The Actors' Benevolent Fund

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £1,000,000+ (over £2.1M in charitable support for 2023)
• Assets: Approximately £40 million
• Decision Time: Usually within 10 working days
• Grant Range: £500 - £750 (cost of living grants) plus weekly payments and one-off grants
• Geographic Focus: England and Wales
• Beneficiary Type: Individual actors and stage managers only

Contact Details

• Website: www.actorsbenevolentfund.co.uk (redirects to www.actorstrust.org.uk)
• Email: office@abf.org.uk
• Phone: 020 7836 6378
• Address: Adam Street, just off The Strand, London
• Initial Contact: Online application form or email inquiry

Overview

Founded in 1882, The Actors' Benevolent Fund (charity number 206524) has been supporting professional actors and stage managers for over 140 years. In September 2025, the charity announced its rebrand to "Actors' Trust" as part of its 'Acting for Impact' strategy. With assets of approximately £40 million and annual charitable expenditure exceeding £2.1 million in 2023, the organization provides financial grants and wellbeing services to actors and stage managers unable to work due to illness, injury, old age, or other circumstances beyond their control. The rebrand reflects an expansion of support beyond traditional eligibility criteria to include “all situations where they are unable to work for reasons outside of their control,” such as major life events. His Majesty King Charles III serves as Patron. The charity completed a Charity Commission regulatory compliance investigation in 2024 and has since focused on increasing awareness, with 90% of members expressing a desire for the charity to raise its profile after surveys showed 75% of industry professionals were unfamiliar with its services.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The charity supports individual actors and stage managers only through:

• Weekly Payments: Regular ongoing financial support to help manage household expenses
• Small Grants: Support for household bills including utilities, home insurance, and car insurance
• One-off Larger Payments: For disability aids, kitchen appliances, and other essential items
• Cost of Living Grants: Ranging from £500 to £750 for essential costs such as energy, utilities and sudden expenses
• Winter Grants Programme: Support provided during winter months for increased bills
• Medical Treatment Costs: Financial assistance for healthcare needs
• Emergency Grants: Rapid response support during crises (as provided during the pandemic)

All applications are means-tested based on the Minimum Income Standard and are considered on a rolling basis at monthly trustee meetings.

Priority Areas

• Actors and stage managers unable to work due to illness or injury
• Those unable to work due to old age
• Individuals facing major life events preventing work
• Cost-of-living hardship and essential expenses
• Medical treatment and disability support
• Career transitions and preventative support

What They Don't Fund

• Students (only professional actors and stage managers are eligible)
• Organizations or theatre companies
• Backdated support or debt repayment
• Those with household savings exceeding £16,000 (£23,250 if pension age or with long-term health issues)
• Emergency situations requiring immediate same-day response

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Governance and Leadership

Patron

His Majesty King Charles III

Chief Executive Officer

Alison Wyman - Appointed as the charity's first-ever CEO in 2023, bringing over 20 years of charity sector experience. Alison has stated: “The world today is a tough place as the cost-of-living crisis continues. We are a charity with an amazing history, but we are absolutely focused on how to keep helping actors and stage managers in 2024 and beyond.” She emphasizes the charity's ambition: "They really wanted to honour the past and the charity's rich history, while also making sure that the charity continued to be relevant and fit for the future. And that big, bold vision and ambition really appealed to me."

Chair of Trustees

Alex Macqueen - BAFTA nominated actor

Trustees

The charity has 16 trustees including notable figures:

• Simon Callow CBE - Actor, director, and writer
• Lesley Joseph - Actor known for “Birds of a Feather”
• Rob Rinder MBE - Criminal barrister and broadcaster
• Abi Eniola - Vice Chair, coach with 20+ years experience
• Sarah Alford-Smith - Former stage manager
• Iain Barbour - Investment banking background
• Brad Cole - Actor, script writer, developmental coach
• Michele Enright - Former stage manager, project manager
• Peter Forbes - Actor with 4 decades of experience
• Chris Heagren - Accountant in entertainment sector (co-opted trustee)
• Michael Maloney - Actor with 46 years experience
• Karen Myers - Communications executive
• Patrick O'Kane - Actor
• Sarah Watkinson - Legal professional (co-opted trustee)
• Hannah Whittingham - Producer, writer, actor/musician

Ambassadors

Paul Chahidi, Christopher Eccleston, Celia Imrie, Ruth Jones, Maxine Peake, Danny Sapani

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

1. Initial Contact: Complete the online application enquiry form at www.actorstrust.org.uk/apply or email directly
2. Staff Discussion: The charity will contact you within one working day to discuss your situation and determine eligibility
3. Formal Application: If eligible, complete the full application form with required documentation

Required Documents:

• Completed application form (online, download, or hard copy)
• Bank statements covering at least the last two months
• Household income documentation
• Spotlight PIN or copy of CV showing professional credits
• Medical letter/fit note from doctor (if applying due to illness or injury)
• Benefits documentation (if applicable)

Eligibility Requirements

• Professional Status: Must be a professional actor or stage manager
• Career Credits: At least two professional credits in previous two years, OR one professional credit per year since career start, OR ten professional credits over entire career
• Age: 18+
• Residency: Currently living in the UK
• Banking: UK bank account
• Savings: Less than £16,000 in household savings (£23,250 if pension age or have long-term health issue)

Decision Timeline

Applications are considered by trustees at monthly meetings. The charity endeavors to provide a decision within 10 working days of receiving the completed application. Staff will contact applicants within one working day of receiving initial enquiry to discuss next steps.

Notification Methods

Direct contact via phone or email from the grants team.

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly available. The charity maintains strict confidentiality around applications and outcomes.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly disclosed. Applicants should discuss this with staff during the initial consultation phase.

Application Success Factors

Key Success Factors

1. Professional Credentials: Clear evidence of professional acting or stage management career with verifiable credits
2. Genuine Need: Demonstrated financial hardship with savings below the threshold
3. Complete Documentation: All required paperwork submitted, including medical evidence where applicable
4. Circumstances Beyond Control: Clear explanation of why you cannot work due to illness, injury, age, or other legitimate reasons

What They're Looking For

CEO Alison Wyman emphasizes: "Circumstances are extremely challenging for those in the industry – we're seeing this in data and we're hearing it anecdotally from our members." The charity is actively seeking to help more people and has expanded its criteria to be more inclusive of diverse circumstances.

The organization values:

• Honesty and transparency in applications
• Clear communication about circumstances
• Engagement with their holistic support services beyond just financial grants

Beneficiary Examples

• Mobility Support: One beneficiary stated, “Without their help and support, I would not have been able to afford certain things I need because of my disability. With the help of the ABF, I was able to purchase a mobility scooter that is essential for me to get around, enjoy seeing my family, and shop.”
• Crisis Support: Another recipient shared, “You helped us in our darkest times when life was crashing down around us and continued supporting us through incredibly challenging days, you enabled us to pay our bills, keep our house, buy food, buy medical supplies.”

Advice from the Funder

• Don't assume you're not eligible - reach out to discuss your situation
• All applications are treated in the strictest confidence
• You don't have to be a member to receive support
• The charity offers benefits advice alongside grants to ensure you receive all support you're entitled to

Common Barriers

• Insufficient professional credits or student status
• Savings exceeding the threshold
• Seeking backdated support or debt repayment
• Applying on behalf of organizations rather than as an individual

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

IMPORTANT: This charity provides grants only to individual actors and stage managers, not to organizations, theatre companies, or projects. Grant writers seeking organizational funding should look elsewhere.

For individuals in the acting/stage management profession:

1. Eligibility is Broader Than You Think: The charity has expanded beyond just illness, injury, and old age to include “circumstances beyond your control” - if you're uncertain, make an enquiry
2. Quick Initial Response: Expect contact within one working day of initial enquiry, with decisions typically within 10 working days
3. Holistic Support Available: Beyond grants, the charity offers benefits advice, mental health support, and preventative services
4. Confidentiality Assured: All applications are completely confidential - don't let stigma prevent you from seeking help
5. Regular Contact Encouraged: The charity wants to help and maintains an accessible, small staff team in central London
6. Documentation is Key: Have your professional credits, bank statements, and medical evidence (if applicable) ready
7. Awareness Campaign: The charity is actively working to increase its profile after finding 75% of professionals were unaware of its services - they want to help more people

References

1. The Actors' Benevolent Fund official website (now redirecting to Actors' Trust): https://www.actorsbenevolentfund.co.uk and https://www.actorstrust.org.uk
2. Actors' Trust FAQ page: https://www.actorstrust.org.uk/apply/faq
3. Actors' Trust Team page: https://www.actorstrust.org.uk/about/team
4. Charity Commission Register: "THE ACTORS' BENEVOLENT FUND" Charity No. 206524: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=206524
5. Find That Charity profile: https://findthatcharity.uk/orgid/GB-CHC-206524
6. The Stage: "Actors' Benevolent Fund overhauls services and rebrands as Actors' Trust": https://www.thestage.co.uk/news/actors-benevolent-fund-overhauls-services-to-reach-more-people-in-sector
7. Civil Society News: "Alison Wyman: 'It feels like we're at a turning point'": https://www.civilsociety.co.uk/news/alison-wyman-it-feels-like-we-are-at-a-turning-point.html
8. The Stage: "Actors' Benevolent Fund to offer cost-of-living grants under 'new vision'": https://www.thestage.co.uk/news/actors-benevolent-fund-to-offer-cost-of-living-grants-under-new-vision
9. Spotlight: "How the Actors' Benevolent Fund is Supporting Performers": https://www.spotlight.com/news-and-advice/the-industry/who-are-the-actors-benevolent-fund/
10. Arts Professional: "Actors' charity names new trustees after leadership shakeup": https://www.artsprofessional.co.uk/magazine/faces/actors-charity-names-new-trustees-after-leadership-shakeup
11. West End Theatre: "The Actors' Benevolent Fund charity renames as the Actors' Trust and expands support services": https://www.westendtheatre.com/313562/news/the-actors-benevolent-fund-charity-renames-as-the-actors-trust-and-expands-support-services/