Mary's Beat

Mary's Beat is a grant programme for residents of Somerset or Devon (excluding North Somerset and BANES) who have learning and/or physical disabilities. The fund supports participation in activities which, without the grant, would not be available to applicants. Funding can be used to support people with physical and/or learning disabilities to access music therapy and experience outdoor adventures, such as costs of attending sporting events, concerts or outdoor activities, sessions of music, art, hydro or rebound and other sensory therapies, horse riding, or financial contributions towards equipment to enable participation in music events or outdoor activities. The fund opens in January and February each year with decisions made in March. Grants typically range from £100 to £1,000 with a typical award of £500. The Somerset Community Foundation administers approximately £5,000 through this fund annually and is usually able to support 1 out of every 4 applications received.