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Donate to the Benevolent Fund

Your donation can help to continue the Benevolent Fund's valuable work

The Benevolent Fund of the RCM Trust is a charity whose main aim is to support midwives and the wider profession in times of financial need, helping to get lives and careers back on track.

The RCM Board of Trustees provides overall management of the Fund, with day-to-day management being undertaken for the RCM by the Cavell Nurses Trust.

Recipients of the fund’s help, whose ages range from 18 to 100+, are enormously grateful for the assistance received. The Fund has very little income compared to need and additional funds are always welcome. It relies on interest from a small capital investment, along with donations and legacies in order to be able to make worthwhile grants.

Testimonials from recipients of the Benevolent Fund:

“The help I have received has been life changing, giving me the ability to live and work in the best way I can. I will be forever grateful to them.” - Michelle  

“The team really listened to me and it was like going from desperation to elation. It sounds silly but I remember I punched the air!” - Joanne  

“It can feel really difficult to ask for help but everyone I spoke to was so lovely. When they told me my application for funding had been successful it was such a relief – I can still feel that now. And it wasn’t just money, it was also ‘How are you? How are you managing?’ They were very supportive and compassionate." - Ruth  

“After everything that has happened, it’s so reassuring to know that I’m not alone and that (the RCM benevolent Fund) is there as a safety net to catch me if I fall.” - Michelle  

How can I make a donation?

There are a number of easy ways to donate to the Benevolent Fund.

Via our Virgin Giving site

​Virgin Money Giving is a trusted donation site that is used by many large charities. It is completely free for fundraisers and donors to use, and the organisation is 100% not-for-profit. Donate now via the Virgin Giving site.

Via BACS transfer

You can make a BACS transfer via your bank, using the following account details: 

Bank: Unity Trust Bank
Account name: The Benevolent Fund of the Royal College of Midwives Trust
Sort code: 60-83-01
Account number: 20184980
Reference: Please give your name as a reference

Write a Cheque

If you prefer, you can write a cheque payable to the RCM Benevolent Fund. Please send all cheques to: RCM Benevolent Trust, 15 Mansfield Street, London, W1G 9NH.

Leave a Legacy

Make a bequest to the RCM Benevolent Fund in your will.

Through a Payroll giving scheme

You can authorise your employer to deduct a regular amount from your pay which is paid directly to the fund. This means the Fund can reclaim tax on your gift.

Through your RCM Branch

Talk to your local RCM Branch about making regular donations or organising special fundraising activities. See below for Fundraising ideas.

You can help your fellow midwife, maternity support worker or student by raising money for the Benevolent Fund. Here are some ideas to help you get involved.

You can host a:

  • sponsored run, cycle or walk
  • bake sale
  • sponsored knitting class or group
  • art exhibition
  • charity shop fashion show
  • coffee morning
  • dinner party
  • summer garden party
  • BBQ
  • movie night
  • pub quiz

Make an application to the Benevolent Fund

Find out how you can make an application to the Benevolent Fund.

The Benevolent Fund Committee has determined the following policy for making grants.

1. Priority for Support

The priorities for support will be:

a. Registered midwives with priority being given to those who are members of the Royal College of Midwives;

b. Retired midwives;

c. Student midwives;

d. Maternity support workers;

e. Applicants who have served as members of staff of the Royal College of Midwives Trust or the Royal College of Midwives for at least five years.

2. Principles

In awarding grants the Committee will apply the following principles:

a. Applications will be considered from any geographical area within the UK.

b. Applications from previous recipients of a grant will normally be considered only after a period of 2 years has elapsed.

c. Applications from previously unsuccessful applicants will be considered on their own merits.

d. The outcome of any previous grant will not of itself affect the outcome of a new application.

e. The Charity will only provide one-off grants.

f. The Charity will work in partnership with other organisations to fund applications beyond the financial scope of a single organisation.

3. Exclusions

The Charity will not normally provide grants where the government should make provision.

4. Applications process

Applications on the Charity’s application form should be sent to The Secretary to the Benevolent Fund of the Royal College of Midwives Trust, 15 Mansfield Street, London, W1G 9NH.

An application should explain the purpose of the application and how the grant will be used; identify the applicant and describe their financial status; include undertakings to comply with the general terms and conditions (including those relating to the presentation of a cheque) and any conditions to be included in a letter of grant; and be signed by the applicant.

5. Assessment process

Applications will be acknowledged and be subject to an initial assessment to ensure they meet the basic criteria for funding. Each application will be assessed against an approved scoring sheet and verifiable supporting documentation. Grants will be considered by the Committee which will aim to inform applicants of the outcome of their application within three months of the date of the application.

Applicants should note that even if an application fits the criteria and priorities of the Charity and a detailed assessment has been made, the Charity may still be unable to provide a grant and will not be obliged to provide an explanation to an applicant should their application be unsuccessful.

For further information call 0300 303 0444 or email Benevolent.Fund@rcm.org.uk

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