The Thomas Wall Trust believes that communication skills are critical capabilities for people who want to improve their employment prospects, self-confidence, resilience, and life chances.

The Trust offer grants to specific projects or core activities that develop these critical life skills for people from disadvantaged groups.

They welcome proposals which target people experiencing multiple deprivation or other groups demonstrably facing major hurdles to employment, especially; women, people with physical, mental, or learning disabilities, refugees and asylum seekers.

Fund award sizes: maximum: £5,000

Who can apply
Registered charities with an income of under £500,000 per year.

Minimum annual income: £10,000 Maximum annual income: £500,000

When to apply
Check the Trust website for the most up to date details.

How to apply
The application process is divided into two stages: Stage one is to complete the Expression of Interest form (link) where you will be asked to complete some basic contact details and a description of what you require funding for. If successful, you will be invited to Stage two – Applicants will be asked to submit a Project Plan (including budget details) using the template (available to download from the website), latest set of audited financial accounts, and any relevant policies. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email unless they receive an unusually high volume of applications.

Exclusions
-Organisations with political, lobbying or proselytizing objectives
-Capital costs (the purchase of land, buildings, construction)
-Charities that operate outside of the UK
-Subsidiaries, ‘off shoots’ or franchises of larger charities
-Hospitals