The Speech Language and Hearing Foundation has announced funding to support education, therapy and research aimed at improving the lives of children facing communication challenges and complex developmental needs across the United Kingdom.

The Foundation provides grants to small UK-based charities working with children who have hearing impairments, speech delays, language and communication difficulties, or broader complex needs. In addition to direct educational and therapeutic support, funding is also available for medical innovation and research initiatives that advance understanding and treatment in these areas.

The Foundation prioritises projects that:

• Support children with hearing impairment, speech and language delay, or complex developmental needs
• Advance medical innovation and new developments relevant to these children
• Promote research across topics related to childhood deafness, communication disorders and associated conditions

Recent awards have ranged between £500 and £15,000, although no fixed grant ceiling has been formally specified.

Past grants have supported a wide range of educational, clinical and research projects, including:

• The provision of part-time speech and language therapists in schools serving high levels of deprivation, particularly for children who do not meet the criteria for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
• Postgraduate training in Educational Audiology at Mary Hare School
• Acoustic treatment of classrooms delivered by The Jewish Deaf Association
• Research into childhood deafness undertaken by RNID
• A pilot project for ICAN’s award-winning “Tots Talking” programme
• The provision of laptops to enhance speech and language therapy delivery

By targeting small charities and focused initiatives, the Foundation aims to deliver practical, measurable improvements in access to specialist support and inclusive education for vulnerable children.

Applications for funding may be submitted at any time throughout the year.

Useful Links:

Guidelines