Applying for an equipment grant

Applications will only be accepted from, or on behalf of people with muscular dystrophy or a related condition. Please visit our conditions pages to see which conditions we cover.

1. Supporting documentation
2. What you can apply for
3. How much can you expect to be awarded
4. What we do not fund
5. Raising funds
6. Download the application form and guidelines
7. Apply online
8. Help with completing the application form
9. When will I find out if I have received an award?
10. How do I claim my award?

Supporting documentation

Every application should be supported by a quote for the equipment and an assessment carried out by a qualified professional. This assessment should confirm that the piece of equipment is the most suitable for your needs. The assessment could be carried out by a range of professionals if appropriately qualified, for example – a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, specialist dealer, Muscular Dystrophy Campaign regional care advisor, social worker or nurse.

The assessment must be on headed paper and needs to detail the following:

1. Needs of the individual
2. Needs for this specific model / equipment specification
3. Health and safety - the ability of the person to use the equipment safely (e.g. if a wheelchair - road safety awareness, visual perception)
4. Reason the equipment cannot be provided by a statutory authority
5. Contribution (if any) being made towards the cost by a statutory authority (e.g. voucher)
6. Qualification / Occupation / Employer of professional with contact details (in case we need to get in touch)

If the assessment has been carried out by a specialist dealer, you will also need to provide a letter of support from another professional confirming the applicant's name, address and the type of muscular dystrophy.  This letter can be written by a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, Muscular Dystrophy Campaign Regional Care Advisor, GP, social worker, nurse, teacher/school support worker or other professional who knows the applicant.

Applications not supported by these documents will not be considered.

What you can apply for

Each application will be reviewed on merit and the amount awarded will depend on the number of applications and the annual budget. The following is a list of equipment the panel will consider funding but they are happy to look at new products not listed here that meet specific needs. Please get in touch if you wish to apply for something that is not included on this list.

Please be aware that equipment such as wheelchairs can be costly to repair and maintain so do consider these costs carefully when deciding to purchase an item of equipment.  Please note that an award is provided on the basis that the equipment is the property and full responsibility of the individual / family. The Joseph Patrick Trust does not take responsibility for the repair, up-keep, liability (insurance) and disposal of such equipment. Adherence to this understanding will be required before funding is granted.

• Powered wheelchairs
• Scooters
• Manual wheelchairs
• Electric beds
• Trikes
• Computers
• Vehicle adaptations
• Riser chairs
• Mobile arm supports
• Therapy equipment (includes standing frames, exercise bikes)
• Portable aids (includes portable hoists, folding ramps etc.)
• Discretionary payments (relief of stress) 

How much can you expect to be awarded

The table below will give you a guide as to how much you might be awarded by the Grants Panel. Please note, all applications are considered individually and any award is subject to the discretion of the panel and the available budget.

What we do not fund

• grants outside the United Kingdom
• holidays, household adaptations or building works, or domestic appliances
• equipment which has already been bought
• recurring costs, such as wheelchair repairs, insurance, batteries, tyres etc
• purchase or lease of vehicles; vehicle deposits, maintenance or repair of vehicles

Raising funds

The Joseph Patrick Trust does not, in most cases, provide the full cost of equipment. The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign has compiled a factsheet - Raising funds for people with muscular dystrophy. This lists other charities and trusts that may be able to help you to help you fundraise.

Before deciding to raise funds it is best to check what statutory services, like social services, have a duty to provide, and in what circumstances they can provide funds. Charitable funds should only be used for equipment which statutory services can not provide.

If you are raising money for a wheelchair, please be aware that there are many different makes of wheelchair available. Do your research carefully, as some of the less well-known brands have the same functionality but are considerably cheaper than some of the better-known brands.

Download application form and guidelines

We are accepting applications for part-funding towards equipment for both children and adults.  It is your responsibility to ensure all the paperwork reaches us before the meeting deadline.

Download the JPT Application Form 

For assistance, use the JPT Grant Guidelines

Apply online

Please click here to Apply Online

For all applications made online please make sure we receive all supporting documentation at least 7 days before the date of the meeting otherwise your application will not be considered.  It is your responsibility to ensure all the paperwork reaches us before the meeting deadline.

Help with completing the application form

If you have any questions about the form that are not answered above, please get in touch and we'll be happy to help.  Please note, our office hours are Monday-Thursday 9am-1pm.

020 7803 4811 or 020 7803 4814
jptgrants@muscular-dystrophy.org

When will I find out if I have received an award?

We will let you know within 10 days of our meeting, in writing, whether you have received an award from us and how much the award is for.  The award will stay open for 18 months, at which time we will get in touch with you to find out if you still need the funds.   If at any time you decide you do not need the funds, we would appreciate it if you could let us know.

How do I claim my award?

Once you have raised all the funds for your equipment, please place an order and ask the supplier to invoice us for your award. We will contact you following receipt of the invoice to confirm the order has been placed and a delivery date has been set. Until we receive this confirmation, we will be unable to pay the supplier. The award will remain open for a period of 18 months from the date of this letter. The award will be automatically reverted unless we hear from you and in the event of this, you will be advised to reapply.

If you have been awarded a grant towards a computer, please place an order and ask the supplier to invoice us for your award. If the supplier is unable to invoice us we would ask that you pay for the computer yourself and send us a copy of the receipt at which point we will send you a cheque to the value of the award.  Alternatively, please send the balance of the funds to the Joseph Patrick Trust along with details of the computer you wish to purchase and delivery details and we will order the computer on your behalf.  If you wish to discuss this with us please get in touch on 020 7803 4814. 

Please pass our contact details on to the supplier in case there are any queries or they need confirmation of the award. 

jptgrants@muscular-dystrophy.org