Established in 1920, the Chemists’ Community Fund is a confidential support service available to members, and in some cases former members and dependents of members, of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).
The Fund’s primary objective is ‘relieving poverty amongst beneficiaries’ which was widened in 2014 to include the ‘prevention of poverty.’ The Fund team offers advice, guidance and financial support to those who are experiencing times of financial hardship.
Supported by donations through legacies, bequests and subscription contributions, Funding decisions for support are made by the Benevolent Fund Grants Committee.
How the Chemists' Community Fund can assist you
The Fund highlights external specialists and useful information and resources to address particular areas of concerns to applicants.
Grants
For people who are in financial hardship, there is an option to apply for financial assistance. This could be in the form of one-off grants, for example towards membership fees, home maintenance or white goods. Sometimes it may be as regular grants to help with essential living costs when individuals are finding it hard to make ends meet.
Services
The Fund’s current services offerings include:
I would like to sincerely thank everyone at the RSC for their support through such a difficult period. I did not only receive invaluable financial support but also moral support from everyone I was in contact with.”*
Who is Eligible for Support?
All members of the RSC and their dependents.
If a member has resigned in good standing and had ten years of continuous membership, they are eligible for support. The Fund’s criteria states that normally membership must be held for at least three years for current members. However, there are exceptions - one of which is applications to our Breathing Space Grants, which are open to recent graduates. In this case, you normally need two years of membership.
Quotes from people helped by the Chemists' Community Fund
“The volunteer was a great help to me and I found his thoughtful and friendly discussion very beneficial. If you are in a difficult situation, I would strongly recommend the help offered by the Chemists Community Fund.”
“I am pleased to say that thanks to the help the Chemists’ Community Fund provided, my quality of life is drastically improved. My independence is so much greater than it was before and I will be forever grateful. I have a promising career as a chemist ahead of me. It is something I had come to believe was an unachievable pipe dream, but is now a reality thanks to the generosity you have showed me. You have all changed the course of my life in an amazing way and I cannot be more grateful.”
Find out more
Browse the Chemists' Community Fund website
Read the Chemists' Community Fund profile on the Turn2us Grants Search
Telephone: +44 (0) 1223 432227
Email: ccfund@rsc.org
* Read Sue's story on the Chemists' Community Fund website