Small Grants Scheme

Our small grants scheme is for neurodivergent people who are starting their own business and are held back by an immediate, short-term barrier.

Grants of up to £500 help you get past that barrier and move forward.

The scheme is funded entirely by donations.

MAKE A DONATION

What is the small grants scheme?

Our small grants scheme is designed for specific, practical barriers that stop you getting started, such as equipment, materials, external training or other resources. It isn't intended for large or long-term costs.

Each grant is limited to what is needed to remove the barrier.

Aged over the age of 18 years old

Who can apply?

Currently residing in the UK

Unemployed or looking to become self-employed

Identify as neurodivergent*

Explored self-funded options before applying

*You don't need a formal diagnosis. We accept self-identification as neurodivergent, because many people face barriers to getting a diagnosis and we don't want to exclude anyone who would benefit from support.

How to apply

We aim to make our small grant application as simple as possible.

To submit a small grant application, please familiarise yourself with our easy 3-step process below.

STEP 1

Request an application form.

Email hello@startdifferently.org.uk with your application request and brief outline of your grant request.

A member of our team will look at your initial enquiry. If it fits the criteria for our small grants scheme, we'll email you the application form.

STEP 2

Complete the application form.

Follow the instructions within the form and itemise exactly what your would spend the grant on.

Don’t forget to include any self-funding options that you have been explored.

STEP 3

Submit your application.

Once you have completed your form, send a copy to hello@startdifferently.org.uk

Applications in each funding round are assessed by a review panel selected at random from our board of trustees.

FAQs

  • We ask you to look at self-funded options first, so that grants go to people who can't reasonably meet the cost themselves.

    Self-funded options might include:

    • Using your own savings, if you have any

    • Asking whether friends or family could help

    • Buying second-hand or refurbished equipment, or borrowing or renting it

    • Spreading the cost through a payment plan or instalments

    • Starting with a smaller or cheaper version of what you need, and building up from there

    We know that every situation is different. Many neurodivergent people face barriers to employment and have limited financial resources, so we don't expect you to have exhausted every possibility.

    We just want to understand what you've considered and why it hasn't been enough.

  • No. We accept self-identification.

  • No. You can be unemployed or looking to become self-employed.

  • You can still apply for up to £500 towards your costs. Show us where the rest of the funding is coming from and provide evidence of it.

  • Please reach out to us at hello@startdifferently.org.uk and we will send you a copy of the application form.

Have questions and want to reach out?

If you have any questions, please reach out to us by email hello@startdifferently.co.uk