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Our process

Our funding process

Our funding process

All applications must be made via our online application form.

  • All applications must meet the criteria for funding.

  • Applications will be considered on a rolling basis so you can apply anytime.

  • Grants will be considered by the Trustees at quarterly meetings.  Our funding rounds for 2026 are:

    • January

    • April

    • July

    • October 

  • Our next meeting date is xxx 2026

  • Trustees will email all applicants informing them of the outcome of their application for funding within a month of the date of the meeting in which funding round they applied.

  • Unfortunately, we will not always be able to provide detailed feedback if you did not receive a grant.  It will simply be because there is a limited amount of money to give away each time. 

  • Applicants should be aware that, as with many Charitable Trusts, AME receives more applications than it has funds to support.  Even if an application fits within the criteria and priorities, we may still be unable to provide a grant.

  • Applicants who are successful must agree to our Use of Funds policy

What we fund

What we fund

  • ​Therapeutic parenting training

  • Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy

  • Theraplay

  • Filial therapy

  • Creative therapies e.g. music, dance, drama, art

  • Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)

  • Non-Violent Resistance Training (NVR)

  • Sensory Integration Therapy/Sensory attachment theory

  • Multi Systemic Therapy

  • Mentalisation Based Therapy

  • Psychotherapy

  • Counselling 

  • Life Story Work

  • Occupational Therapy

  • Short breaks if they include a substantial element of eligible therapy

  • Mediation services where an adoptive family is at risk of disruption

  • Education support

  • Membership of clubs and organisations

  • Animal or equine therapy

  • Specialist equipment (e.g. weighted blankets)

  • Medical support and equipment

  • Specialist assessments e.g.

    • In-depth family assessment of child and family’s needs focussed on trauma and attachment 

    • ADHD

    • Dyslexia

    • Occupational Therapy

    • Sensory Integration Assessment

What we do not fund

What we do not fund

  • Information, advice, guidance and signposting

  • Opportunities for adoptive parents to interact (e.g. support groups, family days)

  • Mediation of contact with birth families

  • General financial support

  • Short breaks where there is no therapeutic support

  • Babysitting/Childcare

  • Respite care

  • Care of animals/pets

  • Medicines/prescriptions

  • General appeals or sponsorships

  • Support not delivered in England or Wales

  • Work that has already been carried out – we do not fund retrospectively

  • Public bodies to carry out their statutory obligations

How we prioritise

How we prioritise

We aim to award grants in the fairest possible way.  Since the number of applications usually exceeds the available funding, we prioritise grants based on the following grounds:

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  • Low-income adopters

  • Single parent adopters

  • The urgency and impact of need - this will be decided by the trustees

 

All applications will be considered if they fall within the eligibility criteria listed above. In awarding grants, the Trustees will apply the following principles:

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  • Applications from any geographical area within England and Wales are considered.

  • We will not give grants to the same successful applicant within a 12 month period.  

  • All previously unsuccessful applicants will be considered on their own merit if they reapply.

  • We are willing to fund alongside grants from the ASGSF as we know that these grants are limited and often not sufficient to cover complex needs.

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