Lakeland Disability Support CIO

Lakeland Disability Support CIO, a charitable incorporated organisation established in June 2019, relieves the needs of people with physical disabilities in South Lakeland, Cumbria, by granting funds for practical items, facilities, and support that enhance quality of life, independence, mobility, and wellbeing. Building on a longstanding local legacy from its unincorporated predecessor, it upholds a conservative ethos: preserving endowment capital via professional investments, minimising administrative overheads, and directing nearly all income to high-impact grants. Governed by nine unpaid trustees on rolling three-year terms, it prioritises responsive, needs-based aid for all ages, fostering direct relief from everyday barriers faced by physically disabled individuals.

Funding targets tangible solutions like mobility equipment, daily living aids, home adaptations, and support services, awarded to individuals or organisations where activities demonstrably benefit local disabled residents. Grants emphasise substantial, often life-changing outcomes rather than broad programmes.

Eligible applicants are individuals (with formal medical evidence of physical disability), UK-registered charities, or community groups delivering direct South Lakeland impact; small grassroots/voluntary entities preferred, with no strict income thresholds but geographic restriction to this locality only—no support for national/regional bodies absent exclusive local benefit.

Typical grants range £500–£10,000 (£500–£7,500 for individuals, up to £10,000 for organisations; most £1,000–£5,000), via rolling email or postal applications (no form/portal)—submit detailed needs and evidence ahead of quarterly trustee meetings for review. Distinctive for its laser-focus on physical disability (excluding other causes), low-overhead sustainability, local trustee expertise, and track record of individualised, transformative grants.