North West Police Benevolent Fund
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- Applications
- Not accepted
- Decisions
- Rolling (no fixed deadline)
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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thebenfund.co.ukAbout North West Police Benevolent Fund
The North West Police Benevolent Fund, known as The Ben Fund, is an independent charity established in 1974 by Cheshire Constabulary, Greater Manchester Police, and Merseyside Police. It serves around 16,500 members from forces across the North West region, including Lancashire, Cumbria, North Wales, and the National Crime Agency. Its mission is to alleviate hardship and promote wellbeing among serving and retired police officers and their families, addressing the unique stresses of police life with compassion, confidentiality, and practical aid. The Fund operates through a member-funded model, delivering holistic support via treatment centres in Lancashire and North Wales. It prioritises individual welfare needs, funding mental and physical health services, financial hardship grants, and wellbeing assistance. Its governance is professional, and its approach is tailored to the specific demands of police work.
What North West Police Benevolent Fund funds
The Fund supports causes related to mental health, health, and poverty. It provides mental and physical health services such as counselling, physiotherapy, residential recovery breaks, and holistic therapies. Discretionary hardship grants and interest-free loans are available for financial crises, illness, injury, or bereavement. Wellbeing assistance is offered to officers, pensioners, widows, widowers, surviving partners, and dependents. Support is limited to individuals from the specified forces in the North West region: Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire, Cumbria, North Wales, and the National Crime Agency. The Fund does not fund projects, core costs, capital, or organisational activities.
Who can apply
Eligibility is restricted to paying members of the forces covered by the Fund: Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire, Cumbria, North Wales, and the National Crime Agency. This includes serving and retired officers, as well as pensioners, widows, widowers, surviving partners, and dependents. Applicants must be facing genuine hardship or health needs and have exhausted all other options. The Fund does not accept applications from charities or non-members. No religious restrictions apply.
What North West Police Benevolent Fund doesn't fund
The Fund does not provide project, core, capital, or organisational funding. It does not support individuals who are not paying members of the specified police forces. Applications from charities, community groups, or other non-police entities are not considered. The Fund also does not fund general operating costs or equipment.
How they like to fund
The Fund offers one-off discretionary hardship grants and interest-free loans, as well as health services such as counselling and residential breaks. Support is provided on a case-by-case basis, tailored to individual needs. The Fund does not accept unsolicited applications from outside organisations; only eligible members facing hardship or health needs may apply. It operates through a member-funded model and works closely with the forces it serves.
How much does North West Police Benevolent Fund give?
Published grant sizes vary. A free fit check matches North West Police Benevolent Fund’s current criteria to your charity — so you know if it’s worth applying.
When to apply, and how long their decisions take.
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Good to know
How to apply to North West Police Benevolent Fund
North West Police 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
- 1Check fit. See if your project aligns with North West Police Benevolent Fund.
- 2Find open funders. Shortlist similar funders you can approach.
- 3Save the notes. Keep the fit check if you are later invited to apply.
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Frequently asked questions
How much funding does North West Police Benevolent Fund provide?
Grant amounts vary. Contact North West Police Benevolent Fund directly for current funding levels.
Where does North West Police Benevolent Fund fund charities?
North West Police Benevolent Fund funds charities operating in the UK.
Does North West Police Benevolent Fund accept unsolicited applications?
North West Police Benevolent Fund does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from North West Police Benevolent Fund?
North West Police 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.
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