Our Individual Grants are now closed and will reopen on 30th May 2022

APPLYING FOR AN INDIVIDUAL GRANT 

Guidance Notes - Please read very carefully 

If you are experiencing poverty or hardship you may be eligible to apply  for a grant from our Welfare Fund to help you buy essential  things that will make a positive contribution to your day- to-day well -being.  You can apply on your own behalf but you will  need to provide a statement or letter of support from a professional person who knows you and your circumstances.   A successful award is normally a few hundred pounds in value and may be made in the form of e-vouchers, bank transfer direct to a supplier, or through our own suppliers. 

We also welcome applications from referral agencies on behalf of a client. 

Anyone may apply as long as they meet the minimum criteria but our experience shows that you are likely to be experiencing poverty because of one or more of these factors. 

1. You have a physical or mental health condition or disability 

2. You have young children or are caring for a relative

3. You have escaped from a mentally or physically abusive relationship 

4. You have been a victim of crime 

5. You have suffered a traumatic bereavement.

When completing the application form please let us know as much as possible about your circumstances.

You must meet the minimum criteria below;

1. Have UK citizenship or have been granted leave to remain.  
2. Have been resident in the UK for at least 12 months.
3. Be over 18 years old.  
4. Be unable to fund your request yourself. 
5. Be applying for something not usually funded by the state.
6. Have not received an award from the National Benevolent Charity in the past 12 months.    
7. Have had no more than three successful applications to the National Benevolent Charity in the past five years. 
8. Be in receipt of all state benefits you are entitled to (except where you are waiting for benefit to be awarded for example PIP or appealing against a decision of the DWP to refuse or withdraw a benefit)
9. Have applied to other trade related benevolence funds (if applicable)

We are currently considering applications for;

1. White goods e.g. fridge, freezer, microwave, washing machine or cooker  
2. Household goods e.g. bedding and beds, bedroom furniture, kitchen equipment   
3. Help to buy baby equipment e.g. buggy, cot, clothes   
4. Help with food shopping or clothing 
5. Help with utility bill costs 
6. Help with costs of training or work tools

   
   

Our Application Process

We aim to assess your application within 10 working days of receiving it.  You will then receive an email which will either;

1. Let you know the outcome of your application.

or 

2. Ask you to provide further information or documentation. 

or

3.  Let you know that your application will be considered by our Welfare Committee ( exceptional applications  - listed below are always considered by the Welfare Committee and therefore take longer to process)

As we are a small, committed team dealing with a high volume of demand, please contact us via email rather than telephone and be respectful in your communication with us. Please also respond to our requests for further information as promptly as possible. 

Awards cannot be made retrospectively so if you make a purchase while your application is in the process of being considered then we are unlikely to reimburse you.

FAQ's click here

In exceptional circumstances we may consider applications for; 

1. Bankruptcy or a Debt Relief Order - where debt advice from an agency has been received and this is confirmed as the best course of action.  
2. Respite Holiday - where there is a compelling case that it will enhance well being.
3. Floor Coverings - where there are very young children in the home or there is some other compelling case  (a quote from the supplier and photographs of the existing flooring will need to support the application) 
4.  Disability Aids - where there insufficient government grants and it can be is shown as the most cost effective option.
5. Minor Home or Garden Alterations - where it is shown that it will enhance wellbeing.
6. Rent Arrears - where there is a compelling case that reducing rent arrears will make a significant difference to an individual or family.

How to apply? 

Please fill in the application form below and ensure you have completed everything on the checklist before sending it to us.   

You will need to provide;

1. A Statement or Letter from a referrer. This must be an independent person who is professionally involved with you for example a Charity Advice Worker, Social Worker, Housing Officer, Money Advice Worker, CAB Advisor, Health Visitor etc.   It should include: a description of your current circumstances, what you are applying for, how they are professionally involved with you and that they support your application. The professional referrer statement or letter can either be pasted into the box provided in the application form or attached as a file at the end.

2.  A breakdown of your monthly income and outgoings  

3.  A Bank Statement and/or Benefits Statement 

4.  Medical Evidence from your GP, NHS Consultant or Specialist etc, if it is relevant to your application             

You will find the application process is easier if you upload your Referrer Statement, Bank or Benefits Statement and Medical Evidence onto your device before starting the form and have your income and outgoings to hand. 

If you are a referrer making an application on behalf of a client, please give your clients name, email and contact details at the start of the application form and your details in the For Referrers section at the end of the application form. 

If your application is incomplete we will be unable to process it and it may be rejected.

CHECKLIST 

1. Ensure all your personal details are fully completed; including full income and outgoings based on the whole household. This must include every member of the family that is contributing to the daily living costs.  
2. Ensure that you (or your legal representative) have signed and completed the consent questions.  
3. Upload a Bank Statement from the month preceding the application or your Benefits Statement   
4. Upload evidence of your medical condition (if applicable to your application). This must be in the form of a statement from your doctor, hospital or other medical professional confirming your condition.  
5. Give as much information as possible about your circumstances  why you are asking for a grant and  explain how a grant will help you and your well being.  
6. Ensure that you have completed the details for your professional referrer in the section For Referrers.                    

Thank you....