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Go Kids Go share their tips for applying to funding

14 January 2026

Need advice for your National Lottery funding application?

We spoke to Roy Wild, Training Manager at Go Kids Go about his experience of getting funding. In this interview, he shares tips that’ll help you apply for funding.

Go Kids Go run wheelchair skills workshops for children across the UK. The workshops help children:

  • use kerbs and move over different surfaces
  • try wheelchair sports
  • build confidence

Go Kids Go received £15,420 to run workshops in Scotland, from our Awards for All Scotland funding.

A young boy in a wheelchair smiles at the camera. Other people in wheelchairs are behind him.

Can you tell us about your project, Roy?

In 2025 we delivered 3 wheelchair skills training days in Scotland. We worked with 20 young wheelchair users and their families, 70 people in total.

All our volunteers in Scotland are wheelchair users. They learned their skills on our workshops as young people. And now they continue to support us as adults.

What did you do before starting your application?

First, we made sure our project was clearly defined. Then, we gathered information to show why the project was needed. This included evidence from what we have learned from running our projects over the years.

What top tip would you give to groups applying to The National Lottery Community Fund?

Clearly define the details of your project, like:

  • your aims
  • your objectives
  • the need for your project within the community you support

This shows the difference your project can make clearly. If possible, give examples of the positive impact of previous projects. This shows funders there's a need for more in the future.

Can you tell us about the positive impact your project has made so far?

The feedback has been really positive, 100% of respondents said the workshop:

  • helped to increase young wheelchair users' confidence
  • was excellent for practical advice, wheelchair sport, road safety and kerb work

The workshops also offer a space for families to meet, socialise and have fun together.

A young person said what they enjoyed most was “meeting other children who use wheelchairs”.

A man in a black t-shirt helps a young girl in a wheelchair to navigate a kerb. Other children in wheelchairs are behind them.

If you had the chance to talk to another group with National Lottery funding, what would you ask them?

What impact has the funding had? I’d like to know if the funding has helped their organisation to grow and run new projects. Or if it’s given them security to continue with their current work.

What does 'it starts with community' mean to you?

At Go Kids Go we understand that our community extends further than the young wheelchair users we work with. It includes their parents, carers, siblings and other family members. We help:

  • young wheelchair users develop skills that enable independence and confidence
  • their parents get advice and support
  • other family members take part in the sessions using spare wheelchairs

Through all this, we can support holistic development within all areas of daily life.

Thanks to Roy and Go Kids Go for answering our questions.

Feeling inspired? Find out more about getting ready to apply for funding.

If you're interested in sharing your funding application tips, email shareyourstory@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk.