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R. Daphne Plunket Charitable Trust (administered by Charity Link)

R Daphne Plunket Charitable Trust grants for individuals in need

The R Daphne Plunket Charitable Trust, administered by Charity Link, makes grants to people of any age living in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland who are in financial need, hardship or distress. Applications go through Charity Link's referral service, so a professional such as a support worker, social worker or advice worker must apply on the person's behalf. Help is given as essential items such as beds, white goods, clothing and mobility equipment supplied through Charity Link's own supplier, not as cash.

Apply on the funder’s site
You could get
Up to £500
no fixed round
Deadline
Rolling
apply any time
Effort
Moderate
full application with documents

Who can apply

  • Individuals of any age who are in financial need, hardship or distress and live in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland (the Trust page heads its grants 'Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland' and says applicants 'must live in Leicestershire or Rutland')
  • Charity Link looks for demonstrable financial hardship, either in low-paid work or on benefits, with every household member already receiving their full statutory benefit entitlement
  • The application must be made by a third-party professional such as a registered charity worker, social care, housing or medical professional, social worker, tenancy or family support worker, school pastoral worker, debt adviser, Citizens Advice staff, or staff or volunteers at a refuge, hostel or food bank; the referrer is asked to oversee the application through to delivery
  • For mobility equipment, the client should normally receive the mobility element of PIP (if under State Pension age) and the item must not be available from statutory sources
  • Charities and voluntary groups helping people in hardship apply to the Trust separately, through the Charity Link Small Grants Scheme

What it funds

  • Grants to people of any age who are in financial need, hardship or distress
  • Essential one-off items such as beds, mattresses, bedding, towels and clothing
  • Electric cookers, washing machines, fridges, freezers, microwaves, air fryers and kitchen utensils
  • School uniform
  • Specialist mobility or disability-related equipment that cannot be provided by the NHS or social care services
  • In emergencies, help with food and utilities

Goods are supplied through Charity Link's trading arm, The Goods Depot; where it does not stock an item, Charity Link can sometimes give e-vouchers (Argos, Asda, Primark) or pay another supplier directly.

What it will not fund

  • Cash grants to clients
  • Self-referrals (a third-party professional must apply)
  • More than one award to the same client in any twelve-month period, unless there were exceptional life-changing events
  • Households with a considerable excess of income after essential expenditure
  • Gas appliances (Charity Link's supplier does not stock them)

How to apply

  1. Find a professional who is working with you and knows your situation (or call Charity Link on 0116 222 2200 for advice, or see its list of referral partners)
  2. The referrer reads Charity Link's online application guidance notes and FAQs for referring agencies
  3. The referrer registers on Charity Link's online application form (linked from the Information for Professionals page) and completes every section: applicant and household details, work history, income and expenditure, items requested, supporting documents and impact
  4. The referrer submits the form; Charity Link's caseworkers assess it and allocate grants from the funds it administers, including this Trust, or apply to external charities on the client's behalf
  5. If funds are agreed, order letters are sent so the client can arrange delivery of the goods

The Trust page links to an older paper Charity Link application form (May 2018) that says it must not be completed by the applicant; Charity Link's current route is the online form for professionals.

Charity Link pools many funds with different criteria, so you apply to Charity Link rather than to this Trust directly; it decides which fund fits.

Have ready

  • Completed online application with household income and expenditure (all weekly or all monthly figures)
  • Supporting statement from the referrer explaining the client's circumstances, why the items are needed and how they will help
  • Details of health conditions and work history of household members (used to find other funds)

For mobility equipment, an Occupational Therapist's report if there is one.

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