The Toy Trust offers grants of up to £5,000 to small UK-registered charities that support disabled and disadvantaged children under the age of 13. These funds are intended for the purchase of equipment and services that help alleviate suffering, support children through difficult experiences, and encourage achievement despite adversity. The Trust prioritizes projects that provide tangible benefits, such as purchasing vital equipment or initiating new projects, and does not typically fund salaries, wages, or research.

To be eligible, applicants must be registered charities that have been operational for at least one year. Applications must be supported by up-to-date financial accounts, showing that administrative and overhead costs are less than 30% of income and that unrestricted net assets do not exceed £200,000 or less than one year’s income. The Toy Trust also prefers applications from charities that have engaged in some form of effective fundraising on their own.

Applications are reviewed quarterly, with deadlines in mid-February, mid-June, mid-August, and mid-November. Successful applicants cannot reapply for funding for two years, allowing the Trust to distribute funds fairly across a large number of requests. The Toy Trust may also consider making larger and longer commitments for special projects when funds are available. The next deadline for applications is mid-November 2024 for consideration at the December meeting of Trustees.