Tishie Yong Foundation for the Disabled

The Tishie Yong Foundation for the Disabled, also known as DTD Charity, was established in 2004 by Rob Yong and Dusk Till Dawn employees, inspired by Yong's sister Tishie, to directly enhance the lives of severely disabled people through specialised equipment and adaptations not covered by statutory services. Guided by trustees including Brenda Yong and Rebecca Warwick, its mission focuses on boosting personal independence, wellbeing, and social inclusion for individuals of any age with physical, mental, sensory, intellectual, or complex disabilities. Rooted in transparency and efficiency, the charity maximises impact via a unique staff-led model: employees donate 1% of salaries, matched or exceeded by management, with all admin costs covered by the company, having disbursed over £1 million to date.

It funds capital items like powered/manual wheelchairs, powerchairs, specialist beds, active exercisers, mobility aids, trikes, hoists, minor home adaptations, pathway improvements, bespoke equipment, and UK specialist holidays (up to £1,000). Grants prioritise practical interventions enabling education, sports, rehabilitation, and daily independence, often via collaboration with professionals, and support both individuals and organisations aiding disabled people.

Eligible applicants include individuals, professionals, and organisations serving disabled residents in regions like Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, South Yorkshire, East/West Midlands, Greater Manchester, and parts of Yorkshire/Oxfordshire; no strict income/size limits apply, favouring direct-impact grassroots efforts. Applications start with an online/post EOI form (rolling basis, response in 2 weeks), progressing to full submission with professional support letters, 3 supplier quotes, and financials; decisions take 6-12 weeks, with grants paid directly to suppliers. Typical awards hover around £2,000, with part-funding common and no fixed upper limit given resource constraints.

Exclusions cover core costs, salaries, general household items, transport, laptops/tablets (unless specially needed), major adaptations, and mobility scooters; re-applications barred for 2 years post-grant. Distinctive for its employment-driven generosity, hands-on trustees, and targeted focus on unmet needs between statutory gaps.