Grants

The WRVS Benevolent Trust provides grants to help with making everyday life easier, or at times of crisis, for present or former WVS, WRVS or Royal Voluntary Service volunteers or staff.

About Grants

The WRVS Benevolent Trust provides grants to help with making everyday life easier, or at times of crisis, for present or former WVS, WRVS, Royal Voluntary Service or WRVS Services Welfare volunteers or staff.

Would you or anyone you know benefit from the Trust’s help?

The only requirements are that you have volunteered, or worked, for the WVS, WRVS or Royal Voluntary Service for at least 12 months and that you are on a fairly limited income.

What can we help with?

Examples of grants that we have given recently include:

  • Washing machines
  • Cookers
  • Beds
  • Contribution towards roof repairs
  • Dental treatment
  • Spectacles
  • Help towards the cost of an electric wheelchair
  • Assistance towards the cost of a stair lift

Grants will also cover the costs of installation for electrical or white goods and the removal of the old equipment. The Trust generally makes one off payments; however applicants may apply again in future years if they have additional needs.

Apply for a Grant

Complete form online

Print and Post form

Comments from Recipients

“To know that I can now have the dental treatment done has given me such peace of mind. I look forward to smiling again.”

“A new cooker will make life so much easier for me. Thank you all.”

“I can never thank you enough for the great worry you have taken from me with your contribution to the cost of having my roof repaired.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I qualify for a Grant award?

We are only able to help members (staff or volunteers) of WVS, WRVS and Royal Voluntary service (RVS), so it is important to explain how you have been involved.

To note you cannot re-apply within 12 months of a previous successful grant application with us.

if you do not have a volunteer number, we will contact RVS head office for confirmation of your volunteering.
If you are still volunteering we will contact your project manager. If you are retired, we could speak to your last manager/organiser, if you have their details. Occasionally, you may have support from a third party, for example a social worker or GP. If they have given you letters, we would need to see what they say and will return originals if you are not able to photocopy them.
All matters are dealt with in the strictest confidence.

What do I need to fill in the application?

a. Once you have checked you qualify, we advise read through the application as you will need details of your current volunteering with Royal Voluntary Service and the project you want to take part in.

b. It is important the form is fully completed. It is better to provide too much information, rather than not enough.

c. We know that some of the questions are very personal, but without full information, we will be unable to consider the application. If there are questions that you are unable to answer, please explain why.

d. You will need to include:

i. Your WRVS/ RVS volunteer number. If you do not have a volunteer number, we will contact RVS head office for confirmation of your volunteering.

ii. If you are still volunteering we will contact your project manager. If you are retired, we could speak to your last manager/organiser, if you have their details. Occasionally, you may have support from a third party, for example a social worker or GP. If they have given you letters, we would need to see what they say and will return originals if you are not able to photocopy them.

iii. Details about your financial situation and what you need a grant for.

iv. Any documents relevant to your grant application ( cost estimates) and any other documents you wish to use to support your application (please do not send originals).

e. Make sure you check your application before sending it and have someone else check it for you as well.

What happens if I forget to include a form or some details in my application?

You can always send supplementary information at grants@wrvsbt.org.uk

What happens once I have submitted my form?

We will confirm receipt to you by email or phone depending if you have submitted your form online or via post/ we consider all application for grants as we receive them. You will be notified within a few weeks of your application if you are successful or not.

What happens to my data once I have submitted my application?

We assure you that we will deal with your grant application in the strictest confidence. We keep data in accordance to our privacy policy, which you can read here.