An Update from the Benevolent Society

07 Feb 2024

We’d like to take the opportunity to give you an update on our industry’s charity, The Benevolent Society. We hope this gives you useful information about the support available to you/your employees and how you can help us continue to provide assistance to individuals within our industries.

What is The Benevolent Society?

The Benevolent Society is the charitable society of the British Allied Trades Federation (BATF). It financially assists individuals who currently work or have previously worked within the giftware, jewellery, surface engineering, travel goods and fashion accessories industries. We also help individuals starting or progressing their career journeys in these industries through bursaries to help with their studies.

In 2023 thanks to donations from industry trade association members and fundraising activities, The Benevolent Society has been able to:

• Payout £61,600 in regular payments to beneficiaries.
• Provide 44 Cost of Living Support grants totalling £33,000.
• Offer one-off grants for items such as white goods, disability aids and essential home repairs totalling £20,000.
• Award £40,324 in bursaries to individuals embarking on or furthering their careers in our industries.

How does The Benevolent Society support our industry?

General financial assistance

Available for individuals who currently work or have previously worked in the BATF industries and are experiencing financial hardship. The charity provides support by making eligible individuals beneficiaries, who receive regular monthly or quarterly grants, and/or by providing one-off grants for essential expenses such as the replacement of white goods. 

Bursaries

Bursaries of up to £9,000 for education/training are available for individuals who currently work or are embarking on a career in the BATF industries, applicants must be 21 or over and have been offered a place on an accredited course. Successful bursary applicants get financial assistance towards their course fees which are paid directly to the education/training provider. 
 
Application process

All grant and bursary applications are assessed by the board of trustees on a case-by-case basis and are awarded according to the applicant’s individual circumstances and financial situation. Grants and bursaries are for individuals only, not businesses or business start-ups. The trustees review all applications at their quarterly meetings. Crisis or urgent applications can also be reviewed by trustees between meetings.

How can you help?

If you haven’t already done so, you can make an annual donation of £30 to our charity via your trade association membership subscription invoice – if you are unsure whether you currently do so please email laura.banner@batf.uk.com to check or reinstate.

You can make a regular or one-off donation by emailing laura.banner@batf.uk.com

Sponsor and or attend one of our events, i.e our annual Christmas Ball

Talk to us about holding a fundraising event 

Get in touch

For further information, queries, applications or to offer support please contact our charity secretary:
 
Laura Banner
Laura.banner@batf.uk.com
07985611209

Source: The Benevolent Society