The Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund

The Duchy Of Lancaster Benevolent Fund

The Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund is a registered charity, set up in 1993, with the consent of the late Queen Elizabeth II, to support local worthwhile causes and community initiatives, located primarily within the County Palatine.

The Fund has given the panel the ability to make a real difference across the county. Lancashire receives £150,000 per year, allowing the charity to grant funds to a wide range of community initiatives, some of these may be major schemes, others could be quite small amounts.

Applications for amounts up to and including £1,000 are dealt with directly by the Lord Lieutenant, whilst applications for larger amounts are considered by the panel, which is chaired by the Lord Lieutenant.

The maximum the panel can grant is £5,000 but in some exceptional circumstances, for major projects that have a direct and positive impact on the community, a grant of £5,000 per year for three years may be approved. Anything over £5,000 within one year must be authorised by the trustees.

Deputy Lieutenants have a significant role to play in encouraging applications from their communities. Applications are welcomed from community charities and small groups of people who work hard to make a difference and to improve the lives of people within their community. Not everyone is aware of the Duchy Benevolent Fund and it is vital that it receives applications that are worthy and meaningful. When the website is live, they will be able to access advice, information, and guidance to assist their application.

The guidelines for those eligible for a grant can be found here.

If your organisation would like to apply for a grant please complete this form.