The British Airline Pilots Association Benevolent Fund

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £90,091 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Quarterly trustee meetings
• Grant Range: Varies by case (loans up to £1,800 confirmed)
• Geographic Focus: UK commercial aviation professionals

Contact Details

• Website: https://www.balpa.org/benevolent-fund/
• Email: bbfadmin@balpa.org
• Phone: 020 8476 4099 (emergency line)

Overview

Established in 1963 by the British Airline Pilots Association, the BALPA Benevolent Fund is now an independent charity (229957) supporting current and former commercial aviation professionals facing financial hardship. With annual expenditure of £90,091 (2024) and income of £284,158, the fund maintains a conservative financial approach while providing grants, interest-free loans, and practical support to pilots, flight engineers, navigators, helicopter winchmen and their families. The charity operates independently from BALPA with seven volunteer trustees who review applications quarterly.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The fund provides individualized support rather than fixed programs:

• Emergency Grants: Immediate financial assistance for urgent needs
• Interest-Free Loans: Up to £1,800 for training and retraining
• Educational Support: Funding for MSc programs and professional development
• Medical Support: Class 1 medical re-certification costs
• Living Cost Assistance: Support during unemployment or medical leave
• Debt Consolidation: Converting expensive debt to 0% loans secured against property

Priority Areas

• Loss of medical certification support
• Career transition following redundancy
• Emergency financial hardship
• Disability equipment funding
• Property and vehicle repairs
• Educational retraining
• Family support during bereavement

What They Don't Fund

Not explicitly stated in public materials

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Governance and Leadership

Seven volunteer trustees manage the fund independently from BALPA, meeting quarterly to review applications. No trustees receive remuneration. While trustee names are not publicly disclosed, the fund emphasizes its complete independence from BALPA in capital management and grant decisions.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a traditional public application process. Support is provided on a case-by-case basis to eligible individuals who contact the fund directly:

1. Download application pack from BALPA website
2. Submit completed application to bbfadmin@balpa.org
3. Alternative: Submit general inquiry via website contact form

Note: BALPA membership is NOT required to receive assistance.

Getting on Their Radar

The fund identifies beneficiaries through:

• Direct contact from individuals in crisis
• Referrals from BALPA (though membership not required)
• Word-of-mouth within the aviation community
• Emergency contact line for urgent situations

Testimonials indicate “things happened very quickly” once contact is made, with the fund known for rapid response to urgent needs.

Decision Timeline

• Trustees meet quarterly to review applications
• Emergency cases can be expedited between meetings
• One case study showed 16-month period of ongoing support

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly stated, though case studies show ongoing support over extended periods

Application Success Factors

Based on documented case studies:

• Clear demonstration of financial need - The fund responds quickly to genuine hardship
• Connection to aviation industry - Must be current/former commercial aviation professional or dependent
• Specific purpose for funds - Educational courses, medical certification, emergency repairs
• Willingness to accept various forms of help - Grants, loans, and professional advisory services
• Proactive communication - Case studies show best outcomes when beneficiaries maintain contact

The fund emphasizes confidential, sensitive handling of all applications and takes a holistic approach to support, often providing financial advisers and practical assistance alongside grants.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No formal grant application process - direct contact required
• BALPA membership not required despite the name
• Trustees meet quarterly but can expedite emergency cases
• Support extends beyond money to include professional services
• Fund takes long-term view - supporting individuals over months/years
• Highly confidential process protects beneficiary privacy
• Case-by-case assessment allows flexibility in support types

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• THE HOSPITAL SATURDAY FUND
• The Heinz, Anna and Carol Kroch Foundation
• Professionals Aid Council
• DJ Sidebottom/Glasdon Charitable Programme
• THE 1930 FUND FOR DISTRICT NURSES (NO 1)
• THE COSARAF CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
• Provincial Grand Charity of Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire
• The Astor Foundation
• Huntingdon Freemen's Trust
• The Lady Forester Trust

References

• BALPA Benevolent Fund website: https://www.balpa.org/benevolent-fund/
• Charity Commission Register: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=229957
• Turn2us Grants Database: Entry for BALPA Benevolent Fund
• BALPA testimonials and case studies (2016, 2019)
• Financial data from Charity Commission filings (FY 2024)