Royal Variety Charity

The Royal Variety Charity, founded in 1908 as the Variety Artistes' Benevolent Fund and patronised by the reigning monarch since the early 20th century, is a UK institution dedicated to providing financial, practical, and residential support to professionals who have built careers in the entertainment industry—performers, backstage crew, technicians, and support staff—facing hardship from age, ill health, accidents, misfortune, or poverty. Its mission upholds compassion, dignity, and industry solidarity, ensuring those who enrich UK culture receive security through targeted welfare, including operation of Brinsworth House, a Twickenham care home for up to 36 elderly entertainers offering 24-hour residential and nursing care. Core values emphasise preserving independence, with growing focus on mental health support amid sector challenges.

It funds immediate practical needs for eligible individuals and their spouses/dependants, such as utility bills, mobility aids, home adaptations, funeral expenses, and welfare aid to foster return-to-work where possible, via a nationwide grant scheme accessible to young and retired professionals living independently across the UK.

Eligibility is strictly for British citizens with substantive professional entertainment careers; it supports only individuals, not organisations, charities, or community groups, with no income thresholds, religious restrictions, or geographic limits within the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland). Applications are unsolicited via online form, requiring CV, financial details, and career evidence; rolling basis with decisions in six weeks.

Grants typically range £500–£2,500, paid directly to suppliers. Exclusions include debt repayment to banks, tax debts, tuition fees, musical instruments, or non-entertainment professionals. Distinctive for its sector-exclusive focus, royal ties, flagship care home, and iconic Royal Variety Performance fundraising, it stands as the entertainment industry's dedicated lifeline.