The NFU Mutual Charitable Trust has announced its first round of donations for 2024, distributing more than GBP 500,000 to 11 rural causes across the United Kingdom. This funding marks the beginning of a two-part donation cycle, with the Trust expecting to contribute at least GBP 1 million by the end of the year.
As one of the primary channels through which rural insurer and ICMIF member NFU Mutual supports charitable efforts, the Trust plays a crucial role in the company’s commitment to its members and their communities. In 2024 alone, NFU Mutual has pledged GBP 3.25 million in charitable giving, underscoring its dedication to the rural areas it serves.
Supporting vital rural initiatives
The latest round of funding will aid various initiatives, from alleviating rural poverty and bolstering small farming businesses to mentoring young people and supporting mental wellbeing. The organisations benefiting from these donations include the Addington Fund, Farms for City Children, The Farming Community Network (FCN), The Royal Countryside Fund, and Samaritans, among others.
These donations are immediately available, allowing organisations to continue their essential work across rural communities. Furthermore, applications for the Trust’s November round of donations are now open, with a closing date of 4 October 2024.
Jim McLaren, Chairman, NFU Mutual and the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust (UK), expressed his pride in the Trust’s ongoing impact, stating, “NFU Mutual is committed to making a positive impact for our members and wider society through our charitable giving programme. We are very proud to be championing the work of these great causes through the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust.”
The Royal Countryside Fund: a spotlight on impact
Among the beneficiaries, The Royal Countryside Fund stands out according to NFU Mutual, receiving a GBP 75,000 donation to support its work with Farm Support Groups across the United Kingdom. This grant will enable the charity to expand its network’s capacity, providing crucial services to thousands of farmers.
Keith Halstead, Executive Director, The Royal Countryside Fund (UK), highlighted the significance of this support: “This incredibly generous grant from the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust will help The Royal Countryside Fund improve the lives of thousands of farmers across the United Kingdom, who are supported by our Farm Support Group network. We will be able to increase the capacity of groups within the network to deliver more vital services and support to those in need. We would like to say a huge thank you to the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust for helping us provide this crucial support that so many within farming communities depend on.”
Ongoing commitment to rural communities
Since its establishment in 1998, the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust has distributed more than GBP 9 million, positively impacting education, research, social welfare, and poverty relief across the United Kingdom. As the Trust continues its mission, the rural communities and agricultural sectors it supports can expect continued investment and aid. For more details on the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust and its ongoing efforts, visit the NFU Mutual website.
About NFU Mutual
NFU Mutual offers a wide range of insurance, pension, and investment products through its network of local offices and service centres. As an integral part of rural life in the United Kingdom, NFU Mutual is dedicated to supporting its communities, ensuring that its efforts extend beyond mere insurance offerings. Visit NFU Mutual’s Responsible Business page to learn more about their community initiatives.
Previous examples of support provided by the Trust
Support for the UK Sepsis Trust In 2023, NFU Mutual launched an awareness campaign in partnership with The UK Sepsis Trust, following a GBP 70,000 donation made by the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust in 2022. The campaign supports the charity’s vital work and is sharing key information about sepsis symptoms with the farming community. Find out more about the Trust’s support for the UK Sepsis Trust.
Support for Samaritans Samaritans received donations from the Charitable Trust in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, totalling GBP 250,000. This has supported Samaritans’ response to the impact of the pandemic, including reaching those most at risk and those in rural communities. Find out more about the Trust’s support for Samaritans.
