Roger and Jean Jefcoate Trust

The Roger and Jean Jefcoate Trust, established in 2003 as the Disability Aid Fund by Roger Jefcoate CBE DL and his late wife Jean, is a hands-on philanthropic fund dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and independence for disabled people—especially those with severe physical impairments—and older individuals. Rooted in the founders' lifelong advocacy for assistive technology and barrier removal, the Trust emphasises practical innovation, empowerment through information, advice, and direct aid, prioritising transformative impact over broad giving. Its core values of pragmatic entrepreneurship, targeted support, and deep expertise guide a selective portfolio of grants to local, regional, and small national charities.

It funds healthcare and disability initiatives focused on health/wellbeing for older people and the severely disabled, including specialist equipment, assistive/communication technologies, respite services, living aids, and projects promoting autonomy, inclusion, and community participation. Support extends to project work, core costs, capital grants, organisational resilience, infrastructure, and service innovation, with examples including aid to the Respite Association, Different Strokes, Canine Partners, and Action Cerebral Palsy.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, ideally small to medium-sized (incomes £100,000–£750,000) based in Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes, or neighbouring counties, though it extends to aligned causes across England and Wales. Unsolicited applications are not accepted—funding is invite-only via proactive networks and due diligence, with decisions at biannual trustee meetings.

Typical grants range from £5,000–£20,000 (often £5,000–£15,000) for single- or short multi-year commitments. It excludes general unrestricted funding or activities outside disability, older people's health, and independence tech. Distinctive for Roger Jefcoate's personal mentorship, high-additionality partnerships, and aversion to open calls, it excels as an ally for mission-aligned innovators seeking strategic, expert-backed support.