Grants for individuals

Support is available from the Sir George Earle Benevolent Fund for home adaptations and essential equipment for former Blue Circle and Lafarge UK employees and families facing hardship.

About the Sir George Earle Benevolent Fund for individuals

The Sir George Earle Benevolent Fund provides grants for individuals to support people in financial hardship to improve their quality of life and maintain independence at home.

The fund is for former employees of Blue Circle in the UK and Lafarge UK, and their relatives, spouses, partners or dependents who need support with essential equipment or home adaptations.

UK Community Foundations oversees the distribution of the fund and manages the application process.

How does the fund support individuals?

The fund provides grants for essential equipment and home adaptations that help people live safely and independently at home. This includes mobility aids, specialist equipment, and adaptations that improve accessibility and day-to-day living.

Who can apply?

You may be eligible to apply if you:

Are a former employee or a relative, partner or dependant of someone who was employed by Blue Circle or Lafarge UK.
Live in the UK.
Are experiencing financial hardship.
Need support with equipment or home adaptations to improve health, wellbeing, or independent living.

To find out more about the eligibility criteria and the evidence you need to provide if you think you are eligible, read the application guidance.

How much can I apply for?

You can apply for a grant of between £500 and £5,000.

When can I apply?

Applications are open all year round.

How do I apply?

Download and read the application guidance and then complete and return the application form:

Application guidance: [Download application guidance]

Application form: [Download application form]

What happens after I apply?

Once you submit your application, it will be assessed against the fund criteria, aims and priorities. We may contact you if we need further information or clarification.

Please make sure you include all required supporting documents when you submit your application. If there is anything missing, we will get in touch, but this will delay the time it takes us to make a decision.

Applications are normally processed within 4 - 6 weeks and if you are not successful, we will tell you why.