Normansfield and Richmond Foundation

The Normansfield and Richmond Foundation, rooted in the 1950s as the Friends of Normansfield and shaped by advocates like Lord Brian Rix, is a local charity dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for adults and young people with learning disabilities in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, including former Normansfield Hospital residents. Its mission supplements statutory services through practical, life-enhancing support, emphasizing inclusion, community integration, independence, and partnership with local organizations, while raising awareness and addressing unmet needs to reduce inequalities and boost health outcomes.

It prioritizes one-off projects delivering tangible benefits, such as specialist equipment, leisure activities, holidays, therapeutic programs, and independent living support for people with learning disabilities, their carers, families, and serving organizations like Richmond Mencap or Disability Challengers. Funding targets gaps in statutory provision, focusing on community cohesion, education access, and transition support for young people.

Eligible applicants include UK-registered charities, small grassroots community groups, and individuals based in or strongly linked to postcodes TW9, TW10, SW13, and SW14, with a preference for modest-sized entities. Typical grants range from £500 to £5,000 (rarely higher), awarded via separate online forms for individuals or organizations, accepted on a rolling basis with trustee decisions in weeks—urgent needs prioritized. Exclusions cover core costs, ongoing funding, capital projects, or statutory substitutions. Distinctive for its hyper-local focus, responsive hands-on process, and historical ties to learning disability care, it stands out as a vital, collaborative partner for Richmond's disability community.