The RNBT is a charity (registered no. 206243) registered with the Charity Commission. It is incorporated under a Royal Charter granted on 2 May 1922.

Wide Ranging Financial Help

Recent examples of the assistance we have given through Grants to Individuals include:

• Special equipment for the disabled daughter of a junior ratingl;
• Essential household goods for a young rating with a large family and large debts;
• A contribution to the cost of an electric scooter for a former Royal Marine aged 77;
• Assistance with university fees for the daughter of an ex-rating who died in his 40s;
• Removal expenses for a wife separated from her naval husband;
• Funeral expenses for an ex-rating.

Categories of Need – An Open Ended List

For general guidance we list the areas in which we often give help: we call them Categories of Need and they are shown below. However, this is not a closed list – we will always consider applications from those who really need help, although there are some circumstances in which, as a matter of policy, we may not be able to assist.

The Categories of Need are:

• Medical and Dental
• Holidays
• House Repairs
• Food
• Funerals
• Clothing
• Furniture/Furnishings
• Mortgage
• Household Goods
• Education
• Rent
• Energy/Fuel
• Removals
• Employment/Training
• Council Tax and Rates
• Telephone

More than £1.5 Million each year

Every year we make Grants to Individuals to about 3,000 applicants. The grants vary in amount from under £100 up to several thousand pounds with the average being about £550. The total each year is more than £1.6 million.

The Grants Process

Step 1

Each case requires the completion of an application form setting out the applicant’s personal and financial circumstances. This is usually carried out by a caseworker from one of the organisations which work in conjunction with the RNBT, for example SSAFA Forces Help, The Royal British Legion and the Naval Personal and Family Service.

Step 2

The caseworker will submit the application form to the RNBT and on receipt it will be vetted by our grants administrators who will liaise with other charities if appropriate, before referring it to the Grants Committee.

Step 3

The decision in virtually every case is made by three RNBT Grants Committee members who are themselves serving or ex-serving RN ratings or RM other ranks. They meet twice a week to consider applications. Our speed of response is matched by few other charities.

Criteria for the Award of a Grant

• You are a member of the RNBT Family
• You are in need or distress
• You need financial assistance from the RNBT to help you achieve a reasonable quality of life

How to Apply

Contact the RNBT by telephone, email or letter and we will arrange for a caseworker to visit you to complete an application form.