Area: Greater London, West Midlands and the North West
Deadline: 8 February 2010

The Access to Volunteering Fund Pilot aims to increase the number of disabled people in volunteer positions by breaking down the barriers they currently face when wanting to volunteer.

Disabled people are 9% less likely to volunteer than the rest of the population. A lack of special equipment, inappropriate premises, the extra cost of travel and the need for support workers to provide assistance often mean disabled people are prevented from volunteering.

Backed by the Office of the Third Sector, the £2million Access to Volunteering Fund will give small grants to organisations to support disabled people in realising their desire to volunteer.

The pilot will operate initially in three test areas - Greater London, West Midlands and the North West. The Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) is managing the grant process.