Version 1.0 (14 July 2026). This page is the current controlled text for the beneficiary grant and support programme. Apply online at Request grant / support.
Controlled document. This policy should be read together with the Articles of Association, Financial Controls & Reserves Policy, Data Protection & GDPR Policy, Conflict of Interest Policy and Adult Safeguarding Policy.
1. Purpose and objects
1.1 This Policy sets out how FND CONNECT CIC provides discretionary grants and practical support to people affected by Functional Neurological Disorder (FND).
1.2 It supports the Company’s objects, including relieving need by providing or facilitating access to mobility aids, assistive equipment, grants and other practical assistance where adequate support is not available through statutory or other means.
1.3 Awards are charitable and discretionary. Meeting any score threshold does not create an entitlement to funding.
2. Scope of support
2.1 Applications may be considered for:
- Mobility aids (for example wheelchairs, walkers, sticks, orthotics);
- Therapies and equipment (for example therapy tools, sensory aids, home adaptations linked to FND);
- Communication aids (for example AAC devices or card packs beyond ordinary shop access);
- Financial hardship support for one-off essential costs linked to FND; and
- Other practical support that helps someone live with FND, assessed case by case.
2.2 This programme is not for emergency medical care, ongoing living costs as a substitute for benefits, or items that are already fully and promptly available through the NHS, local authority or other statutory scheme where those routes apply.
2.3 Typical awards are modest. A guidance maximum is published on the application form and may be changed by the directors according to available funds.
3. Eligibility (hard criteria)
3.1 Before a full application is accepted, applicants must confirm that:
- they (or the person the request is for) live in the United Kingdom;
- the request is related to FND (diagnosed or under clinical investigation);
- they are 18 or over, or are applying as a parent, carer or advocate for a dependent with FND;
- the request is not an emergency medical situation (those must use NHS 111, 999 or other urgent services); and
- they understand awards are discretionary, limited and never guaranteed.
3.2 The online form uses these questions as a gate. Applications that fail hard criteria will not be unlocked for full submission.
3.3 False or misleading declarations may lead to refusal, withdrawal of an award, or further action where appropriate.
4. Application process
4.1 Applications are submitted via the public form at /funding/apply.
4.2 Applicants provide personal contact details, a description of need, standard assessment answers, optional financial context, and supporting evidence (for example quotes or clinician letters).
4.3 Only one open application is permitted per email address at a time. A further application may be made after a decision has closed the previous case.
4.4 Applicants receive a confirmation email and a private status link. They may also be contacted if more information is needed.
5. Scoring and recommendation
5.1 Every application is scored automatically against the same criteria (maximum 100 points):
- Medical / clinical need (up to 25);
- Impact on daily living (up to 20);
- Financial need (up to 25);
- Other funding routes explored (up to 15);
- Supporting evidence (up to 15, with limited boost for uploaded documents).
5.2 Applications at or above the staff score threshold may be tagged internally as recommended (score met) for triage. That tag is not shown to applicants (they continue to see submitted / under review until a final decision). The threshold is configurable by staff (default 60).
5.3 Scoring is a decision-support tool only. It never auto-approves or auto-pays an award, and it must not be presented to applicants as a promise of funding.
6. Decision-making
6.1 Final decisions are made by authorised staff or directors of FND CONNECT CIC in the ERP system.
6.2 Applicant-facing outcomes include: submitted, under review, more information needed, approved, not approved, funded/paid, or withdrawn. Staff may also use an internal “recommended (score met)” triage tag that is not displayed to applicants.
6.3 Decisions consider score, evidence, available funds, fairness across applicants, safeguarding, conflicts of interest, and alignment with the Company’s objects.
6.4 Partial awards may be made. An amount awarded may differ from the amount requested.
6.5 Conflicts involving directors, volunteers or related parties are managed under the Conflict of Interest Policy. Affected persons must not decide their own applications.
7. Payment and records
7.1 When an award is marked funded/paid, the amount and support type are recorded.
7.2 Funded awards are linked into the Company’s accounting records (grants issued) so that impact reporting remains accurate.
7.3 Payment method (for example supplier invoice, reimbursement, or direct provision of equipment) is determined case by case in line with the Financial Controls Policy.
7.4 Application records, scores, documents and decision notes are retained under the Data Protection Policy. Health-related evidence is treated with appropriate care as special category data.
8. Impact and transparency
8.1 Aggregate figures for grants issued and people helped through this programme may be published on the public Impact page. Individual applicants are not identified without consent.
8.2 This Policy is published openly as part of the governance suite.
9. Safeguarding and urgent need
9.1 This programme is not a crisis service. People in immediate danger should contact emergency services.
9.2 Safeguarding concerns arising from an application are handled under the Safeguarding Policy.
10. Review
10.1 This Policy shall be reviewed annually, or sooner if funds, law, risk or programme design change materially.
10.2 Next scheduled review: 14 July 2027.
Approved and adopted for FND CONNECT CIC on 14 July 2026 · Matthew Gerdes-Hansen (Chair) and Emma Wilder (Secretary). The document shall remain in force until amended, replaced or withdrawn by the directors.