The RTPI Trust is a registered charity, independent from the RTPI. It exists to provide support to members of RTPI and their families who are in genuine financial hardship. This can include:
- "In kind" assistance, such as through advice, to help a member and their family through a crisis.
- Financial support in the form of grants for specific items of expenditure, which are regarded as needed to support the welfare of the member and their family.
- Grant aid to support research that provides a public benefit in the field of Town and Country Planning.
The Trust may also support individual students who are seeking a career in town planning but have barriers to undertaking the studies they need because of genuine financial problems. Please note, however, that the Trust only considers cases of extreme financial hardship; student debt generally is unfortunately part of the current experience for most students.
Can you help us?
A donation to the RTPI Trust would be greatly appreciated. If you wish to make a donation please consider doing so through Gift Aid by completing this form. You will then be automatically redirected to our online donations page.
Gift Aid allows the Trust to claim tax relief on your donation meaning that for a basic rate taxpayer every £1 donated will attract another 25p from HM Revenue and Customs.
If you wish to make a donation without Gift Aid please click here.
You can also make a bank transfer - contact governance@rtpi.org.uk for bank details.
Do you need help?
The Trustees have prepared a guidance note for applicants to the Trust – please click here to read. If you would like to apply for help please send an email to governance@rtpi.org.uk.
What happens next?
Assistance is discretionary so we may ask for further information or make contact with applicants in order to assist the case. If applicable, the Trustees will be contacted who will reach a final decision on whether to provide a grant. The privacy of the applicant is respected at all times and information about decisions will be treated in the strictest confidence.
How quickly will I get an answer?
The Trust aims to reach a decision on applications as quickly as possible.
Can any member ask for help?
The Trust is international and open to all members of the RTPI and their families.
What kind of problems can the Trust help with?
All types of situations and needs will be considered from supporting members in completing additional training/study and finding work, to contributing to childcare costs and general household costs for those living in hardship. Ill health can often be a reason for members to approach the Trust for assistance in arranging care, or in helping with their recovery.
What does the fund not help with?
We regret that the Trust does not cover:
- Student debt
- Legal costs
- Business-related costs
- Personal or business debts
Case studies of how the Trust has helped members and their families