6 August 2026
Supporting communities across the Duchy estate is an important part of the Duchy of Lancaster's long-term stewardship. Alongside the responsible management of its land and property assets, the Duchy supports communities through three charitable trusts, helping local organisations deliver vital services, strengthen communities and preserve the heritage of the places in which it operates.
One of these charities, the Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund, provides grants to grassroots organisations across the Duchy estate. Since 2020, the Fund has awarded £6 million to over 2,000 charities, primarily across the North of England, supporting a wide range of causes including foodbanks, community hubs, veteran support organisations and youth groups. Working closely with the Lord Lieutenants, the Fund helps ensure support reaches local causes making a meaningful difference to people's lives.
Each year, Trustees of the Benevolent Fund visit a selection of organisations that have received grants to see first-hand the impact of the funding and to meet the staff and volunteers delivering these important services.
This year, accompanied by representatives from the Merseyside Lieutenancy, Trustees visited three organisations whose work is making a significant difference to communities across the region.
The first visit was to FareShare Merseyside's Coronation Food Hub, which received a significant grant from the Benevolent Fund in 2023 to help establish the Hub. Trustees toured the warehouse to see how quality surplus food from supermarkets and local farms is redistributed to more than 250 charities and community organisations across Merseyside and parts of North Wales. They also learned how the Hub's volunteer programme is helping people gain new skills, qualifications and pathways into employment.
Trustees then visited the North West Air Ambulance Charity, which received a grant from the Benevolent Fund in 2025 towards the delivery of pre-hospital blood transfusions. During the visit, they met members of the operational and community engagement teams, viewed one of the charity's critical care vehicles and learned more about the life-saving treatment provided to patients across the North West.
The final visit was to Friends of Kirkby Gallery & Prescot Museum, which received funding to provide free places for children on its Saturday Arts Club. Trustees met staff and participants, viewed artwork created through the programme and heard how the initiative is helping young people who might otherwise be unable to access creative opportunities develop their artistic talents, confidence and creativity.
Sir Michael Stevens GCVO, Trustee of the Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund, said:
"These annual visits are an important opportunity for Trustees to see first-hand the impact of the grants awarded through the Benevolent Fund. Meeting the people behind these organisations and learning more about the work they do provides invaluable insight into the difference the Fund is helping to make in communities across the Duchy estate.
"We were deeply impressed by the dedication of the staff and volunteers at each of the charities we visited. From supporting families facing food insecurity and delivering life-saving emergency care to creating opportunities for young people through the arts, each organisation is making a remarkable contribution to its local community. It is a privilege for the Benevolent Fund to support their work."
Notes to Editors
The Duchy of Lancaster supports communities across its estates through three charitable trusts.
Alongside the Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund, the Duke of Lancaster Housing Trust provides affordable rural housing within and close to the Duchy's estates, helping people continue living and working in rural communities.
The Duke of Lancaster's Foundation supports the conservation of heritage assets, including Lancaster Castle and the King's Chapel of the Savoy in London, helping to preserve these important historic buildings for future generations.
The Duchy of Lancaster also offers rental concessions to small charities and community organisations delivering clear local benefit.