Latest news from the society.....

Mr Norman Clifford

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death on 25 November 2011 of Mr Norman Clifford. Our heartfelt sympathy goes to his widow Sheila and all members of their family.

Norman served the Society as  a Trustee 1972 - 2002, holding the positions of Honorary Treasurer 1972 -1987 and Chairman 1999 - 2002.

New telephone number

We now have a new number 0300 3651886. Whatever tariff you are on calls are charged at the same rate as calls to numbers starting with 01 or 02, and if you have inclusive minutes with your landline or mobile phone contract the 0300 number will be included in that too.

Essential Needs Grants

The Society's Trustees recently carried out a full review of our grant making policy, and they were of the opinion that whilst these grants are of great value to the beneficiaries, the cost of administering them is very high in comparison to the amount of the grants. They have therefore decided to discontinue these grants, and to use the funds instead for other grants that will be less expensive to administer, and will benefit a larger number of women.

Grants to individuals in 2010

During the year ended 31 December 2010 the Society made grants to 524 regular beneficiaries, and 203 women received one-off grants for specific immediate needs. The total value of grants made to individuals was £723,400. It also made grants totalling £49,700 to other organisations working for the benefit of women in need. For further information the full  Trustees' Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year  and the shorter Annual Review can be viewed or downloaded.

Grants to other organisations

The Society intends making £100,000 available in 2011 for grants to other organisations working for the benefit of women in financial need in the UK. Further details can be found on the page Guide to grants for other organisations.

Changes to Inheritance Tax

In his recent budget the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced that from April 2012 the rate of Inheritance Tax will reduce from 40 per cent to 36 per cent when 10 per cent or more of an estate is left to charities. See how a legacy could help our work live on