Nuclear Community Charity Fund

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £188,182 (2024 income)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Usually 14 days (less for urgent needs)
• Grant Range: No upper limit - varies based on individual need
• Geographic Focus: England and Wales (UK residents)
• Reapplication Period: 18 months (unless significant change in circumstances)

Contact Details

Website: www.thenccf.org

Email: office@thenccf.org

Phone: 0115 8883442

Address: 91 Stonehill, Castle Donington, Derby, DE74 2LZ

Overview

The Nuclear Community Charity Fund (NCCF) was established in 2016 and became an independent Charitable Incorporated Organisation in June 2017 (Charity Number 1173544). The organization originated from the British Nuclear Test Veterans Association (BNTVA) after two successful bids raised £6 million from the Armed Forces Veterans Fund. In 2023, the NCCF received an additional £70,000 from the Office for Veterans' Affairs to fund a two-year pilot distributing small grants supporting independent living in England and Wales. The charity serves the British Nuclear Test Veterans community, including veterans who participated in the British Nuclear Testing Programme, their spouses, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The NCCF's mission is to reduce suffering and increase wellbeing through direct grants for care equipment, living adaptations, therapies, and research into the health and social effects of radiological and chemical exposure.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Care, Wellbeing and Inclusion (CWI) Fund (Primary Programme)

• Grant Range: No upper limit - applicants can request multiple items/services on a single form
• Application Method: Online application form available at thenccf.org, rolling basis
• What's Covered: Living adaptations, care equipment, services and therapies

The NCCF makes no direct cash grants. Instead, they purchase goods, services, and therapies directly from contractors and suppliers on behalf of beneficiaries.

Community Care Check Programme (Government-Funded Pilot)

• Funding: £70,000 from Office for Veterans' Affairs
• Duration: Two-year pilot programme
• Reach: Cohort of 150 veterans in England and Wales
• Focus: Proactive outreach to check veteran situations and deliver support directly

Priority Areas

Direct Support to Individuals:

• Mobility equipment (mobility scooters, handrails, ramps)
• Living adaptations (walk-in showers, home modifications)
• Care equipment and services
• Respite holidays
• Mental health therapy and psychological support

Research Funding:

• Genetic research into hereditary effects of radiological exposure
• Social and health research on nuclear test veteran families
• Collaborative projects with universities and research institutions (e.g., Brunel University London, University of Southampton, Combat Stress)

Community Projects:

• Remembrance initiatives
• Community communications
• National Atomic Veterans Awareness Day
• Annual Nuclear Community Convention

What They Don't Fund

• Direct cash grants or financial instruments to beneficiaries
• Applications from individuals who received a grant within the previous 18 months (unless significant, dramatic change in circumstances)
• Costs that should be covered by statutory services

Ready to write a winning application for Nuclear Community Charity Fund?

Our AI helps you craft proposals that match their exact priorities. Save 10+ hours and increase your success rate.

Get Free Beta Access

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees (10 total):

Secretariat:

• Ian Hall – Chairman
• Will Long – Treasurer
• Tracey Morris – Secretary

Trustees:

• Don James
• Tony Jeffery
• Richard Hyde
• Laurence Howland
• Roger Frost

Honorary Positions:

• Jeff Liddiatt MBE – Honorary Life President

All trustees serve without remuneration. The charity maintains robust safeguarding, risk management, and financial control policies.

Quote from Leadership:

Ian Hall, Chairman of the Nuclear Community Charity Fund, stated: “The NCCF is delighted to benefit from the OVA funding which will facilitate the delivery of an essential pilot of our Community Care Check programme.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Eligibility:

• UK residents who are Veterans of the British Nuclear Test Programme, or
• Veterans' Spouse, Child, Grandchild, or Great-Grandchild
• Extended to any person who may have encountered potential clastogenic exposure of radiological or chemical agents in the service of the nation and their families

Financial Eligibility:

The NCCF assesses free savings over your personal allowance based on Government-set levels:

• £6,000 personal allowance (standard)
• £10,000 personal allowance (if in receipt of a pension)

Application Methods:

1. Online Application: Complete the online application form at thenccf.org/make-application/
2. Request by Phone: Call 0115 8883442 (answer machine service available)
3. Request by Email: Email office@thenccf.org to request print or digital application form

What to Include:

• Request for items or services (no upper limit; multiple requests can be combined on a single form)
• As much information as possible about your needs
• Supporting documentation (letters from doctors and care providers are very useful)
• Two proof of identity at address letters (utility bills, Social Services, or Council letters)

Application Process:

• Applicants are guided through assessing their needs using online tools
• Applications are anonymised and formalised before review
• Grant Panel makes decisions purely on situation evidence presented
• Panel may make 'in principle' decisions allowing progression if certain conditions are satisfied
• Each application is judged on its own merit

Decision Timeline

Standard Timeline: Usually 14 days from submission

Urgent Cases: Less than 14 days for urgent needs

The streamlined application process enables rapid decision-making thanks to the Grant Panel's efficiency.

Notification Method: Applicants are informed of the Panel's decision directly

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly available. However, the charity's structure suggests they work to approve eligible applications from their specific beneficiary community rather than operating as a competitive grant programme.

Reapplication Policy

Standard Restriction: Once a grant is made to a beneficiary, the NCCF will not accept any further applications from that beneficiary for 18 months.

Exception: The 18-month restriction does not apply if a significant, dramatic change in the beneficiary's circumstances is experienced. In such cases, applicants should explain the changed circumstances in their new application.

Application Success Factors

Key Eligibility Factors:

• Clear connection to British Nuclear Test Programme (as veteran or descendant)
• UK residency
• Demonstrated need that aligns with reducing suffering and increasing wellbeing
• Request addresses care, living adaptations, or therapeutic support

Application Best Practices:

1. Provide Comprehensive Information: Include as much detail as possible about your situation and needs. The more information you provide, the better the Panel can assess your application.

1. Include Medical Evidence: Supporting letters from doctors, care providers, and healthcare professionals strengthen your application significantly.

1. Establish Identity and Residency: Submit two proof of identity/address documents (utility bills, Social Services letters, or Council letters) to expedite processing.

1. Be Specific About Needs: Clearly explain what equipment, adaptations, or services you require and how they will reduce suffering or increase wellbeing.

1. Combine Multiple Requests: There is no upper limit on grants. If you have several needs, include them all on a single application form rather than submitting multiple applications over time.

1. Use Available Assessment Tools: Take advantage of the online needs assessment tools provided on the NCCF website before completing your application.

1. For Urgent Needs: Clearly indicate if your situation is urgent to expedite the 14-day decision timeline.

What the NCCF Values:

• Direct impact on reducing suffering and increasing wellbeing for nuclear veterans and families
• Practical, tangible support that enables independent living
• Evidence-based needs assessment
• Transparency about financial circumstances

Common Approvals:

The NCCF has funded mobility equipment (scooters, handrails, ramps), living adaptations (walk-in showers), respite holidays, and mental health therapy for eligible community members.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Highly Specific Beneficiary Group: This funder serves only British Nuclear Test veterans and their descendants - you must have this clear connection to be eligible.

• No Cash Grants: The NCCF purchases goods and services directly from suppliers, not providing cash to beneficiaries. Frame your request around specific items/services needed.

• Rapid Decision-Making: With typical 14-day decisions (faster for urgent cases), this is one of the quickest-responding funders for eligible applicants.

• No Upper Limit: Unlike many funders, there is no maximum grant amount. Combine all your needs in one comprehensive application rather than piecemeal requests.

• Evidence is Critical: Medical letters and care provider documentation significantly strengthen applications. Gather this evidence before applying.

• 18-Month Gap Between Grants: Plan strategically - ensure you request everything you need as you cannot reapply for 18 months unless circumstances dramatically change.

• Savings Thresholds Matter: Be aware of the £6,000/£10,000 personal allowance thresholds when assessing eligibility.

• Government-Backed Expansion: The recent £70,000 Office for Veterans' Affairs grant indicates government confidence in the NCCF's work and potential expansion of services.

References

1. Charity Commission Register: Nuclear Community Charity Fund (1173544) - https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/5103517 -

1. Nuclear Community Charity Fund Official Website - www.thenccf.org -

1. UK Government Press Release: “Community projects to celebrate, support and memorialise nuclear test veterans announced” - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/community-projects-to-celebrate-support-and-memorialise-nuclear-test-veterans-announced -

1. British Nuclear Test Veterans Association: NCCF Information - https://www.bntva.com/nccf -

1. Centre for Health Effects of Radiological and Chemical Agents: Foundations of the NCCF - https://chrc4veterans.uk/home/about/foundations-of-the-nccf/ -

1. NCCF Application Page - https://thenccf.org/make-application/ -

1. NCCF Terms and Conditions - https://thenccf.org/tnc/ -