Apply for help

Postal Family Fund is a small charity that supports the dreams and ambitions of children from postal families. We are committed to ensuring postal children have opportunities to thrive and reach their full potential. We do this by assisting families in challenging circumstances, supporting children to access education and enrichment activities, and funding essential equipment.

Helping young people through their apprenticeship journey

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Backing postal youth as they learn new skills, build confidence and resilience.

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University Bursary for postal family support

Breaking down barriers to further education

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Supporting postal family children with an exceptional talent or passion.

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Helping postal families with children who need extra support.

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Supporting secondary school children with their home learning

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Postal Family Fund has spent a record £590k supporting postal families in 2025

In 2025, the Postal Family Fund supported more than 440 children across the year. At the end of 2025, we are proud to be helping 48 families with family support grants and discretionary support, 224 university students with their studies, 9 apprentices as they undergo their on-the-job training and 57 ‘Rising Star’ children with their talents and passions outside of school.

Meet the people we have helped

Molly achieves her dream of starting work as a vet

Molly is starting work as a vet, after being funded through her five years of veterinary studies by the Postal Family Fund university bursary. Her postal worker mum Lorraine applied for financial support to help with the high costs of the course.  In particular, the 38 weeks of unpaid animal handling and clinical placements where Molly needed to pay for her own transport and accommodation.

Read Molly's story

Brodie completes her fashion degree

The Postal Family Fund university bursary supported Brodie with her living and rent costs as well as course costs such as fabrics, research material and printing.  The bursary meant that Brodie made no compromises towards the quality of these materials.  It allowed her to develop a final body of work which fully represented her skills and hard work. She was shortlisted for the Considered Fashion award and the Sustainability Award at the Fashanne Awards as well as featuring in Asbo Magazine.

Read Brodie's story

Jude pursues dream of becoming farrier

Jude was awarded the Postal Family Fund apprenticeship bursary to help her with her dream of becoming a farrier.  Her postal worker mum, Nina applied to cover the costs of Jude attending college, all the specialist tools and transportation to very rural locations for equine competitions.

Read Jude's story

Ieuan is supported to complete his bricklaying apprenticeship

With the support of an apprenticeship bursary from the Postal Family Fund, Ieuan is undertaking his bricklaying apprenticeship to help him with his long-term goal of being a self-employed builder.  Ieuan was earning minimum wage so Alison, Ieuan’s postal worker mum, applied for the bursary to help with the purchase of safety clothing, boots and tools for starting the apprenticeship as well as car insurance as the building site was 26 miles away from home.

Read Ieuan's story

The Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) bursary helps Macie fulfil her dreams

‘The impact the grant has had on my life is truly astonishing. The grant helped me to complete my Silver Duke of Edinburgh expedition overseas… A grant like this is simply amazing because it allows young people like myself the opportunity to experience things we never thought were possible.’

We are delighted to offer our support to Macie. Good luck!

Read Macie's story

Lauren and Caitlin achieve their ambitions on the athletics track and field

“The support we’ve received has been incredible. It’s not just about the money, it’s about what that money enables. For us, it’s meant that Lauren and Caitlin can continue to train with top coaches, compete at the highest levels, and grow in confidence and ability.”

We are proud to support Lauren and Caitlin. Good luck!

Read Lauren and Caitlin's story

Connie and Freya bring home Taekwondo medals from international competitions

“This support has opened doors for them which otherwise would have been difficult to access. Taekwondo is an extremely expensive sport, with no funding available. We are extremely grateful to the Postal Family Fund for recognising and supporting Connie and Freya.”

We are proud to support Connie and Freya.  Good luck!

Read Connie and Freya's story

Finley has been selected for South Yorkshire U12s and is pursuing his cricket dreams

“It has been a life changer for my son. With the bursary we were able to pay for his coaching sessions which ultimately helped him to be selected to play for South Yorkshire U12s! The bursary paid for his kit as well as the travel that we had to do as a regional player.”

We are proud to support Finley. Best of luck!

Read Finley's story

Denis and David become kickboxing champions of England

“The support that the Postal Family Fund offers can make a huge difference to children’s ability to advance in their careers, gain new knowledge and demonstrate their achievements. It provides both financial support and support, which is invaluable to those who are looking to grow in their professional field.”

We are proud to support Denis and David. Good luck!

Read Denis and David's story

Bernhard and Josseph are following their basketball dreams at a regional and national level

This help will be a stepping stone for a brighter future to my sons, Bernhard and Josseph.  They shouldn’t be unable to access resources because of a lack of financial means since they both possess the skills and the potential to become professionals in basketball.”

We are proud to support Bernhard and Josseph. Best of luck!

Read Bernhard and Josseph's story

How to Apply

Your application will be dealt with in strict confidence. It will only be seen by members of the Postal Family Fund team.

Family Support Grant Helpline

To apply for a Family Support Grant, ring the Confidential Helpline on 0345 600 4586.
Open Mon to Fri 9am to 3pm.

Create Account

For all other bursary applications, please create a Postal Family Fund account to access your application form.

FAQs

Unsure how to make an application? First take a look at the FAQs page. Or email us on postalfamilyfund@royalmail.com

Get involved

Your help can make a difference. With your support and donations, we can help children of postal families to thrive and fulfil their full potential.

AGM 2025

Invitation to the Annual General Meeting (AGM) – 8th May 2025

Postal Family Fund will hold their Annual General Meeting at 185 Farringdon Road on Thursday May 8th  at 3.45pm.  Members wishing to attend should inform the business secretary in advance for details of how to join the meeting.  Please contact sec.postalfamilyfund@royalmail.com

We are looking forward to seeing you.

Get In Touch
The Postal Family Fund

Supporting postal families for over 150 years

Formerly known as The Post Office Orphans Benevolent Institution (POOBI), the Postal Family Fund is a charitable organisation established in 1870 by staff from the General Post Office (a forerunner of Royal Mail Group & Post Office Ltd). It was set up to help the families of their colleagues who faced hardship as a result of death or chronic illness or disability.

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Referrals

The Rowland Hill Fund

We work very closely with the Rowland Hill Fund. The postal peoples charity will refer cases to us where it feels children are demonstrably impacted through parental death, absence, disability, chronic illness of parent or child, or other serious family issue which is restricting development.

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"I am sincerely grateful for the opportunities the fund has allowed me to have. The support allows me to focus on becoming the best doctor I can be, while continuing to manage the challenges that come with such a demanding degree. I could not have made it this far through medical school without your support."

Kayleigh- Medical Student

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