Foundation Fund

The Foundation Fund was established in 2003 to provide discretionary funds to 'deserving causes' as per nominations from National Friendly members and staff.

The objectives of the Foundation Fund are in line with the Society's long standing aims of supporting its members at times of need which in turn reflect the Society's vision of:

'Creating a modern mutual for the 21st century that meets the health, welfare and protection needs of its members'

The aim is to award grants and disbursements that, regardless of relative value, are meaningful and make a significant difference to the recipients.

Over a period of four years, £500,000 was added to our investment portfolio and at the end of each year a share of the profits from the portfolio is made available for grants. We currently have around £50,000 which we can use to make a difference to charities or individuals that you, our members, feel are worthy.

2010 has seen some major changes to the way we manage the Fund and in July the newly formed Foundation Fund committee, consisting of three members of staff and three members from our Focus Group, met for the first time to create a new terms of reference for the Fund. The committee also agreed to two new grant payments. The first was that the amount raised by staff for the Lily Foundation in 2010 will be matched up to £5,000 and the second grant was for a £2,000 payment to Houghton on the Hill charity Parklife Youth. Parklife Youth was brought to the attention of the society by member and local lady, Ann Sleath. Set up by a group of volunteers who wanted to replace the old and tired looking playground with something new and beneficial for the community and working in partnership with the Houghton Field Association, the group is trying to raise £35,000. National Friendly recognised the benefits a new playground would bring to the local community and was happy to contribute to the much needed funds.