Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can apply for help?

We deal with applications from people whose needs are within the aims of the charity. We prioritise those individuals seriously injured playing rugby, particularly people with life changing injuries leaving them paraplegic. Families and dependents of such people can also apply for help.

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How is the charity managed and administrated?

The charity has a small office staff for day-to-day management of the charity. There are 12 Trustees who are responsible for the charity policy and budgets. The Trustees have a range of experience in medical, financial, business, caring and rugby matters.
The Trustees must ensure the charity is managed in an efficient and effective way and in accordance with the Articles and Memorandum of the charity. The charity operates in compliance with Charity Commission guidance and charity law. Annual Reports and Accounts are lodged with the Charity Commission and may be viewed on their web site – www.charitycommission.gov.uk .

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How can I apply for help?

The application process is explained in the ‘Applying for Help’ section but it is worth reading about our work in full to ensure that you are likely to be supported. If you are not sure if you would be eligible for help or not, you can phone, e-mail or write to the office for advice.

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What supporting documents are needed with an application?

Generally the Grant Making Committee will request particulars of the applicant’s special need and details of the project for which the funding is wanted. Supporting information can include medical specialist reports, information from a Social Services support worker or carer or specific information about your circumstances of need. Project details would include estimates, quotations or invoices for goods or services.

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Are some projects more likely to be funded than others?

All applications will be considered. You can see in the ‘Grants Made’ section some of the projects we have supported. Common requests that are funded include:

• Home improvements for disability access
• Purchase of specialist equipment – wheelchairs, hoists, stair lifts, etc.
• Exercise and therapy equipment
• Communication aids – computers, laptops, aids to speech, voice or other specialist activation devices for computers.
• Respite care and holiday carer support
• Travelling expenses for families and dependents during hospitalisation periods
• Mobility aids including vehicles and adaptations to vehicles for disability use

The charity does not fund general household expenses such as food, clothing, utility bills or vehicle fuel costs.

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Will my application be subject of a Means test?

An applicant’s financial resources are considered as part of the assessment process as the charity has limits on its funds. Projects may be partly funded or an agreed percentage of a project cost agreed with the applicant. The majority of smaller projects (£2,000 - £5,000) are supported in full.

We may also need to consider the financial status of a partner and your outgoings for dependents.

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How long will it take to consider my application?

We try to deal with all grants within a few days of receipt. The assessment process can take up to 8 weeks if it is a complex matter from a new applicant. However, most decisions are made within a month of being received. In an emergency or other exceptional circumstance, immediate decisions can be taken by the charity’s Executive Officer.

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How old must you be to apply?

There is no age limit applied as long as you meet the criteria in our charity’s aims. If the applicant is a minor, the grant would be made to an agreed parent, guardian, carer or supporting agency.

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Must the application form be completed by the applicant?

This is not essential. We understand that serious injuries may mean that the applicant’s family, dependents or legal representative may have to apply on their behalf.

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How often can someone apply?

Once it is established that a person is suitable for funding within the aims of the charity, there is no limit to how often a person can apply. It is understood that, particularly in the early stages after an injury, a person has many needs that are not always immediately apparent. A person’s history of requests is considered when making decisions.
If accepted as a charity client, a person is eligible for the small grant programme which is a single annual payment up to a maximum of £2,000 currently. Each client is allowed only one small grant application each year.

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What is the amount of grant an applicant might receive?

There is no specified maximum grant though it is rare for sums in excess of £10,000 to be funded for budget reasons. Most grants paid out are for £2,000 or less. Because of Motability and other grants, motor vehicles are normally only funded up to 50% of the vehicle cost.

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Do applicants have to have a medical or other assessment?

Generally not. The Grant Making committee does reserve the right to seek medical advice and applicants must consent to this if they are to receive funding support. The charity pays the cost of any medical examination. The charity has two senior consultants as Trustees and they manage medical matters in consultation with the applicant’s GP or specialist. If detailed medical information is required, the applicant will be sent a request including a formal consent form.

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Are applications treated confidentially?

All applications are treated in strict confidence. No information regarding an application is divulged by the charity to any other party without the express permission of the applicant. In such a rare case, the charity would agree with the applicant the information to be disclosed and the reason for its disclosure.

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Can applications be discussed in advance for advice?

The charity’s staff will be happy to discuss any aspect of an application and will treat such discussions with the same confidentiality as the application itself. The charity aims to minimise the bureaucracy around applications because we are sensitive to the fact that seriously injured people have to endure many such processes for benefit funding and other matters. If you are not sure that your project or request is suitable for funding, the Executive Officer can give an indication of the likelihood of success. If the matter is complex, the Executive Officer or other suitable person such as a charity Trustee can do a home visit to discuss the application.

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The Executive Officer can be contacted on postmaster@rfuspiretrust.co.uk or 0800 783 1518. For written enquiries, the address is: RFU Injured Players Foundation, Rugby House, Rugby Road, Twickenham, Middlesex TW1 1DS.