The Acceleration Fund 

The application process

This is a two-stage process.

On 19 May, applications will open for organisations with an existing impactful project or service to express interest in scaling their work, by collaborating with other organisations. The form for this first stage seeks information about the project, its impact to date and the need and opportunities for expansion. Applicants are requested to upload a short video which will be used to publicise the project to potential partner organisations.

The deadline for applications is midday, 30 June. Applicants will be informed of the outcome by 18 July 2025. 

Read on to find out more about the process and how to apply. 

Stage 1: Selection of Lead Organisations with an existing project or service to ‘accelerate’

Organisations with existing services for vision impaired individuals are invited to complete a short expression of interest form via Form Assembly. 

Organisations are also asked to submit a five minute video focussing on their project or service and the impact it has had to date. This will be used in the selection process and will also be used in Stage 2 of the application round.

Stage 1 opens: 19 May
Stage 1 closes: Midday, 30 June 

Stage two: Team formation and joint funding application

Throughout July and August project videos from the lead organisations selected at stage 1 will be promoted to the sector, via our online channels to prospective partners. Lead organisations and prospective partners can begin to co-produce business cases ready for submission at stage 2. 

Further details on how teams will be developed ready for stage 2 of the process will be available soon. 

Key dates to take note of 

19 May 2025: Stage 1 opens for applications.
Midday, 30 June 2025: Stage 1 closes.

By 18 July 2025: Successful applicants notified – at this point there is no grant funding guaranteed.

July/August 2025: Teams are developed and begin work on outline business cases, needs analysis and resource planning.

5 September – Information sharing and networking event to support finalising of outline business cases. 

8 September – Applications open for stage 2. Teams will be asked to submit their outline business cases.

Midday 20 October 2025: Applications close for stage 2.

November: Outcomes of stage 2 anticipated. This will release tranche 1 of the full grant, up to £15,000 for developing detailed delivery plans.

Release of the remaining grant will be confirmed in Feb 2026 and will be subject to satisfactory demonstration of robust planning and delivery plans. Full implementation of the projects is expected early in the 2026/27 financial year.    

You must submit your application for approval by the stated deadline for your submission to be processed.

How will applications be assessed?

Applications will be assessed based on the following criteria: 
•    The track record and success of the Lead Organisation in delivering the project/service. 
•    Strong evidence of need for the project/service to be scaled up. 
•    How feasible it would be to scale up the project/service. 
•    The potential of long term impact.
•    The strength of partnerships formed.

Is my organisation eligible to apply?

The following organisations are eligible to receive funding from the Acceleration funding programme:
•    UK registered charities.
•    Registered Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIO).
•    Charitable companies, limited by guarantee.
•    Community Interest Companies (CIC), limited by guarantee.
•    Exempt charities (e.g. educational establishments).