Our Grant Programmes

As a grant making organisation, we provide funding to support work that delivers positive outcomes for blind and partially sighted people across the UK. Our grants align with our values and contribute to the delivery of our long-term strategic aims.

2025 Funding Round Overview

For the 2025 funding round, we invite applications for work and research that focus on educational transitions, ensuring that blind and partially sighted people gain the skills, confidence, and experiences they need to move forward in education, training, and employment.

Blind and partially sighted people continue to face significant barriers in education, which impact their wellbeing, confidence, and future opportunities. We want to fund work that challenges these barriers, builds independence, and supports long-term inclusion.

We welcome applications from any organisation, within or outside the sight loss sector, that possesses the necessary experience and expertise to deliver significant impact.

There is no minimum amount for applications. Applications may be for up to a maximum of £75,000, which can be spent over a period of up to three years. The total allocation for this funding round is approximately £200,000.

Use the dropdown sections below to learn more.

Our Funding Priorities for 2025: Educational Transitions
Our funding aims to support initiatives that enable blind and partially sighted people to successfully navigate key educational transitions. These transitions should be person-centred, recognising the unique journeys, aspirations, and circumstances of each individual.

We are particularly interested in work that contributes to the development of the skills, confidence, and experiences needed to progress through education and into further study, training, employment, or meaningful engagement in society.

We welcome applications for both practical work and research activities that demonstrate a clear and measurable impact and complement our current work on transitions. For more information on our current work on educational transitions visit our Students Transitions page.

These may include, but are not limited to, initiatives that:
- Promote independence and agency, empowering individuals to shape their own pathways.
- Strengthen the personal, social, and professional skills that support educational and life transitions.
- Improve access to inclusive and accessible environments, services, and resources.
- Broaden opportunities for social participation, including access to leisure, peer interaction, and community engagement.
- Support individuals to plan for their futures through structured support, guidance, and experience.
All proposals must be informed and shaped by the lived experience of blind and partially sighted people. Their voices should be central to identifying needs, designing solutions, and evaluating impact.
The Two Stage Application Process
Stage One: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)

You can download and view the EOI questions before the application window opens.

Expression of Interest Questions for TPT Grant 2025 (DOCX, 28 KB)

However the link to the EOI portal will only be available when the application window opens at 9 am Monday 30 June 2025.

The portal will close on Friday 11 July 2025 at 12 noon.

Applicants will be notified with a decision by 5 pm on Friday 18 July 2025.

Stage Two: Submit Full Application

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal and detailed budget.

You can download and view the full application questions before the application window opens.

Full Application Questions for TPT Grant (DOCX, 20 KB)

Successful applicants may be invited to a short interview to discuss their proposal in more depth.

The full application submission window closes on Friday 1 August 12 noon.

The Grant Making Committee will make their decision, and applicants will be informed by Friday 8 August 5pm.

Feedback

Applicants will be notified of their progress between stages. We aim to offer broad feedback if applications are not progressed. If you would like to receive more specific feedback, please contact grants@pocklington.org.uk.
Who can apply?
We welcome applications from UK registered organisations with a minimum of 12 months of audited annual accounts, including:
- Charities, non-profits, and social enterprises, including those working specifically with blind and partially sighted people, or more broadly across disability.
- Universities and research institutions.
- Training providers and employment-focused organisations.
- Organisations outside the sight loss sector that can demonstrate relevant expertise and impact.
What can be funded?
Funding may be used for:
- Salaries or staff posts, where any employees’ roles are dedicated to the work within the application and is calculated through Full Cost Recovery.
- Training and upskilling for staff or beneficiaries.
- Professional fees (e.g., consultants, trainers, external specialists).
- Resource development (e.g., accessible materials, websites, toolkits).
- Capital items essential to the proposed work (e.g., assistive tech or equipment).
What Cannot Be Funded?

We do not fund:
- Statutory responsibilities or core services already funded by public bodies.
- Activities promoting political or religious beliefs.
- Recoverable VAT.
- Retrospective funding (for activities that have already taken place before September 2025).
- Grants to individuals.
Assessment Criteria
We assess each application against the following criteria:
- Fits the funding goals: (Strategic alignment) The proposal addresses educational transitions for blind and partially sighted people and aligns with our funding priorities.
- Helps blind and partially sighted people: (Person-centred impact) The proposed work supports individual agency, inclusion, and progression, with a clear and measurable benefit for BPS people.
- Well-planned and clear: (Theory of change) A clear explanation of how the proposed work will achieve its intended outcomes.
- New or improved ideas: (Innovation and improvement) The proposal introduces new approaches or significantly improves existing work.
- Involves blind and partially sighted people: (Lived experience) The proposed work is informed or co-designed by people with lived experience of sight loss.
- Organisation can deliver: (Track record and delivery) The applicant has a strong record of impact, governance, and collaborative working.
We particularly encourage bold, innovative approaches that address persistent or emerging barriers, offer fresh thinking, or deliver demonstrable improvements to existing provision.

Applicants should clearly articulate how their work supports equitable and sustained outcomes, and how it contributes to a more inclusive society for blind and partially sighted people.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much are applicants expected to write?

At the EOI stage there are less than 20 short questions. 5,000 characters (which is equivalent to approximately two A4 pages of size 12 text) are available for applicants to describe the proposed work and how it aligns with the funding programme.

At the Full application stage, there are less than 30 questions. For those that require detailed answers there is a total of 7,000 characters available. Additionally, for each objective 1,500 characters are available to describe the objective, activities and outcomes. There are no limits to the number of objectives.

Applications are completed through our Funding Portal.

When will funding be disbursed?

Grant payments will be made to successful applicants after TPT has received a signed grant agreement. Grant agreements will be sent to successful applicants during mid-August 2025.

When can work start?

Funded work can begin from September 2025 and must start before January 2026.

What support is available for BPS applicants?

Our application processes has been designed, built and tested by blind and partially sighted people, and can be used with screen readers. If you would like to ask questions about the accessibility of submitting an application, please email grants@pocklington.org.uk and we will be happy to support.

Is this funding available in the Channel Islands or Isle of Man?

Our funding is only available for organisations registered in the United Kingdom of Great Britian and Northern Ireland, which does not include the Bailiwick of Jersey, the Bailiwick of Guernsey, and the Isle of Man.

Can I apply if I’ve previously received funding?

Yes, applicants who have previously applied or received funding are welcome to apply again. However, you must clearly disclose whether you will be receiving funding from any other sources for the same project or related activities.

Are partnerships or collaborations allowed or required?

Partnerships and collaborations are not required but are strongly encouraged. Working in collaboration with other individuals or organisations can strengthen your proposal and broaden the impact of your project.

What are the reporting requirements if I receive funding?

Successful applicants will be required to submit progress reports at 6 months and 12 months after the project start date. However, the exact reporting schedule may vary depending on the length and scope of the project. Specific reporting requirements will be outlined in the grant agreement.

What happens if I don’t spend the full grant?

If you do not spend the full grant, you must notify us as soon as possible. Unspent funds may need to be returned, unless an alternative use is agreed upon. We are flexible and will consider reasonable proposals for reallocating unused funds within the scope of your original project aims.

Can I request changes to my project after funding?

Yes, we understand that projects may evolve. If you need to make changes to your timeline, budget, or activities after funding has been awarded, please contact us to discuss the proposed adjustments. All changes must be approved in advance to ensure they remain aligned with the objectives of the grant.

What happens if my application is rejected?

If your application is not successful, you are welcome to request feedback. We aim to provide constructive comments to help you strengthen any future applications.

Can I reapply in the future?

Absolutely. We welcome resubmissions in future funding rounds, and we encourage you to take on board any feedback provided to improve your application.
Measuring the Impact of Our Grant Making
We require all funded organisations to report on the progress and impact of their work. These reports will be used to track impact, share learnings, and ensure work remains on course. Reporting schedules will be agreed upon at the award stage and may include:
- Interim updates at key milestones
- A final impact report
- Financial reports where relevant
- Informal check-in meetings with our grants team to share progress and learning