Women's Royal Naval Service Benevolent Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £300,000 - £350,000
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 24-48 hours (crisis/urgent), approximately 4 weeks (standard applications via monthly committee meetings)
• Grant Range: £50 - £3,000+ (one-off grants), plus ongoing weekly payments
• Geographic Focus: Worldwide
• Beneficiaries Served: Approximately 200-230 annually

Contact Details

Main Office:

WRNS BT Office

C/O The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity

Building 37, HMS Excellent

Whale Island, Portsmouth

Hampshire, PO2 8ER

Phone:

• Financial Assistance: 023 9387 1522 (9am-5pm)
• General Enquiries: 023 9387 1520

Email:

• Financial Assistance: grantsadmin@wrnsbt.org.uk
• General Enquiries: theteam@rnrmc.org.uk

Website: www.wrnsbt.org.uk

Patron: Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal

Overview

Founded during World War II and incorporated by Royal Charter, the Women's Royal Naval Service Benevolent Trust (charity number 206529) has provided over 80 years of financial relief to women who served in the WRNS. The Trust serves approximately 27,000 former Wrens aged from their late forties to nineties who served between 3 September 1939 and 1 November 1993, when the WRNS was disbanded and integrated into the Royal Navy.

As of 1 January 2024, the WRNS BT became a wholly owned subsidiary charity of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) to reduce running costs and ensure continued support for beneficiaries for another 40-50 years. Despite this change, the Trust retains its name, Royal Charter, and dedicated Board of Trustees comprising former Wrens.

The Trust's mission is “to provide worldwide advice and financial relief in cases of necessity or distress among its members and their dependants.” With an annual income of approximately £380,000 and expenditure of approximately £310,000, the Trust spends roughly £300,000-£350,000 each year on direct grants to women in need.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Regular Charitable Payments (reviewed annually):

• Care Enhancement Grant: Assists with costs of permanent or temporary care in care/nursing homes or home care
• Weekly Maintenance Grant: For beneficiaries of state pension age on low income
• Weekly Support Supplement: For younger beneficiaries below state pension age who are too young for Pension Credit yet struggle with employment due to age or infirmity
• Amount: £50-£200+ per week depending on need

One-Off Grants (reviewed on rolling basis):

• Debts and arrears: Rent, utilities, council tax
• Funeral expenses
• Household goods and repairs: White goods, furniture, carpeting, heating systems
• Medical aids: Hearing aids, mobility scooters, stair lifts
• Removal/relocation and travel expenses
• Rent deposits
• Education and training support
• Amount: Typically £50 - £3,000 per grant

Crisis and Urgent Support:

• Emergency intervention within 24-48 hours
• Available for situations where delay would result in homelessness, inability to feed/clothe oneself, or similar crisis

Priority Areas

The Trust actively funds assistance for:

• Former members of the Women's Royal Naval Service (any rank or role)
• Dependants of former WRNS members (including spouses, partners, and children)
• Women who served between 3 September 1939 and 1 November 1993
• Worldwide beneficiaries (including those living overseas)
• Cases of necessity or distress
• Further education and training in suitable cases

What They Don't Fund

The Trust is exclusively focused on WRNS veterans and their dependants. Those who served in other branches of the Armed Forces should contact the appropriate service charity (Royal Navy Benevolent Trust for other RN personnel, or equivalent Army/RAF charities).

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Governance and Leadership

Patron: Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal (since 2002)

Chairman: Commander Heather Rimmer MBE RN (assumed position in 2018)

At the Trust's 80th anniversary in 2022, Chairman Cdr Heather Rimmer MBE RN stated: “Delivering 80 years of benevolence to those in need was a significant milestone... I considered it a great privilege to stand before those gathered. I asked members to reflect on the many ladies who had preceded both the current team and me, and their selfless commitment and contribution over all those years, which had allowed the Trust to evolve and flourish into the modern and relevant organisation that it is today.”

Governance Structure:

• Board of Trustees (11 trustees, all former Wrens)
• Grants Committee (meets monthly, with emergency protocols for urgent cases)
• Finance Committee
• Central Committee
• All committee members are volunteers who are former WRNS members

The Trust has no paid employees earning over £60,000 and operates primarily through volunteer former Wrens who give their time to help their fellow veterans.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

The WRNS BT has no caseworkers of its own and works primarily through partner organizations. Applicants have three routes:

1. Via SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association): SSAFA caseworkers visit applicants, complete a confidential report, and submit to the Grants Committee
2. Via The Royal British Legion (RBL): Similar process with RBL caseworkers
3. Direct Application: Contact the Trust directly at grantsadmin@wrnsbt.org.uk or call 023 9387 1522

Required Information:

• Proof of service in the WRNS (service number recommended, plus details of service)
• Details of financial need or distress
• Bank account details for payments (name of account, sort code, account number)

For Crisis or Urgent Cases:

• Phone: 02393 871522 (9am-5pm)
• Email: grantsadmin@wrnsbt.org.uk (mark email “crisis case” or “urgent case”)
• Response time: 24-48 hours

Decision Timeline

• Crisis/Urgent Cases: Decision and payment within 24-48 hours
• Standard Applications: Reviewed at monthly Grants Committee meetings (approximately 4 weeks)
• Regular Charitable Payments: Reviewed annually to reassess needs and welfare
• Notification: Applicants are informed through their caseworking organization or directly if they applied independently

All applications are reviewed anonymously by the Grants Committee using case numbers to ensure fair assessment.

Success Rates

The Trust does not publish specific success rates. However, data shows:

• In 2018: 209 beneficiaries assisted (including 16 overseas)
• In 2017: 231 beneficiaries assisted
• In 2016: 240 beneficiaries assisted

The decreases reflect the natural decline in the eligible population rather than increased rejection rates. The Trust's focus is on supporting all eligible former Wrens in genuine need.

Reapplication Policy

The Trust does not publicly specify a reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants. Given the case-by-case nature of assessments and the Trust's mission to help all eligible members in distress, applicants whose circumstances change can reapply. Contact the Trust directly to discuss individual circumstances.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Trust's documented practices and beneficiary testimonials, successful applications typically demonstrate:

Clear Eligibility:

• Proof of service in the WRNS is essential—providing a service number and service details significantly strengthens applications
• Dependants must demonstrate their relationship to a former WRNS member

Genuine Financial Need:

• The Trust assesses cases based on necessity or distress
• Applications with supporting documentation from caseworkers (SSAFA or RBL) carry significant weight
• The Trust looks for situations where their assistance will make a meaningful difference

Comprehensive Information:

• Caseworker reports that clearly explain the situation and specific needs
• Bank details ready for payment processing
• Honest assessment of current financial circumstances

Examples of Recently Funded Support:

• £50 per week for live-in care costs for an 87-year-old former Wren with vascular dementia
• £500 grant for rent arrears and related charges during period of illness
• Electric mobility scooters for beneficiaries with severe osteoarthritis
• Hearing aids for an 84-year-old former Wren
• £2,500 for carpeting, cooker, and household essentials for housing needs
• Assistance with roof repairs to prevent further property damage
• Support with moving costs and funeral expenses

Beneficiary Feedback:

One 61-year-old former Wren stated: “Without your help I really do not know what I would have done.”

A 55-year-old former Wren expressed: “You have saved me from having to sell my home.”

Strategic Approach:

• The Trust works collaboratively with other military charities (Royal Navy Benevolent Trust, SSAFA, Army Benevolent Fund) to provide comprehensive support packages
• Crisis cases receive immediate attention with streamlined decision-making
• Regular grants are reviewed annually to ensure ongoing needs are met
• All applications treated with strict confidentiality

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Eligibility is paramount: You must prove WRNS service (between 3 September 1939 and 1 November 1993) or dependant relationship. Have service number and details ready.

• Partner with caseworking organizations: Applications through SSAFA or Royal British Legion carry significant weight due to professional assessment and established relationships with the Trust.

• Crisis cases get fast-track treatment: If immediate intervention is needed within 24-48 hours, clearly mark applications as “crisis case” or “urgent case” for expedited review.

• The Trust takes a holistic view: They regularly collaborate with other service charities to provide comprehensive support packages. Mention if you're receiving or need assistance from multiple sources.

• Be specific about financial need: The Trust wants to help genuine cases of necessity or distress. Clear documentation of circumstances, expenses, and how the grant will help is essential.

• Monthly review cycle: Standard applications are reviewed at monthly Grants Committee meetings, so allow approximately 4 weeks for non-urgent cases.

• All applications treated confidentially: The Grants Committee reviews cases anonymously using case numbers, ensuring fair and unbiased assessment.

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust (Grand Fleet and Kindred Funds)
• The Wyfold Charitable Trust
• Peter Stormonth Darling Charitable Trust
• The Hintze Family Charitable Foundation
• The Alexander Duckham Memorial Schools Trust
• THE ARMY CENTRAL FUND
• Help To Create Hope Trust
• SEAFARERS UK (KING GEORGE'S FUND FOR SAILORS)
• The Sam and Bella Sebba Charitable Foundation
• The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity

References

1. Women's Royal Naval Service Benevolent Trust official website - https://wrnsbt.org.uk/
2. WRNS BT “Applying for Assistance” page - https://wrnsbt.org.uk/applying-for-assistance/
3. WRNS BT “Thank-yous” testimonials page - https://wrnsbt.org.uk/thank-yous/
4. Charity Commission Register - Charity Details for 206529 - https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?subid=0&regid=206529
5. Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity - “1st January 2024: WRNS BT Officially a Subsidiary Charity of RNRMC” - https://www.rnrmc.org.uk/news/1st-january-2024-wrns-bt-officially-subsidiary-charity-rnrmc
6. WRNS BT Trustees Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022 - https://wrnsbt.org.uk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/WRNS-BT-Annual-Report-2022.pdf
7. WRNS BT “History” page - https://wrnsbt.org.uk/history/
8. Royal Navy website - "Women's Royal Naval Service (WRENS) Benevolent Trust" - https://royalnavy.zendesk.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360014914059-Women-s-Royal-Naval-Service-WRENS-Benevolent-Trust