British Association of Former United Nations Civil Servants Benevolent Fund
The British Association of Former United Nations Civil Servants Benevolent Fund (charity number 297524) is a UK-registered charity established to provide financial assistance to former employees of the United Nations (UN), their spouses, widows, widowers, and dependants experiencing hardship. Operating under the British Association of Former United Nations Civil Servants (BAFUNCS), the fund offers grants or loans for one-time needs in cases of distress, excluding ongoing expenses[2][3].

Purpose and Activities

The charity’s primary objective is to relieve financial hardship among eligible recipients, particularly those residing in the UK. It supports individuals who have worked for the UN system, including specialized agencies, through staff contracts, consultancies, or special service agreements. Trustees exercise discretion in assessing eligibility and prioritize confidentiality when reviewing applications[2][3].

Structure and Governance

The Benevolent Fund is managed by a board of trustees, separate from BAFUNCS’ broader activities. While the parent organization facilitates regional networking and advocacy for UN pensioners, the fund focuses exclusively on welfare support. It operates under the legal framework of England and Wales as a registered charity[2][3].

Financial Overview

For the financial year ending December 2023, the charity reported total income of £226 and expenditures of £12,397. Grants typically cover urgent needs such as medical costs, home repairs, or bereavement expenses, reflecting its role in addressing short-term crises[2].

Note: This article synthesizes publicly available charity records and organizational documentation.

[1] https://bafuncs.org [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/297524/charity-overview [3] https://bafuncs.org/bafuncs-benevolent-fund-application/ [4] https://fafics.org/associations/bafuncs-united-kingdom/ [5] https://uia.org/s/or/en/1100023461