Bankers Benevolent Fund

Could Bankers Benevolent Fund be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.

Applications
Not accepted
Decisions
Rolling (no fixed deadline)

Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.

Check fit free · no card

bwcharity.org.uk

About Bankers Benevolent Fund

The Bank Workers Charity, originally the Bankers Benevolent Fund, was established in 1884 as a specialist occupational benevolent fund. It supports the financial, physical, and mental wellbeing of current and former UK bank employees and their families. Guided by a mission to prevent and relieve poverty, advance health, and promote education, the Charity operates with values of compassion, professionalism, confidentiality, and inclusiveness. Its distinctive approach combines grant-making with expert advice via helplines and digital tools, delivering holistic, person-centred interventions that foster long-term resilience.

What Bankers Benevolent Fund funds

The Charity funds practical support across poverty, mental health, and disability. This includes assistance for individuals facing financial hardship, ill-health, disability, bereavement, unemployment, debt, or caring responsibilities. Examples of funded support include mental health therapy, home adaptations for care, essential household items, family aid, and educational guidance for dependents. The focus is on individual crisis support that builds long-term resilience, with a UK-wide geographic scope covering England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Who can apply

Eligibility is limited to individuals connected to the UK banking sector. Current and former employees of any UK bank, along with their spouses, partners, children, and dependents, can access support across all ages. The Charity does not fund organisations, charities, or applicants without a direct link to banking employment.

What Bankers Benevolent Fund doesn't fund

The Charity does not fund organisations, charities, or any applicant unconnected to UK banking. It excludes generalist causes, organisational costs, and project-based funding. Only individual relief is provided, and assistance is reserved for those with a direct banking sector link.

How they like to fund

The Charity does not accept unsolicited applications. It works directly with individuals, combining financial grants with expert advice through helplines and digital tools. Support is tailored to personal circumstances, focusing on person-centred interventions that aim for long-term resilience.

How much does Bankers Benevolent Fund give?

Published grant sizes vary. A free fit check matches Bankers Benevolent Fund’s current criteria to your charity — so you know if it’s worth applying.

Deadlines & timelines

When to apply, and how long their decisions take.

Your specific fit

Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.

Good to know

FaithNo restriction
Focus areas
Poverty & hardshipMental healthDisability

How to apply to Bankers Benevolent Fund

Bankers Benevolent Fund does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation.

  • A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
  • If you cannot apply directly, shortlist open funders with a similar focus instead of writing into a closed door.
  • Decisions are typically rolling (no fixed deadline).

What you can do here

  1. 1
    Check fit. See if your project aligns with Bankers Benevolent Fund.
  2. 2
    Find open funders. Shortlist similar funders you can approach.
  3. 3
    Save the notes. Keep the fit check if you are later invited to apply.

See if Bankers Benevolent Fund could be a fit — then find open funders like them.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Bankers Benevolent Fund provide?

Grant amounts vary. Contact Bankers Benevolent Fund directly for current funding levels.

Where does Bankers Benevolent Fund fund charities?

Bankers Benevolent Fund funds charities operating in the UK.

Does Bankers Benevolent Fund accept unsolicited applications?

Bankers Benevolent Fund does not accept unsolicited applications.

How do I apply for funding from Bankers Benevolent Fund?

Bankers Benevolent Fund does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation. A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.

Spotted something that needs correcting? Tell us.

Could Bankers Benevolent Fund be a fit?

Check free — then find open funders like them.