Injured Jockeys Fund
About This Funder
The Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF), established in 1964 by Lord John Oaksey following career-ending injuries to jockeys Tim Brookshaw and Paddy Farrell in the Grand National, is a UK charity dedicated to providing financial assistance, pastoral care, and specialised support to injured professional jockeys—past and present—their families, and dependants facing hardship from injury, illness, or inability to ride. Rooted in values of compassion, care, and independence from industry politics, the IJF has disbursed over £22 million in grants and £75 million total, offering holistic, lifelong welfare through prompt crisis aid, ongoing payments, medical care, rehabilitation, home adaptations, equipment, mental health services, and social inclusion via volunteer networks.
It prioritises exclusive support for this niche community, funding nationwide rehabilitation at centres like Oaksey House (Lambourn), Jack Berry House (Malton), and Peter O’Sullevan House (Newmarket), plus physiotherapy, injury prevention research, on-course medical services, and partnerships like JETS and Racing Welfare. Beneficiaries include over 650 individuals annually, with 150 receiving regular aid; occasional organisational grants target joint initiatives directly benefiting jockeys.
Eligibility is highly specific: professional jockeys (UK or overseas-based) and immediate dependants, with no restrictions on age, gender, ethnicity, religion, or orientation; organisations are invite-only. UK-wide scope covers England, Scotland, and Wales. Applications start via phone/email to welfare officers—no formal forms or unsolicited org bids—with rolling assessments by trustees, requiring proof of career, injury, and need.
Grants vary by need (e.g., £3.1m+ yearly across cases, from one-offs to multi-year support); no deadlines or income limits. Distinctive for its unparalleled, integrated clinical-psychological-practical model—no other UK body matches this jockey-specific depth—IJF excludes general charities, non-jockey welfare, and non-needs-led requests, focusing solely on racing's injured professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions about Injured Jockeys Fund
How much funding does Injured Jockeys Fund provide?
Grant amounts vary. Contact Injured Jockeys Fund directly for current funding levels.
Is Injured Jockeys Fund accepting applications?
Injured Jockeys Fund is currently invitation only. Check their website for updates.
Where does Injured Jockeys Fund fund charities?
Injured Jockeys Fund funds charities operating in UK.
How do I apply for funding from Injured Jockeys Fund?
Use Fundermatcher to check if your charity is a good match for Injured Jockeys Fund, then access detailed application guidance, deadlines, and eligibility criteria. Our AI assistant can help you draft a compelling application.