-matched work experiences with employers
- build strong partnerships between schools, families, employers and specialist providers
- strengthen pathways into supported internships, employment and paid work
Grants are typically £200,000 over 4 years (£50,000 per year) and can include core costs such as salaries, rent, utilities, and staff wellbeing.
Registered charities, CICs and CBSs with expertise in supported employment can apply. Schools can be partners but cannot make a direct application.
Focus of fund/fund aims:
Grants for organisations to help young people with learning disabilities into supported internships, employment and paid work
Application deadline:
Expressions of Interest by 2 September 2026