Funding Opportunity: Supporting Autistic Students in Schools and Colleges

A new funding opportunity is now available to help improve support for autistic young people in mainstream education settings across England. The Rapid Impact Fund (RIF), delivered by Sheila Coates Foundation, provides small grants for quick, practical projects that make a real difference.

What is the Rapid Impact Fund?

The Rapid Impact Fund is designed to support creative, low-cost and impactful interventions that can be implemented quickly within mainstream secondary schools and colleges.

The aim is simple: to help autistic students thrive in education by funding solutions that respond to real, immediate needs.

Provision for autistic learners can vary significantly, so this fund focuses on timely actions that deliver meaningful outcomes without delay.

How Much Funding is Available?

Fixed grants of £5,000

Funding for projects that can be delivered quickly and show clear impact

2026 Funding Themes

Two themed funding rounds are open for 2026:

 RIF 11 – Summer 2026: Building Autism-Inclusive Cultures

This round focuses on creating lasting, inclusive change across schools and colleges.

Projects should:

• Link individual or group impact to wider systemic change
• Influence practice across a department or whole setting
• Involve leadership, SENCos, teachers or support staff

RIF 12 – Autumn 2026: Tackling or Preventing Non-Attendance

This round supports approaches that address attendance challenges among autistic students.

Strong applications will:

• Promote collaboration between schools, students and families
• Ensure autistic young people and their parents/carers help shape solutions
• Focus on sustainable ways to improve engagement and attendance

What Can Be Funded?

Projects must be:

• Co-produced with autistic students (and families where appropriate)
• Innovative and practical
• Focused on delivering quick, measurable outcomes

Please note: Projects focused on creating or equipping sensory or safe spaces are not eligible for funding in 2026.

Who Can Apply?

Applications are open to staff working in mainstream education settings, including:

• School and college leadership teams
• SENCos
• Teachers and teaching assistants
  

• RIF 11 (Summer Round): Deadline – 13 May 2026 (5pm)
• RIF 12 (Autumn Round): Deadline – 14 July 2026 (5pm)
  
  

Find full guidance and apply here: https://sheilacoatesfoundation.org/rapid-impact-fund/