Important notice to all of our members on the potential impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19)
If current events are having a negative financial impact on you, your partner or dependants – especially if they have led to changes in your regular income – please speak to the Chemists’ Community Fund, the benevolent fund for RSC members.
While we recognise that the support we can offer will be limited, we may be able to offer financial support to you and your family as a Royal Society of Chemistry member.
The Fund offers a completely confidential service. Please get in touch by phoning +44 (0)1223 432227, or by emailing us.
Hardship Grants for chemists
Grants are available to provide one-off support to you as a chemist if your personal financial situation has been negatively impacted by COVID-19.
These grants are extended to support chemists who are not members of the RSC. If you are an RSC member, please see the enhanced support options available to you.

A Royal Society of Chemistry membership means support when life gets challenging for you and your family.
Our Chemists’ Community Fund is here to help ease the pressure when things get tough.
If you need support, our knowledgeable team and network of dedicated member volunteers will help guide you to the right advice, resources, services or financial assistance.
Advice services & legal information
If you’re facing a complicated legal situation, we can help you identify the best course of action.
Careers & employment support
Whether you’re starting a new career, looking for a change or facing redundancy, we can help you get on the right track.
Coping with bereavement
If you’ve recently experienced the death of someone close to you, we can offer you and your family our support.
Financial support & information
If you’re in a difficult financial situation or need help with unexpected costs, we can tailor our support based on your unique circumstances.
Health & wellbeing
When life’s challenges are affecting your physical or emotional wellbeing, we can provide impartial help.
Support from local members
When you need a listening ear or practical support, our volunteers can come to you.
This might surprise you
A lot of our members think that the Fund only exists to assist people later in life, but that's not true. At the moment, we're supporting young families who can't make ends meet, graduates who are struggling to find a job, and professionals who have unfortunately been faced with redundancy.
These are just a few examples of the sort of things we help with:
- As the sole breadwinner of a family with a young child, I face a constant battle to support my family and keep up with mortgage payments
- I’ve had a tough time since graduation and, right now, I’m too overwhelmed to plan my next step
- I’m a postdoc and my belongings were damaged in a flood and I can’t afford to replace them
- I’m looking after my elderly relative and I don’t know how to manage their affairs
- My dad recently passed away and I’m really struggling to come to terms with it
Talk to us
Getting good advice is the first step to overcoming any challenge. It doesn’t matter where you are in life, or the size of the thing worrying you. We’re here to listen, offer practical advice and, if it’s appropriate, direct you to other specialist services that can help you.
"Before I joined the Chemists’ Community Fund team in 2013, I worked as a branch manager in the healthcare sector for many years, supporting people who needed end of life nursing and care services. My role with the fund is to offer a friendly ear, emotional support and helpful information – all in confidence. When our members or their families need financial support, I liaise with them while they prepare the applications that go to our grants committee for consideration. This has given me a real insight into how the fund makes a meaningful difference to people’s lives, which makes my job so enjoyable. My spare time is filled with rescued animals and eating, along with catching up on things I’ve had to postpone due to lack of time!"
- Dawn
"After working and volunteering for my local Citizens Advice Bureau, particularly with people struggling to cope with debt, I joined the RSC. Here, I support the day-to-day activities of the Chemists’ Community Fund, helping to point our members toward the right sources of help and process applications for financial support from those who have hit hard times. I also work with our nationwide network of volunteers, linking members who need a bit of support with our CCF volunteers. I understand how difficult it can be to reach out for help when you’re feeling particularly low and vulnerable and that taking that first step can be the hardest. With a serious sweet tooth, and a considerable lack of willpower, I am always the first to sniff out any treats in the office. When not at work, I enjoy running and have a particular obsession with all things netball."
- Emily
All enquiries are confidential and are always responded to personally by a member of our Chemists’ Community Fund team.
Interested in volunteering?
If you're a member and are interested in volunteering take a look at our volunteering opportunities or get in touch to find out more.