IN DEPTH
Help in time of need – the CILIP Benevolent Fund
Nick Poole reminds us of the valuable help that the CILIP Benevolent Fund can provide to members who are experiencing fi nancial worries, and talks about changes that will make it even easier to donate.
AT this time of year the curtains are closed, the lights are on, but what about the heat- ing? What if the boiler’s broken? We know that for many, “just managing” excludes the luxury of a fi nancial buff er to meet unexpected bills. It’s a sad fact that CILIP members can sometimes experience diffi culties in fi nding money for household bills, children’s necessi- ties and other emergencies. These are just the situations which the CILIP Benevolent Fund (CBF) may be able to help CILIP members with by off ering small grants for one-off payments.
Independent charity
The CBF is an independently-registered charity, separate from CILIP, with its own trustees. It is currently chaired by Biddy Fisher, a former pres- ident of CILIP. The chair is supported by seven trustees including Graham Cornish, Judy Pow- les, Michael Saith and Nicky Whitsed. Bernard Naylor and Gillian Pentelow, who have served the CBF over many years, for which we thank them, are stepping down. New trustees have now been recruited and will be announced shortly. The trustees have oversight of the CBF. They assess each application and ensure it is administered appropriately. Gail Downe is the administrator – she ensures smooth working of the fund and is usually the fi rst point of contact.
Spread the word
I am writing this piece now not just because it’s the time of year when boilers are switched on and break, but because the CBF has been refreshing itself over the last year and now needs your sup- port in two ways. Firstly we all need to spread the word about this great member benefi t. Please en- courage members past and present, if they have fi nancial worries requiring one-off support, to get in touch with the CBF to see whether it may be able to help. Every communication, conversation and detail is received in absolute confi dence. Although there is a rigorous process for assessing
54 INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL
applications, the CBF seeks to support all reason- able requests. There is nothing to be lost by giving the fund a go.
Help someone in need Secondly, the CBF is only able to undertake this work because of CILIP member donations. It would be wonderful if you could consider making a donation when you renew your membership each year, by one-off donations at any time or through ongoing donations via direct debit. The fund also benefi ts from legacies. This year the CBF has received such a legacy and was immediately able to help another hardship case.
Changes
Over the coming year, the new board of trustees will be working with CILIP to make ongoing chang- es which will make it easier to donate. Information is available on the CILIP website where details of how to apply for CBF grants and to make donations may be found:
cilip.org.uk/cilip/membership/membership- benefi ts/advice-and-support/benevolent-fund. You can also help to spread the word about the CBF by following the fund on Twitter @CILIPBenevFund.
Please help us to help our colleagues in times of need by spreading the word and making a donation. Thank you!
December-January 2017/18
Nick Poole (@NickPoole1
nick.poole@cilip.org.uk) is Chief Executive, CILIP.
Benelovent fund
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