Wecil Ltd

WECIL Ltd (West of England Centre for Inclusive Living), founded in 1995 in Bristol as a user-led Disabled People’s Organisation, champions the Social Model of Disability, viewing societal barriers—not impairments—as the key obstacles to inclusion. Run primarily by and for Disabled people (with 75% of trustees required to be Disabled), its mission is to empower Disabled individuals of all ages to thrive through person-centred information, skills, peer support, advocacy, and services fostering choice, control, and independent living. Distinctive for its lived-experience governance, co-production with service users, and deep commitment to systemic change, equity, and intersectional inclusion (e.g., for Black, Asian, minority ethnic, LGBTQ+ Disabled people, and marginalised families), WECIL blends practical support with collective action in the West of England.

When funding, WECIL prioritises grassroots, user-led projects advancing disability inclusion, independent living, welfare navigation, peer networks, youth clubs, family support, and capacity-building for those facing access barriers to mainstream services. Supported activities emphasise measurable outcomes like enhanced self-direction, social connection, entitlements access, and civic participation, often in partnership with local councils or via flow-through grants for holistic, peer-led initiatives.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities or community groups based in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, or Bath and North East Somerset, with a preference for smaller, mission-aligned organisations focused on Disabled people’s rights. WECIL does not accept unsolicited applications and has no open grant rounds or regular deadlines—opportunities are rare, invitation-based, or time-limited (e.g., past VIP Community Funds). Typical grants range from £500 to £5,000 for specific projects, excluding core costs, capital, or emergencies. Its hallmarks include financial prudence (76% expenditure on delivery), regional anchoring, and advocacy leadership, distinguishing it from broader funders.