Q&A's before making a My Fund application

Anyone with a learning disability who lives in the UK, including Mencap staff and volunteers can apply.

If you are under 18 someone can apply for you.

No.

We will not be able to fund another application this year.

No.

We can only accept 1 application form per person each year.

Yes. 

You will need to spend the money in this My Fund year.

We will talk to you about this if your idea is chosen.

If you know you will not be able to spend the money this year you should apply next year instead.

You can apply for My Fund by:

• our website at www.mencap.org.uk/myfund
   
• email to MyFund@Mencap.org.uk (you can attach a video, pictures or a voice message to your email to tell us your idea)
   
• phone to 07976 754 078 (Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm)

When you apply please make sure you use the name of the person with a learning disability as the applicant.

We want people to apply for things which will help them live happier and healthier lives.

You will know the things which make the biggest difference to you, but we have some stories on our website if you need ideas.

No.

There is no maximum amount.

No.

Each application needs to be for one idea. For example; a holiday, a season ticket, a laptop or a bike.

Yes.

The closing date for telling us what you would like is Friday 26 May 2023.

We will not be able to look at any applications sent to us after that date.

Bills, illegal items, alcohol or things that may cause harm to yourself or others cannot be applied for.

We cannot fund anyone who does not have a learning disability or who lives outside the UK.

The strongest applications are:

• Applications which are clear about what you want and why it will make your life happier or healthier.

• Applications which have long lasting benefits, which carry on after you have spent your money.

• Applications which will help an individual or group who are more vulnerable.

Yes.

We need to know how much your idea will cost.

If you are not sure of the cost please phone us before you apply, on 07976 754 078 (Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm).

No.

The Panel listen to each of the ideas to decide which ideas we can fund, so you cannot change your idea after you have applied.

We will work with you to make sure you don't miss out on this money.

Yes.

If you need support to apply, someone else like a family member or carer can apply for you.

Please use the name of the person with a learning disability as the name of the applicant.

Organisations can apply for people they support.

You will need to give us their name as the applicant.

Make sure you give us the right contact information to be able to reach you as we need to contact successful applicants throughout the My Fund year.

You can support more than one person to apply for My Fund, but you will need to apply on a different laptop, PC or tablet.

We will need to find out a bit more about you so we can work out the best way of getting the money to you.

We would also like to know how the money makes your life happier and healthier.

So we will need to talk to you at different times during the year to help you share your story with us.

If you are a support worker , make sure that the contact details you give us on your application form are correct.

This is because we will need to speak to you if your application is successful.

Organisations can apply on behalf of a person with a learning disability for their My Fund idea.