NCC Benevolent Fund...

...Broadening the scope

Changing the scope of the fund brings new opportunities to meet changing needs.

The Fund’s beginnings:
The Benevolent Fund was first created in 1976 by NCC members to support people within the caravan industry. The Fund’s Trust Deed restricted claims to those from people employed in the caravan industry and their dependants.

A charitable fund such as the Benevolent Fund is a very powerful tool for the caravan industry as a whole and offers a real opportunity for those within that industry to make a difference to people’s lives.

Over the years, the NCC Benevolent Fund has been able to help many ex industry employees who have either fallen on hard times due to personal issues, or needed a little help to recover from illness. In the past, the Fund has also provided short breaks and mobility scooters, but in recent times has become under-utilised - in spite of attempts to generate interest from potential claimants through a publicity campaign.

The narrow criteria of the NCC Benevolent Fund also meant that it had been unable to help other charities looking for services from the caravan industry. An example of this was when GMTV was seeking the use of a caravan holiday home for a charity, but the restrictive nature of the fund meant that the NCC was unable to assist.

Broader and better

Taking all the issues above into consideration, the Benevolent Trust Deed has now been amended to give the Trustees more freedom to meet changing needs while assisting those who, while they may not be directly linked to the caravan industry, could benefit from the help the industry can offer - such as a holiday or respite from their current situation.

As an example, a local amateur football club (with no direct connection to the industry) in future could approach the Fund with a request for the use of an older caravan holiday home to replace existing facilities damaged by vandals. In the past, this request could not have been considered. However, the amendment to the deed allows for a gate-keeping role to review such a request, referring it to the Trustees for consideration if appropriate. The Trustees are not bound to give help but, using their discretion, will have the option to do so.

The gate-keeping role could also help where members can offer facilities, funds or services for an external charity, for example providing space or accommodation for an organisation such as the Scout Movement to use as a base for their outdoor activities. This association with a worthwhile cause could help to enhance the profile of the Fund, and of the industry, within the wider community.

Under the new regime, The Benevolent Fund Trustees can also consider supporting time-limited projects or partnerships where members can engage with local charities or key social issues to enable them to demonstrate social responsibility, while emphasising their brand values, customer support and product use.

The future – making a greater difference

Once the Charity Commission ratifies these permanent changes to the Charity governance, the NCC will begin work to maximise the work of the new Benevolent Fund for the benefit of the caravan industry. The Acting Chair of the Fund is David Carver and anyone who would like more information, or wishes to get involved with the charity, should contact Sara-Jane Amey on 01252 796079 or by email.

Deed