Brighton District Nursing Association Trust

The Brighton District Nursing Association Trust (BDNAT), founded in 1887 by parishioners of St Peter's Church in Brighton, is an independent charitable trust with a enduring mission to relieve suffering and support recovery for residents of Brighton & Hove facing illness, disability, or poor health—especially when compounded by financial hardship. Originally employing district nurses for the sick poor, it evolved post-NHS into a grant-maker, retaining a distinctive dual commitment to vulnerable patients and domiciliary nursing staff, guided by values of community care, compassion, practical intervention, and rapid response to immediate needs.

BDNAT funds pragmatic health-related interventions, including small grants for medical aids, adapted equipment (e.g., cycling for disabled children), podiatry/dental care for the homeless, and hospice-at-home services, as well as larger project grants for charities or health professionals addressing complex needs, prevention, or support for disadvantaged groups like the infirm, convalescent, or financially needy. Beneficiaries must be Brighton & Hove residents or patients of local practitioners, with all applicants—UK-registered charities, community groups, health professionals, or individuals—demonstrating both medical and financial need. It prefers small to medium local organisations without strict income limits.

Small grants (£100–£1,000) are awarded on a rolling basis via email or post using a downloadable form, with swift trustee decisions; large grants (£1,000–£10,000) open annually, next in June 2026. Unlike broader funders, BDNAT avoids core/unrestricted funding, capital projects without health links, or anything outside its strict local remit, standing out for its responsive, dignity-focused aid to patients and nurses, rooted in community solidarity and prudent asset management.