Medequip delivers the Community Equipment Loan Service across Staffordshire, supporting people to live independently, safely, and with dignity in their own homes.
The ‘’Medequip Community Fund’’ will be established in partnership with the Community Foundation for Staffordshire and Shropshire, will provide grant funding to voluntary and community organisations that support older people and disabled people, including children and young people, living in Staffordshire.
The fund is intended to address isolation, inequality, and barriers to independence, with a strong focus on preventative and community-led solutions
Aims of the Fund
The Medequip Community Fund aims to:
- Support older and disabled people to live independently and with dignity
- Reduce loneliness and social isolation
- Improve wellbeing, confidence, and quality of life
- Enable access to inclusive, accessible community support
The fund will prioritise projects supporting:
- Older people (65+) living with disability or long-term health conditions
- Older people who are socially isolated or at risk of loneliness
- Disabled adults
- Disabled children and young people, including those with physical, sensory, learning, or neurodivergent needs
- Unpaid carers, where support directly benefits the cared-for person
Priority may be given to individuals experiencing multiple disadvantages, including poverty, rural isolation, or limited access to transport and services.
Funded projects should demonstrate clear outcomes, such as:
- Reduced loneliness and isolation
- Improved wellbeing and confidence
- Increased independence and safety
- Stronger social connections and community participation
- Enhanced quality of life for older and disabled people
Eligible Costs
- Proportionate core costs
- Equipment costs
- Capital costs
- Training costs
- Revenue costs
- Project costs
- Event Costs
Eligible Activities
Funding may be used to support a range of activity, including but not limited to:
- Community-based social activities that reduce isolation
- Services that promote independence and daily living
- Inclusive activities for disabled children and young people
- Befriending, peer support, or mentoring schemes
- Outreach services engaging people not currently accessing support
- Small items of equipment, resources, or adaptations that improve quality of life
- Transport or access support to enable participation in community activity
Projects must demonstrate how activities are accessible, inclusive, and responsive to lived experience.
Grants Available
You can apply for a grant of up to £1000
Project Duration
Organisations have 12 months to fully deliver the project
Submission Dates
Application window will open 10th April 2026 and will close on 31st July 2026. However, the programme may close early if we receive a high number of applications. It is advised to apply early
The panel will sit week commencing 7th September, with groups notified shortly after