The Newspaper Press Fund (journalists' Charity)

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £817,000 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 2-4 weeks (emergency cases can be fast-tracked)
• Grant Range: Variable based on need (examples: £800-£1,200 for First Jobs Fund)
• Geographic Focus: UK and Ireland
• Historic Support: 140+ beneficiaries in 2018 (£500,000 distributed)

Contact Details

Website: www.journalistscharity.org.uk

Email: enquiries@journalistscharity.org.uk

Phone: 01306 887511

Address: 11 Ribblesdale, Roman Road, Dorking, Surrey RH4 3EX

For application guidance and advice, applicants are encouraged to contact the team via email or phone before submitting.

Overview

Founded by Charles Dickens in 1864, the Journalists' Charity (operating name of The Newspaper Press Fund, Charity No. 208215) has supported journalists and their dependants for over 160 years. With an annual income of £851,000 and charitable expenditure of £817,000 (2024), the organization provides confidential advice, financial assistance, and practical support to journalists across the UK and Ireland. The charity recently expanded its mission with the First Jobs Fund, addressing the financial barriers facing new entrants to journalism. Governed by working and retired journalists serving as trustees, the charity maintains strong sector connections. In 2024, it served as charity partner for the British Journalism Awards and hosted the Wales Media Awards. Historic data shows 140+ beneficiaries supported in a single year (2018), with ages ranging from those in their 20s to their 90s.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

General Financial Assistance (Rolling basis)

• Emergency grants and running support for established journalists
• One-off payments and ongoing financial support
• Amounts vary based on individual circumstances and need
• Application: Online form or downloadable application
• Decision time: Typically 2 weeks (can be fast-tracked for emergencies)

First Jobs Fund (Rolling basis)

• Supports journalists in their first role or about to start
• Covers accommodation, relocation, transport, and essential equipment
• Examples: £800 for broadcast equipment, £1,200 for rental deposits
• Decision time: Up to 4 weeks
• Application: Online form via website

Retirement Housing

• Independent living facilities at Ribblesdale complex in Surrey
• For journalists requiring accommodation support

Priority Areas

Eligible Recipients:

• Working or former journalists facing financial hardship
• Those experiencing crisis situations, illness, accident, or unforeseen circumstances
• Early-career journalists struggling with essential costs
• Journalists' dependants requiring support

Circumstances Supported:

• Emergency financial needs
• Living costs and accommodation
• Moving and relocation expenses
• Essential work equipment
• Transport costs
• Crisis support

Geographic Focus:

• Journalists working in the UK
• UK journalists working overseas for UK organizations
• Coverage extends to Ireland

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the charity focuses exclusively on:

• Individual journalists (not organizations)
• Those meeting strict occupational requirements (minimum 2 years full-time journalism experience, or 7 years for former journalists)
• First Jobs Fund applicants must have less than 2 years experience

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Governance and Leadership

The charity is governed by a Council comprising journalists from diverse media backgrounds, all serving as trustees without remuneration. The structure includes a Chairman, Treasurer, 18 ordinary members, and up to 3 co-opted members. One-third of ordinary Council members retire annually and are replaced through election at the Annual General Meeting.

Current Leadership:

• Paul Jones – Chair
• Alison Gow – Deputy Chair
• Richard Burgess
• John Crowley
• Alison Phillips
• Gill Smith
• Ramsay Smith
• Christine Warwick

Regional Committees:

• West Midlands: Derek Inman (Chair); John Duckers (Treasurer)
• Wales: Huw Rossiter
• Wessex: Robin Britton
• Scotland: Gill Smith (Chair)

Staffing: The charity employs 8 staff members and works with 20 volunteers. Two senior staff members earn over £60,000 annually, reflecting the organization's professional management structure.

The charity emphasizes that all trustees are practicing or former journalists, ensuring sector-specific understanding and relevant decision-making.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Online Application: Complete the application form at journalistscharity.org.uk/form-holder/

Downloadable Form: PDF version available for those preferring paper applications

Pre-Application Support: Applicants strongly encouraged to contact the team for guidance:

• Email: enquiries@journalistscharity.org.uk
• Phone: 01306 887511
• Social media: Available for informal questions

Required Information: Applicants must provide “full and accurate information” about:

• Personal circumstances
• Career history demonstrating journalism experience
• Financial situation and specific need
• Evidence of employment or work (freelancers must demonstrate journalism as primary income)

Decision Timeline

General Financial Assistance: Typically 2 weeks

Emergency Cases: Fast-tracked upon request

First Jobs Fund: Up to 4 weeks

Applications are collated and assessed by staff before being considered by trustees who make final decisions.

Success Rates

The charity does not publicly disclose application success rates or numbers. Historic data (2018) shows the charity supported 140+ beneficiaries in a single year with £500,000 in grants, suggesting substantial reach. Beneficiaries ranged from journalists in their 20s to those in their 90s.

Reapplication Policy

No explicit reapplication restrictions mentioned. The charity's supportive tone and provision of both “one-off payments and running grants” suggests they maintain ongoing relationships with beneficiaries when circumstances require.

Application Success Factors

Demonstrate Clear Financial Need: The charity emphasizes providing “relevant information” to demonstrate need. Be specific about amounts required and why.

Prove Occupational Eligibility: Documentation of journalism career is essential:

• General assistance: 2 continuous years out of last 5 years as main income source
• Former journalists: 7 years total full-time journalism
• First Jobs Fund: Firm offer letter or evidence of current first role
• Freelancers: Demonstrate journalism as primary income with portfolio/invoices

Focus on Essential Costs: Applications for accommodation, moving expenses, transport, and work equipment align with stated priorities. Avoid requests for non-essential items.

Contact Them First: The charity actively encourages applicants to seek advice before applying. This demonstrates their willingness to guide applicants toward successful applications.

Case Study Examples:

• Charlie: Requested £1,200 deposit assistance for relocating to London for first permanent journalism role
• Adele: Requested £800 for broadcast equipment as recent postgraduate freelancer

Tone and Language: The charity uses warm, supportive language throughout communications (“friendly advisor,” “confidential support,” “whatever you tell us will be treated in confidence”). Applications should be honest and direct about circumstances without embellishment.

Emergency Applications: If facing crisis situation, explicitly request fast-tracking. The charity has systems in place for urgent cases.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Act quickly but contact them first: While applications move quickly (2 weeks typical), reach out for guidance before submitting to ensure eligibility and strengthen your application
• Two-year rule is strict: You must prove journalism was your main income for 2 continuous years (or 7 total for former journalists). Gather evidence before applying
• Be specific about amounts: Use real examples (deposit costs, equipment prices) rather than vague requests
• Emergency support available: If in crisis, ask for fast-tracking rather than waiting for standard timeline
• Confidentiality is paramount: The charity emphasizes privacy throughout their materials, suggesting sensitive situations are welcomed
• First Jobs Fund is underutilized: New journalists often overlook this program; if you're in your first two years and struggling with relocation, equipment, or accommodation costs, this is an excellent fit
• Sector connections matter: The charity is governed by journalists and maintains strong industry relationships. Demonstrating genuine journalism credentials (NUJ membership, NCTJ qualification, published work) strengthens applications

References

1. Journalists' Charity Official Website - Homepage. https://journalistscharity.org.uk/

1. Journalists' Charity - Financial Assistance Page. https://journalistscharity.org.uk/how-we-help/advice-financial-assistance/

1. Journalists' Charity - First Jobs Fund. https://journalistscharity.org.uk/how-we-help/first-jobs-fund/

1. Journalists' Charity - About the Charity. https://journalistscharity.org.uk/about-us/the-charity/

1. Journalists' Charity - Governance. https://journalistscharity.org.uk/about-us/governance/

1. Journalists' Charity - FAQs. https://journalistscharity.org.uk/how-we-help/faqs/

1. UK Charity Commission - The Newspaper Press Fund (208215) Financial Information. https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regId=208215

1. Journalists' Charity - Wales Media Awards 2024. https://journalistscharity.org.uk/wales-media-awards-2024/

1. Journalism.co.uk - Journalists' Charity Financial Assistance. https://www.journalism.co.uk/awards/journalists-charity-financial-assistance/s30/a822128/