Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund

The Fund supports projects aiding the elderly, infirm, and disadvantaged; children and youth organisations such as Scouts, Guides, and Cadet forces; educational initiatives with local impact; community associations; and preservation of Duchy-associated monuments and estates. Examples include food banks, children's charities, mental health services, citizens' advice bureaux, and emergency support like air ambulances. Grants typically cover one-off project or capital costs with clear community benefit, focusing on the North West of England—specifically Lancashire, Greater Manchester, and Merseyside—as well as London areas with strong Duchy ties.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, community groups, or exceptional community interest companies operating in Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, or London areas with strong Duchy connections. The Fund prefers smaller, grassroots organisations with limited resources. Beneficiaries include the elderly, infirm, disadvantaged, children, and youth groups. There is no religious restriction on who may apply.

The Fund does not support individuals, political causes, salaries, core costs, or routine operational expenses. It also excludes activities without clear community benefit or those outside its geographic priority areas of the North West and London.

The Fund provides one-off grants for project or capital costs. It welcomes unsolicited applications, which are reviewed by local Lieutenancy panels. Its approach is place-based and grassroots, with a focus on practical, embedded community support in the historic County Palatine and London.