Benevolent Society Of The Licensed Trade Of Scotland
Could Benevolent Society Of The Licensed Trade Of Scotland be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.
- Typical grants
- £200 – £2,000
- Applications
- Not accepted
- Decisions
- Monthly
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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bensoc.org.ukAbout Benevolent Society Of The Licensed Trade Of Scotland
The Benevolent Society of the Licensed Trade of Scotland, known as The BEN, was established in 1976, building on a philanthropic heritage that stretches back over a century through earlier charities. Its mission is to prevent or relieve poverty among current and former workers in Scotland's drinks and hospitality sector. The BEN takes a trust-based, non-judgemental approach, delivering compassionate, dignified, and discreet support. It provides holistic financial, social, and emotional assistance to individuals and their immediate families who have worked in bars, pubs, restaurants, hotels, and related businesses. Uniquely focused on the licensed trade community, The BEN blends crisis response with long-term welfare, reducing stigma through confidential, accessible aid.
What Benevolent Society Of The Licensed Trade Of Scotland funds
The BEN supports individuals facing crises such as illness, unemployment, or bereavement. Aid includes emergency grants for housing repairs, medical costs, utilities, mobility equipment, mental health support, and household essentials; ongoing subsistence payments; and subsidised housing at its Pitlochry Estate for qualifying retirees. Support is tailored case-by-case, with a strong focus on Scotland. The charity responds to poverty, elderly needs, and disability (the cause areas highlighted in its work), delivering financial, social, and emotional help to licensed trade workers and their families.
Who can apply
Current or former workers in Scotland's licensed trade—including bars, pubs, restaurants, hotels, wholesalers, production, and distribution—are eligible, along with their immediate families. Applicants must have a proven history of working in the sector and be based in Scotland. The BEN prioritises those experiencing age-related needs, ill health, disability, or financial hardship. It does not fund organisations directly, but sector-connected charities can refer individuals. There is no religious restriction.
What Benevolent Society Of The Licensed Trade Of Scotland doesn't fund
The BEN does not make grants to organisations or projects. It only supports individuals and their families connected to Scotland's licensed trade. People outside that industry or without a Scottish trade background are not eligible.
How they like to fund
The BEN takes a trust-based, case-by-case approach, blending emergency crisis grants with ongoing subsistence support and subsidised housing. It does not accept unsolicited applications; instead, sector-connected charities can refer workers in need. Funding is tailored individually, with a strong emphasis on discretion and dignity.
How much does Benevolent Society Of The Licensed Trade Of Scotland give?
Typical published range. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you would clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is the free fit check.
When to apply, and how long their decisions take.
Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.
Good to know
How to apply to Benevolent Society Of The Licensed Trade Of Scotland
Benevolent Society Of The Licensed Trade Of Scotland 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 monthly.
What you can do here
- 1Check fit. See if your project aligns with Benevolent Society Of The Licensed Trade Of Scotland.
- 2Find open funders. Shortlist similar funders you can approach.
- 3Save the notes. Keep the fit check if you are later invited to apply.
See if Benevolent Society Of The Licensed Trade Of Scotland could be a fit — then find open funders like them.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Benevolent Society Of The Licensed Trade Of Scotland provide?
Benevolent Society Of The Licensed Trade Of Scotland typically provides grants of £200 - £2,000.
Where does Benevolent Society Of The Licensed Trade Of Scotland fund charities?
Benevolent Society Of The Licensed Trade Of Scotland funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Benevolent Society Of The Licensed Trade Of Scotland accept unsolicited applications?
Benevolent Society Of The Licensed Trade Of Scotland does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from Benevolent Society Of The Licensed Trade Of Scotland?
Benevolent Society Of The Licensed Trade Of Scotland does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation. A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
Similar funders
Other UK funders with overlapping focus — not a claim they fund the same charities.
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Could Benevolent Society Of The Licensed Trade Of Scotland be a fit?
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