British Dental Association Benevolent Fund
About This Funder
The British Dental Association Benevolent Fund, an independent unincorporated charity established in 1883, serves as a confidential safety net for the UK dental community, providing financial and emotional support to dentists, dental students, asylum seeker or refugee dentists, and their dependants facing hardship such as poverty, illness, bereavement, or crisis. Rooted in compassion and professional solidarity, its mission emphasizes restoring dignity, stability, and autonomy through tailored grants, debt advice, statutory benefits guidance, and a wellbeing package with confidential counselling via Health Assured. Distinctive for its person-centred, holistic approach and longevity as one of the UK's oldest professional benevolent funds, it operates independently of the British Dental Association, with governance including lived-experience trustees and student representation.
The Fund prioritizes emergency relief for essential living costs like rent, mortgages, utilities, and food, alongside enabling self-reliance via reskilling or housing support. It targets acute needs among students (e.g., during disruptions like Covid-19), mid-career dentists affected by illness or redundancy, and vulnerable dependants, always following thorough financial assessments to bridge shortfalls and promote recovery.
Eligible applicants are UK residents connected to dentistry meeting means-testing (under £10,000 accessible funds, excluding tax reserves); it supports individuals only, not organizations. Applications are unsolicited via dedicated online forms for dentists or students, accepted rolling with decisions in 4-6 weeks (urgent cases fast-tracked, quarterly trustee meetings). Typical grants range £500-£5,000, discretionary per need.
Exclusions include debt repayments, business costs, tuition fees, and non-dental professions; no BDA membership required. Its UK-wide reach, exclusive dental focus, and blend of practical empowerment set it apart as the principal independent funder for dental hardship.
Frequently Asked Questions about British Dental Association Benevolent Fund
How much funding does British Dental Association Benevolent Fund provide?
British Dental Association Benevolent Fund typically provides grants ranging from £500 - £5,000.
Is British Dental Association Benevolent Fund accepting applications?
British Dental Association Benevolent Fund is currently not accepting applications. Check their website for updates.
Where does British Dental Association Benevolent Fund fund charities?
British Dental Association Benevolent Fund funds charities operating in UK.
How do I apply for funding from British Dental Association Benevolent Fund?
Use Fundermatcher to check if your charity is a good match for British Dental Association Benevolent Fund, then access detailed application guidance, deadlines, and eligibility criteria. Our AI assistant can help you draft a compelling application.