The BRDC Motor Sport Charity is a United Kingdom-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals involved in the motor sport industry. Established in 2000, the charity provides assistance to its members and others connected with motor sport who find themselves in times of need due to youth, age, ill-health, disability, or financial hardship.

History and Purpose

Originally founded as the BRDC Benevolent Fund, the charity initially focused on supporting members of the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC) exclusively. With initial funding from BRDC and its members, the charity broadened its scope in 2006 to assist people who work or have worked in both paid and voluntary roles within the motor sport industry and their families. In early 2018, the organization rebranded as the BRDC Motor Sport Charity to better reflect its wider remit[1][5].

Objectives

The charity aims to provide relief of need for the public benefit among individuals involved in the participation, promotion, or administration of motor sport. This includes support arising from youth, age, ill-health, disability, or financial hardship. Eligible recipients include those involved in motor sport regardless of whether they receive remuneration, as well as their families and dependants[3][4].

Activities and Support

The BRDC Motor Sport Charity offers a range of support services including:

• Information and advice
• Financial support and grants
• Assistance with health and wellbeing
• Practical help tailored to individual needs

All dealings with the charity are handled with strict confidentiality to ensure discretion for those seeking help[1][2].

Governance and Structure

The charity is governed by a board of three trustees, all members of the BRDC. As of recent records, the trustees are Dario Franchitti MBE (Chair), Ian Harrower, and Chris Bliss. A part-time facilitator with extensive experience in the charitable sector supports the trustees in managing day-to-day operations[1][5].

The charity operates under clear policies for financial reserves, internal controls, risk management, safeguarding, and trustee conflict of interest, maintaining transparency and good governance[4].

Financial Information

For the financial year ending 31 December 2023, the BRDC Motor Sport Charity reported a total income of £419,679 and expenditure of £61,204. The charity does not operate any trading subsidiaries, and trustees receive no remuneration or benefits from the charity[3][4].

Impact and Reach

The charity supports a broad spectrum of individuals who contribute to the motor sport industry across England and Wales, reflecting its commitment to the advancement of health, relief of poverty, and support for disabled persons within the motor sport community. This includes drivers, administrators, marshals, and others involved at all levels from grassroots racing to professional Formula One[3][5].

The BRDC Motor Sport Charity continues to play an essential role in the motor sport community by providing timely assistance and support to those facing challenges, reinforcing the spirit of care and solidarity within the sport.

[1] http://www.brdc.co.uk/BRDC-Motor-Sport-Charity [2] https://www.brdc.co.uk/about/brdc-motor-sport-charity/ [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/3975032 [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/3975032/full-print [5] https://www.marshals.co.uk/brdc-motor-sport-charity/