Individual Grants Programme

It is the duty of the St John's Hospital Almoner, a role that has changed and evolved over centuries, to consider and disperse grants for those in need. It continues to be one of the most important functions of the organisation to this day, with the aid of new and appropriate guidelines, which are set out below. Recipients are always referred to the Almoner by external agencies and not by personal request or by unofficial appointment.  All enquiries must be directed through the appropriate channels and not directly to the Almoner.

Individual Grants
The objective of the Individual Grants Fund is to maximise support for individuals or family units who are experiencing financial hardship and to help to alleviate poverty and sickness within the community of Bath. 

Geographical Area
Funding is only available for people who reside within the boundaries of the City of Bath, with one exception, Magdalen Educational Foundation. Applications for grants from this fund can be considered within a thirty-mile radius of Bath. 

Criteria
In awarding grants to individuals, the Trustees will apply the following criteria:
• The family or individual will live within the boundaries of the City of Bath.
• One grant per family unit (which term also includes individuals) is considered in any twelve-month period.
• The grant may consist of more than one payment up to the tariff.
• No family or individual shall receive more than three grants within five years or up to a limit set by the Trustees.
• No cash is given to an individual – food and clothing is funded by use of vouchers.

Tariffs will be reviewed annually at the Care Committee Meeting each April.

What an Individual Grant can fund
Examples of what the Trustees will fund:
• Food/clothing.
• TV licenses.
• Furniture.
• White goods.
• Carpets (see guidelines for more details)
• Bankruptcy fees.
• Rent arrears.
• Utility bills.
• Counselling.
• Other payments at the discretion of the Almoner to assist in an emergency within the above guidelines.

Exclusions
The Trustees will not fund the following:
• Department of Work and Pension loans.
• Funeral expenses.
• Magistrates Court fines.
• Deposits or rent in advance for accommodation.
• Washing machines; unless there is a child in the family or on medical grounds, in which case medical confirmation must be supplied.
• Carpets; unless there is a child in the family or on medical grounds, in which case medical confirmation must be supplied, or there are any other exceptional circumstances.

The Application and Payment Process
The Almoner will only accept applications for individuals and families through a recognised local statutory agency, not from the person themselves.
• The agency will complete the application form and send it to the Almoner.
• The application is assessed by the Almoner against the above criteria.
• The Almoner will inform the agency if the application has been successful.
• For food and clothing vouchers, the Almoner will give them directly to the agency for distribution to the applicant. Any cash payments are made through the agency.
• All other payments are made directly to the provider by cheque through the Almoner.
• The Almoner will send a letter to the individual detailing the actions with a copy letter to the agency.
• The Almoner will receive invoices for goods and services provided which will be checked against the application.
• The Almoner has the discretion to close a case if it is not completed within 28 days.

For further information, contact a local agency, such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, Social Services or your NHS Trust.  These numbers are available in libraries, GP surgeries and local telephone directories.