Retired Members' Grant
Retired Members' Grant
Are you a retired HASSRA member?
Do you want to organise a social, sporting, cultural or recreational activity amongst like-minded retired members?
Did you know that HASSRA can give you funding?
We understand that many retired members want to remain connected to the HASSRA community but find barriers to getting involved in office club activities. We want retired members to remain active participants in HASSRA’s social network and we encourage interaction which supports mental and physical health.
The Retired Members' Grant supports social activities aimed specifically at retired HASSRA members.
Events should promote wellbeing, inclusivity, and lifelong engagement with HASSRA values. Activities may include venue hire, refreshments, activity costs, and reasonable travel/subsistence.
Although it’s aimed at retirees, members who aren’t yet retired may also participate in events funded from a Retired Members' Grant. Non-members are permitted to take part/participate but may be required to pay a guest price. This will allow retired members to bring along their spouse, friend or other family member. It also allows staff in the office who are non-members to take part.
Anyone who wishes to take part and is not a member may be eligible to join. If you wish to join click here to sign up.
Things you need to know before applying:
To qualify for a Retired Members' Grant you must:
- be a current retired HASSRA member or a local HASSRA committee member/current member applying on a retired member’s behalf.
- be able to fully describe the details of the specific activity you would like funding for.
- be able to provide a breakdown of the costs you require help with.
- demonstrate alignment with HASSRA’s objectives.
- understand that if a grant is awarded, you will need to provide details of payments to be issued and to whom and provide receipts/invoices as appropriate. [Please note that for governance reasons, a grant cannot be issued to one individual prior to the event for onward re-distribution to one or more recipients].
- provide feedback after the event has taken place to say how it went, which may include photos for publicity.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Who can apply for a grant?
Any retired HASSRA member can apply for a grant. Alternatively, a local HASSRA committee member or ordinary member may apply on a retired member’s behalf.
2. Do I need to be a HASSRA member to apply for a grant?
Yes. Only HASSRA members are eligible to apply.
3. Does everyone taking part in the activity have to be a HASSRA member?
Non-members can take part but they may need to pay a guest fee depending on the cost of the activity. The retired/member applying does not need to calculate the guest price. This will be calculated by the National HASSRA Team and the applicant will be advised.
4. Does everyone taking part in the activity have to be retired?
No. While these activities are aimed at retirees, members who are not yet retired may also take part in events funded by a Retired Members' Grant. Non-members can also take part. This may be a spouse, friend or other family member of the retired member or a non-member who wishes to take part.
5. What kind of activities can I apply for funding for?
It’s your choice! You can arrange any sporting, recreational, cultural, or social activity that brings members together. Examples include Walking, Swimming, Yoga, Crafting, Quizzes and Coffee mornings. There are plenty of possibilities – be creative!
6. How much can I apply for?
There is no fixed funding limit, but requests should be reasonable. Available funds are limited, and awards are assessed based on the expected number of members taking part. Depending on the overall cost of the event, participants may be asked to contribute towards the expense.
7. How many times can I apply for a grant?
As often as you like! Each application will be considered on its own merits, subject to available funds.
8. Can I receive the grant in advance and pay suppliers from my personal account?
No. For governance reasons, we cannot issue a grant in advance to an individual for onward distribution. Advance payments can only be made directly to third parties (e.g., venue hire). These payments will be made by the National HASSRA Team.
9. Can I receive the grant retrospectively to pay the necessary recipients myself from my personal bank account?
Yes. You can pay for the costs personally and claim reimbursement after the event, provided you submit receipts for all expenses incurred.
For further information, please contact the HASSRA Helpdesk
To apply for a grant:
- save a copy of the application form Retired Members' Grant Form, complete it, and send it by email to HASSRA.MEMBERSHIPANDLOTTERYSERVICES@DWP.GOV.UK