Chemists' Community Fund case studies

Genevieve thought her disability was the end of her career

When Genevieve became dependent on a wheelchair, she thought she would have to give up working in a chemistry lab. A grant from the Chemists’ Community Fund allowed her to purchase a sit-to-stand wheelchair, enabling her to carry out laboratory experiments safely.

“I am pleased to say that thanks to the help the Chemists’ Community Fund provided, my quality of life is drastically improved. I can do so many things that I'd previously written off. I have a promising career as a chemist ahead of me. It is something I had come to believe was an unachievable pipe dream, but is now a reality thanks to the generosity you have showed me.”

Ikenna worried about losing touch during a long illness

Ikenna had been struggling with ill health as he approached retirement. During this time, his Royal Society of Chemistry membership was invaluable to him, allowing him online access to the reading facilities whilst he recuperated. Ikenna received an Interest in Chemistry grant from the Fund, which allowed him to renew his RSC membership.

Ikenna's Story

“I wish to express my gratitude to the Chemists’ Community Fund Committee for the support I received from the Fund. As a result, I now have access to RSC journals and library facilities, which is a great help for my work because of the paucity of library support I have. I am deeply grateful.”

Greg (name has been changed) was working in Texas when Hurricane Harvey arrived

After Hurricane Harvey hit Texas, USA, the Fund contacted local members to remind them if their homes or livelihoods were affected by the hurricane and flooding, the Chemists’ Community Fund may be able to provide assistance. Some of Greg's possessions were damaged by the flooding, and he was awarded a grant to replace them.

Greg's story

“I came to Houston a month before Harvey hit to start my postdoc and I never thought I would face an uphill struggle due to the effects of the weather. It gave me joy and happiness when I heard that due to my financial difficulties [the Chemists’ Community Fund] could provide a grant to me to replace my flood damaged mobile.”

Jill struggled to find a job in her local area

After Jill (name has been changed) was made redundant, it was hard to find a new suitable position in her local area. The Fund, along with the Royal Society of Chemistry Careers Team, supported her whilst she was job searching. As the pressure of finding money for day-to-day expenditure was eased for Jill, she was able to find a new position at her local University.

Jill's story

“As the sole breadwinner, I was in a constant battle to support my family. I am now happily employed again with no financial burdens carried over from my redundancy period only thanks to the Chemists’ Community Fund. You have certainly changed my life for the better and I will truly appreciate it forever."

Rachel wanted to maintain normality for her children

Rachel (name has been changed) was struggling to juggle a traumatic change in family circumstances alongside her career when she approached the Fund.

Rachel's story

“My husband had been sentenced to prison and it turned our world upside down. The support I received enabled me to pay all my bills and to try to keep the children’s lives as normal as possible, which meant so much to me as they were going through a tough enough time.“

Sue thought the Fund wasn’t for people like her

When Sue (name has been changed) was made redundant she’d already heard about the Fund but as a homeowner, and already receiving state benefits, hadn’t thought she would be eligible for support.

Sue's story

“The email explained that the Fund exists to support its members and their immediate family in times of difficulty or hardship. For anyone who thinks they are not eligible to receive support I would say, ‘There is no harm in asking’ and even if you are not awarded any financial support you will definitely receive invaluable moral support.”