What we’re about
The Thomas Milo Foundation is a grant-making charity dedicated to improving the lives of disabled and able-bodied teens and young adults. We provide funding to charities, community groups and not-for-profit organisations delivering projects that create meaningful, lasting social impact.
Our foundation was set up in honour of Thomas Silverman in 2025 by his parents, Abbie and Mark Silverman. Thomas’ knowledge, determination and love for his family and friends shape the values of our foundation: compassion, dignity, opportunity and community.
Based in London, we fund projects across the United Kingdom and are run entirely by volunteers, meaning 100% of proceeds go directly to supporting young people.
Our founders, Mark and Abbie, at Arts Depot, recipients of a grant from the Thomas Milo Foundation, June 2026
Applying for a grant
We award grants throughout the year, with applications considered at our quarterly trustees’ meetings.
Our Grant Making Policy sets out clear eligibility criteria with applications assessed on merit, public benefit and alignment with the foundation’s objects. Funding may cover revenue or capital costs and grants can meet up to 100% of project expenditure.
We fund the following:
• registered charities
• community interest companies
• not-for-profit organisations
• organisations working with or on behalf of these groups
We may also fund non-charitable bodies where their activities advance exclusively charitable purposes. In these cases, we take additional steps to ensure funds are used only for charitable outcomes, with appropriate monitoring and agreements in place.
We are conscious of the level of work involved in applying for funding and would encourage charities to consider whether their work aligns with our funding priorities and can comply with our grant making policy before submitting an application.
Please contact us if you’re unsure or have any questions. If you want to go ahead with an application, please note that our trustees meet to review grant applications in January, April, July and October. Due to the volume of funding requests we receive, we cannot respond individually to every request. However, successful applicants will be notified by email at the earliest opportunity following each trustee meeting.
Grant applications are accepted all year round and should be sent to enquiries@thomasmilofoundation.org.uk
What we fund
We support organisations providing and campaigning for essential equipment and opportunities for those who need it most, including:
• Work placements and mentoring
• Employment training schemes
• Adapted sports and gym equipment
• Accessible travel to and from sports events
• Better accessibility at sporting and arts venues
Increasing participation
We support organisations providing and campaigning for essential equipment and opportunities for those who need it most, including:
• Adapted sports and gym equipment
• Accessible travel to and from sports events
• Better accessibility at sporting and arts venues
Education and opportunity
We fund initiatives that widen access to education, training and employment for young adults facing barriers to the workplace. This includes:
• Arranging and offering work placements
• Support and mentoring for those struggling to access education or employment
• Programmes that build confidence, skills and long-term opportunity
Community development
We support organisations working to reduce isolation for vulnerable teens and young adults, including:
• Sports and social clubs offering positive interactions for disabled and able-bodied youngsters
• Reducing SEN barriers within secondary school and college settings
• 1-to-1 mentoring, support and companionship
Adult transition
We support colleges, charities, hospices and other organisations to prevent a sudden drop-off in support for teens when they turn 18 by supporting them in:
• Providing a physical space for activities in paediatric or adult facilities
• Offering age- and developmentally-appropriate palliative care services
• Identifying and overcoming regulatory barriers
Our Trustees
The Foundation is governed by a dedicated board of trustees:
• Mark Silverman – Chair and co-founder
• Abbie Silverman – Co-founder
• Daniel Press – Treasurer
• Karen Cavicchioli
• Laura Curtis
Together, they ensure that every grant awarded furthers the Foundation’s charitable purposes and delivers real benefit to the individuals and communities we aim to support.