Oliver Ford Foundation

The Foundation funds cause areas covering the welfare of people with learning difficulties and disabilities, and the decorative arts – including interior decoration, fabric design, and landscape gardening. It supports direct services, education, skills development, and community projects for individuals with learning difficulties, mental health challenges, or disabilities. It also funds initiatives that enhance knowledge in decorative arts, such as grants to museums and horticultural societies. The Foundation operates throughout England and Wales and prefers to support smaller charities. Proposals that align with Oliver Ford's design legacy are particularly welcomed.

The Foundation accepts applications from UK-registered charities and community groups operating in England and Wales. It prioritises beneficiaries who are children, young people, or adults with learning difficulties, learning disabilities, mental health challenges, or disabilities. It also supports organisations working to advance knowledge and appreciation of the decorative arts. There are no religious restrictions. The Foundation shows a preference for smaller organisations, including grassroots groups, and welcomes unsolicited applications.

The Foundation does not fund non-charities. It only supports activities in England and Wales, and cannot fund projects that take place outside the UK. Additionally, any work that falls outside its charitable objects – which focus on welfare for people with learning difficulties and disabilities, and promoting the decorative arts – is not eligible for funding.

The Foundation supports project, core, revenue, and capital costs for both new and repeat efforts. It accepts unsolicited applications and particularly welcomes proposals that reference Oliver Ford's design legacy. Preferring smaller charities, it funds a range of costs for both one-off and ongoing work.