Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund

The Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund, an independent registered charity established in 1993 with Queen Elizabeth II's consent, channels proceeds from bona vacantia—ownerless assets accruing to the Duchy—into supporting local good causes and community initiatives. Rooted in the Duchy's ancient stewardship of the historic County Palatine, it prioritizes tangible public benefits through grants guided by trustees including the Vice-Chancellor of the County Palatine and Lord-Lieutenants, emphasizing accessible, responsive philanthropy that enhances community resilience, social inclusion, and quality of life for vulnerable groups.

It funds projects aiding the elderly, infirm, and disadvantaged; children and youth organizations like Scouts, Guides, and Cadet forces; educational initiatives with local impact; community associations; and preservation of Duchy-associated monuments and estates. Examples include food banks, children's charities, mental health services, citizen's advice bureaux, and emergency support like air ambulances, focusing on one-off project or capital costs with clear community benefit.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, community groups, or exceptional CICs operating in Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, or London areas with strong Duchy ties; smaller, grassroots organizations with limited resources are preferred. Applications, accepted unsolicited via regional Lieutenancy forms (with accounts, costings, and references), are emailed anytime but reviewed quarterly at deadlines of 1 January, 1 April, 1 July, and 1 October, with decisions within a month—one grant per organization every three years.

Grants typically range £250–£5,000 (most under £2,000), excluding individuals, political causes, salaries, core costs, or routine operations. Its distinctive local Lieutenancy panels, historical legacy, and focus on place-based, grassroots impact in the North West set it apart for charities delivering practical, embedded community support.