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.

The next deadline for applications is the 19th April 2010.

As part of the pilot they are running a series of events to help organisations understand the many ways they can support disabled volunteers. The events are free and a North West event will take place in Liverpool on 22nd March 2010 (3.30pm - 5.00pm). If you wish to attend email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

For further information about Access to Volunteering visit: www.accesstovolunteering.org. On this website you will also be able to find details of the first 40 organisations awarded funding. Over 14 North West organisations have already been awarded funding.