Northern Ladies Annuity Society

The Northern Ladies Annuity Society (NLAS), founded in 1868 as the Northern Counties Society for Granting Annuities to Governesses and Other Ladies in Reduced Circumstances, is a charitable company limited by guarantee dedicated to relieving poverty among women facing financial hardship, particularly those in "genteel poverty" like former governesses, teachers, or professional women lacking safety nets. Rooted in Victorian philanthropy, NLAS upholds values of compassion, dignity, and discretion, providing sustained financial support through annuities, grants, and subsidised accommodation to enable independence and stability in later life, guided by trustee-defined criteria aligned with UK minimum income thresholds.

It prioritises direct aid to individual women in need, funding annuities for basic living costs, one-off discretionary grants for emergencies, holiday grants, winter heating allowances, and housing subsidies—focusing on personal hardship rather than projects or advocacy.

Eligibility is strictly for women (no men) with proven low income, historic ties to professional service roles, and preferably links to the North of England (Cumbria, Durham, Northumberland, etc.), though UK-wide at trustee discretion; no organisations, charities, or general public applications. Prospective beneficiaries must phone the Newcastle office for an application form, submit with income proof, references, and documents; rolling basis with monthly trustee meetings and 4–8 week decisions.

NLAS does not accept unsolicited applications, fund institutions, capital projects, or capacity-building, distinguishing itself through heritage-focused, beneficiary-led giving—modest awards (£100–£1,000 typical; £1,600 annual annuities)—ensuring targeted relief for a niche group of older women in discreet, ongoing support.