MK SNAP (Milton Keynes Special Needs Advancement Project)

What MK SNAP (Milton Keynes Special Needs Advancement Project) does

MK SNAP (Milton Keynes Special Needs Advancement Project) is a UK registered charity (Charity Commission number 1013148), established in 1991, that provides education, life skills, work preparation, and employment pathway support to adults aged 18+ with learning disabilities in Milton Keynes and the bordering counties of Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire. It serves 167 enrolled learners, of whom 72 attend daily, at a purpose-built community centre at 20 Bourton Low, Walnut Tree, Milton Keynes. The facility was built in 2004 via a £2.6 million New Centre appeal and includes a commercial kitchen (installed 2015 with Garfield Weston Foundation support), the MK SNAP Garden (created 2016 via ITV's The People's Project), and a Changing Places personal care facility opened in October 2021. The offering comprises a curriculum of 22+ subjects spanning IT, photography, performing arts, life skills, work training, creative arts, and health/wellbeing activities, delivered by 24 qualified specialist staff plus volunteers under Centre Director Steven Carruthers (appointed January 2025).

The business model is donation- and grant-led with diversified supplementary earned income. Primary funding comes from individual donations (via JustGiving, Amazon Smile, and direct giving), corporate CSR partnerships through the Dragon Programme (supporting 130+ people annually via partners including AFL, Ringway, Bullerwell, Pure Group, Cygnus, ProAct Cleaning and Ellievision), and community fundraising events, with a stated annual fundraising target of £250,000. Supplementary earned income includes: an e-commerce online shop selling handcrafted learner-made products priced £3.99–£37.00; the SNAP Cafe and commercial kitchen generating income from corporate lunches, specialist cake orders and ticketed cafe events (Cupcake Decorating, Football CAFE, Sip and Paint, Quiz Nights); corporate outsourcing for production assembly with Mechline Developments, where MK SNAP records zero non-conformity across thousands of products assembled; and event-based fundraising (Swimathons, firewalks, marathon runs, Festive Fayres). From June 2026, Enterprise Pop-Up Stalls at partner workplaces extend the direct-sales channel beyond the on-site cafe and online shop. The Dragon Programme alone is disclosed as directly funding 130+ people with learning disabilities each year.

Name

MK SNAP (Milton Keynes Special Needs Advancement Project)

Legal name

MK SNAP (Milton Keynes Special Needs Advancement Project)

Website

https://mksnap.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

MK SNAP is a UK charity delivering education, life skills, and work training to adults with learning disabilities in Milton Keynes. It serves 167 enrolled learners at a purpose-built centre via a 22-subject curriculum, funded by donations, corporate partnerships, and earned income.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Special Needs Education and Disability Support Services

NAICS

Individual and Family Services (6241)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Financial Assistance & Benefits Navigation Services (BPAGAEAK)

Keywords

• Special needs education
• Disability support services
• Work training programmes
• Adult learning disabilities
• Community charity services

Headquarters

HQ city

Milton Keynes

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: MK SNAP relies on donations from individuals, families, supporters, and businesses to fund operations. Annual fundraising target is £250,000. Sources include JustGiving, Amazon Smile, direct donations, and community fundraising events.
2. Online Shop Sales: Products sold through the MK SNAP online shop include handcrafted items (artwork, cards, soaps, wax melts, candles), branded clothing and accessories, and seasonal goods. All products are made by learners during Enterprise sessions. Pricing ranges from £3.99 to £37.00.
3. Cafe and Catering: The SNAP Cafe and commercial kitchen generate unrestricted income through corporate lunches, specialist cake orders, and cafe events. The kitchen was funded by a Garfield Weston Foundation grant and supports learner work experience in hospitality and catering.
4. Corporate Outsourcing and Work Training: MK SNAP provides production assembly, packing, and work training services to local businesses (e.g., Mechline Developments). Corporate outsourcing generates unrestricted income used to develop and maintain work skills programmes for learners.
5. Event-Based Fundraising: Community and corporate fundraising events including quiz nights, sporting challenges, and themed events generate donations and sponsorship. Co-op Local Community Fund raised over £6,000; MK Lakeside Runners raised nearly £5,000.
6. Dragon Corporate Partnership Programme: Corporate partners join the Dragon Programme to deliver CSR objectives, providing donations that directly fund over 130 people with learning disabilities each year. Partners receive brand association, PR opportunities, and staff engagement activities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

MK SNAP delivers a programme of learning, life skills, work preparation and work opportunities for adults aged 18+ with learning disabilities in Milton Keynes and surrounding areas. The charity operates a purpose-built centre providing a curriculum of 22+ subjects, work training, enterprise sessions (where learners handcraft products for sale), and a commercial cafe, all supported by a 24-strong specialist staff team. Core services are funded through donations, grants, corporate partnerships (Dragon Programme), an online shop, corporate outsourcing assembly contracts, and cafe/catering income, with an annual fundraising target of £250,000.

Product overview

MK SNAP operates an online charity shop and community facility offering handcrafted products created by adults with learning disabilities through their Enterprise programme. The product portfolio includes The Art Collection (prints from learner artwork), The Handmade Collection (creative soaps and wax melts), The SNAP Collection (branded merchandise), The Luxury Collection (candles and luxury soaps), and Events (community cafe events like Cupcake Decorating, Football CAFE, Quiz Nights, and Sip and Paint sessions). The core offering is complemented by an educational curriculum of over 20 courses, work training programmes, and cafe/catering services. All products are handmade or crafted by learners during Enterprise sessions, with proceeds supporting the charity's mission to empower adults with learning disabilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MK SNAP Dragon Programme: A corporate partnership programme allowing businesses to deliver CSR objectives while supporting adults with learning disabilities. The programme enables companies to become Dragon Partners, benefit from brand association and PR activities, engage staff through volunteer opportunities, and directly fund over 130 people with learning disabilities annually.
• SNAP Enterprise Programme
• MK SNAP Cafe
• SNAPPY Radio
• MK Disability Awareness Day (MK DAD)

Products and services

• Educational Curriculum
• Work Training Programme
• SNAP Enterprise Programme
• SNAP Cafe and Catering Services
• Dragon Corporate Partnership Programme

Quantifiable outcome

• 72 learners attend MK SNAP each day
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• M&M Supplies (UK) PLCcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 July 2026Partnership celebrated supporting 50 adults with disabilities and learning difficulties through work experience, with some progressing to employment. Managing Director Frank Purcell BEM DL is a champion of inclusive employment. Over 25% of M&M's workforce are people with disabilities. M&M was featured alongside MK SNAP in a UK House of Commons mention by Callum Anderson MP and on ITV News Anglia and BBC East online.
• MK GallerycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership gives learners the chance to explore creativity and share it with the wider community. Together they developed innovative sensory tours designed and led by MK SNAP learners, making art inclusive and accessible. Learners co-created the MK Calling exhibition exploring identity. Artwork also displayed at Unity Place following a March 2026 launch event.
• AFL (Dragon Partner)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerDragon Partner and host of MK SNAP Enterprise Pop-Up Stalls. AFL revamped the pond and introduced fish for learners as part of AFL ACT project volunteer activities. Active supporter hosting enterprise stalls and providing work experience opportunities.
• Ball CorporationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHosted MK SNAP Enterprise Pop-Up Stalls at their workplace, providing learners with real-life customer service and sales experience.
• RoutecocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing employment partnership. Learner Dawn joined in 2007 for work experience and has worked one day per week for 12+ years across different departments. Routeco described the experience as beneficial to the organisation and Dawn as part of the Routeco family.
• Xscape Milton KeynesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHosted MK SNAP Enterprise Pop-Up Stalls at their venue, providing learners with retail experience and raising awareness of the charity.
• Mechline Developments LimitedcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate outsourcing partner for production assembly. Over the years, MK SNAP has assembled a wide range of products for Mechline. Zero non-conformity recorded across thousands of products — the highest quality record of all Mechline suppliers. Generates unrestricted income for the charity.
• MK Council LearningminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMilton Keynes Council delivers Work and Independent Skills Qualifications at MK SNAP, enabling learners to develop skills needed for employment.
• Barking BagsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDonates 5% of sales to MK SNAP when customers enter 'MKSNAP' at checkout. Ongoing affiliate-style partnership supporting the charity's fundraising.
• MKFMcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRadio station partnership providing broadcasting experience for learners. Learner Ricky gained experience, built confidence and life skills, and now works with MKFM in a fully independent role.
• Co-op (Local Community Fund)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerMK SNAP elected as a charity for the Co-op Local Community Fund. Raised over £6,000 through members shopping — 1% of spending on selected own-brand products went to the fund.
• MK Lakeside RunnersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerChosen as the club's Charity of the Year under Chair David Lewis. Raised nearly £5,000 from quiz nights, raffles, BBQ sales, and marathon runs including runners for the 2019 London Marathon.
• Mechline Developments LimitedcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate outsourcing partner for production assembly. Over the years, MK SNAP has assembled a wide range of products for Mechline. Zero non-conformity recorded across thousands of products — the highest quality record of all Mechline suppliers. Generates unrestricted income for the charity.
• CygnusminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDragon Partner — one of the corporate supporters in the Dragon Programme. Logo displayed on Dragon Partners section of website.
• Pure GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDragon Partner — one of the corporate supporters in the Dragon Programme. Logo displayed on Dragon Partners section of website.
• RingwayminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDragon Partner and employer. MK8 Red Thread Fellow Asmita Sharma (Sustainability Co-ordinator from Ringway) joined MK SNAP's team as part of the 2025-26 Leadership Programme.
• ProAct CleaningminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDragon Partner — one of the corporate supporters in the Dragon Programme. Logo displayed on Dragon Partners section of website.
• BullerwellminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNominated MK SNAP for the Aviva Community Fund Award. Employees Heidi Keates and Damon Blakey put forward the nomination that resulted in funding for the accessible outside area.
• EllievisionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDragon Partner — one of the corporate supporters in the Dragon Programme. Logo displayed on Dragon Partners section of website.
• Woods Hardwick ArchitectsminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerArchitecture firm that worked on the new facility, breaking ground in 2007 for the purpose-built centre in Walnut Tree.
• MKPCNminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal Milton Keynes networking group that helped raise funds and contributed time to build the new accessible outside area in 2025.
• MK Food BankminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVital partner in creating work experience opportunities for MK SNAP learners as part of the inclusive employment ecosystem.
• Bucks County CricketminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSporting partner that has worked with MK SNAP learners on sport lessons over the years.
• Jill Fosters Dance CentreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerExternal dance instructor delivering dance sessions at MK SNAP, offering a range of dances from Latin to Disco.
• Franklins SolicitorsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSelected MK SNAP as one of the chosen charities for the Franklins £50 Challenge 2026, where teams are given £50 seed funding to turn into as much money as possible through creative fundraising.
• Unity PlacecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSeven artworks created by MK SNAP learners selected for a community art exhibition at Unity Place following a March 2026 launch event. Partnership celebrates creativity, community and inclusion with learners' work referencing local landmarks including the Concrete Cows.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Lifeways: UK specialist provider of support for people with learning disabilities, autism, and complex needs, offering supported living and day services. Comparable beneficiary focus though larger for-profit social-care operator.
• Mencap: Largest UK charity for people with learning disabilities, offering services, advocacy, and employment programmes. Comparable mission and beneficiary base, though operating at significantly larger national scale with statutory service contracts.
• Sense: UK charity for people with complex disabilities including learning disabilities, deafblindness, and autism. Comparable as a long-established disability-focused charity with day services and employment pathways, though serving a broader disability profile.
• Community Integrated Care: One of the UK's largest social care charities, providing supported living and day services for people with learning disabilities. Comparable service delivery model with broader geographic reach and statutory commissioning.
• National Autistic Society: Major UK charity providing services, education, and employment programmes for autistic people, including those with co-occurring learning disabilities. Comparable in operating education and employment pathways within a charitable structure.
• Ambitious about Autism: UK charity providing education, training, and employment support for autistic children and young people. Comparable in integrating education, work preparation, and enterprise skills within a charity operating model.

Direct peers

• MacIntyre: UK charity providing lifelong learning, education, and work training for people with learning disabilities and autism. Directly comparable in delivering education-plus-enterprise programmes with a charitable funding model.
• Hft: UK charity providing personalised learning disability support, day services, and supported employment across multiple regions. Directly comparable as a long-established nonprofit serving adults with learning disabilities through education and work skills programmes.
• SeeAbility: UK charity supporting people with learning disabilities, autism, and sight loss through day services, supported employment, and community engagement. Comparable in service breadth and charitable operating model.
• United Response: UK charity supporting people with learning disabilities, autism, and mental health needs through person-centred services, employment support, and community engagement. Comparable in non-clinical day-service model and charitable funding structure.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mk-snap

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about MK SNAP (Milton Keynes Special Needs Advancement Project)