The Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust is accepting applications through its Ann Rylands Small Donations Programme, which supports smaller charities working to improve health and care provision.

Unrestricted grants of up to £5,000 are available. They may support core costs or a specific project, but cannot be used for research. Applicants are asked not to request a particular amount. Trustees will decide awards according to available resources and the suitability of the proposed work. Typical grants are between £2,000 and £3,000.

The funding is for::

• Improved quality of life for older people through health and care
• Improved quality of life for people with disabilities through health and care
• Improved quality of life for people with serious illness/chronic conditions through health and care
• Improved health and care for people needing palliative and end-of-life care
• Practical and emotional support to improve the health and care for people facing challenges with mental health

Applications may be submitted by charities registered for at least three years with the Charity Commission for England and Wales, the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator or the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland.

Priority is given to charities whose main activities are health-related. Applicants should demonstrate that they can deliver effective services to their beneficiaries and provide evidence that their work is needed, high quality and represents value for money.

Preference may be given to medium-sized charities with annual income between £100,000 and £2 million. Organisations should be independent and not receive a substantial proportion of their income through government or local authority contracts.

Applications can be submitted whenever the online system is open and will be considered as soon as possible, depending on the volume received.

Applications are currently open with no deadline.