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How we are funded

MERU is funded by a mix of grant-giving trusts, statutory services, individual donors, community groups, and fees we charge for some of our services. Our local NHS Trust, the Sutton & Merton PCT, recognises the value of MERU and helps fund our premises and some running costs. MERU is also fortunate to have secured a Department of Health Section 64 grant, which has enabled us to employ a part-time Occupational Therapist.

We use our funds to enable us to recruit and retain those rare skills essential to MERU. In addition to our paid engineering staff, without whom we could not function, for part of the year university design and engineering students join us. We also rely heavily on the generosity of skilled volunteers, who provide around £86,000 worth of donated services annually. We were delighted when these volunteers were awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award for ‘Unsung Heroes'.

How we raise money

MERU is continually striving to expand its service but the number of children we can help directly depends on how much income we gain from donations and grants. We explore every possible source of funding, and currently concentrate our efforts on securing support from charitable trusts and companies, with a small additional income from clubs and organisations.

We also strive to secure funding through government initiatives aimed at improving the lives of disabled people. One of our services, the Communication and Control initiative, brings in some additional revenue and we are working towards entering into contracts with agencies, for which MERU will receive fees. This provides a small but significant income stream.

We also seek ‘sponsorship’ by companies who wish to be associated with projects. MERU is always delighted to receive offers of practical support and we continue to source donated tools and materials wherever possible.

How you can support us (download Gift Aid Form)

The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service 2004. Copyright © MERU 2006. All rights reserved
Reg. Charity No. 269804 Company Limited by Guarantee No. 1214125
Email: info@meru.org.uk Tel No: 020 8770 8286 Fax No: 020 8770 8398