Benevolent Fund

Founded in 2010, the CITMA Benevolent Fund provides financial assistance to those in need.

The Fund came into being as a result of the profession raising money for a member who developed a rare cancer and needed then experimental treatment. In the event it was unsuccessful, and the money left was used to create a benevolent fund which could help others in the future.

The Fund’s founding objective was to provide support to individuals within the professions, or closely associated with them, who were experiencing financial hardship.

While the trustees have changed over time, the Fund’s core purpose remains unchanged and we’re still here to assist those who need it. Alongside this, the ongoing need to secure donations continues to be a central priority.

As we are a charity, the work of the Fund depends on voluntary donations. All contributions, great or small, are most appreciated. 

You can make donations to the CITMA Benevolent Fund on Just Giving

Other ways to support the CITMA Benevolent Fund:

• Gift Aid
• PayPal
• Standing Order
• Legacy donations

The Fund provides grants to CITMA members, their families, colleagues, and CITMA staff who are experiencing financial difficulties. We are open to applications whether big or small. Below is a non-exhaustive list of possible assistance:

• Medical bills not covered by the NHS or insurance
• Bills relating to mental health support
• Financial hardship due to caring responsibilities
• Other financial difficulties arising from circumstances

Each case is assessed on its individual merits, and the range of assistance is limited only by the needs of our beneficiaries and our financial resources. If you aren’t sure about whether your application will qualify for assistance, please reach out to: [email protected]

All queries will be handled confidentially.

We understand privacy is important and your case will be handled confidentially by trustees.

Initially by one independent of the IP profession and then by the trustee is nominated to consider your application.

Once the nominated Trustee has considered all of the relevant facts of the case they will put forward their recommendation to the other Trustees; this document will be anonymised to maintain the confidentiality of the applicant.

Detailed overview:

• Applications reviewed by Chair Mike Knight or Trustee Nicki Alvey (both independent of the profession), who nominate a trustee to handle each case.
• Each case is judged on its individual merits.
• Applications will be assessed promptly (we try to determine cases within a week).
• Trustees may request additional information, such as financial circumstances, State benefits etc.
• Applicants must provide a full financial disclosure, including household income, expenditure, aged debt, earnings, investments, and liabilities.
• The lead trustee brings the case together and makes a recommendation to other trustees.
• If approved, the payment is made directly to the applicant.

The Fund welcomes applications from CITMA members or their family members year-round.

We do not require a set format. However, we suggest that you address the following: 

1. Your name. If you are not a member of CITMA please make clear your connection.
2. Brief details of the situation which might be resolved or alleviated as a result of a cash grant
3. Details of what assistance - both financial and practical - is being provided by others. We may seek evidence of this.
4. Include any other evidence you feel may be relevant or may support your application
5. The amount of financial assistance you are looking for.
6. When you need the money.

Each request will be considered on a confidential basis throughout the process.

Please send your request for financial support in writing, and marked confidential, via e-mail directly to Mike Knight, Chair of the Fund: [email protected] or Nicki Alvey, Trustee: [email protected]

If you would prefer to submit in writing, please send your request to the below address:

CITMA Benevolent Fund, Thanet House, 231-232 Strand, London, WC2R 1DA

Mark it ‘Personal for Mike Knight or Nicki Alvey’