The Gloucestershire Society
Caring for Gloucestershire since 1657
The Gloucestershire Society was founded in December 1657 by fifty Gloucestershire gentlemen (wealthy merchants), who lived in Bristol. Their aim was to distribute some of their wealth through the charitable foundation, which became known as The Gloucestershire Society, to those of Gloucestershire birth, who had fallen upon hard times.
To this very day, The Gloucestershire Society keeps to the original goals of those fifty Gloucestershire gentlemen and distributes small grants to those in need in Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire and Bristol, north of the River Avon, providing them with immediate help. We accept grant applications from support and welfare agencies, but not from individuals directly.
Please support The Gloucestershire Society with donations. Our charity relies upon your generous support to be able to help those in need in the Ceremonial County of Gloucestershire. Due to our lean structure and volunteers, our administrative costs are very small, so that the vast majority of donations go directly to the people who need your help.
The President's Message 2025
The charity was founded well over 300 years ago by the merchants and burgesses of Bristol to provide help to the very vulnerable of Gloucestershire. Its aims haven't changed and nor, sadly, has the need.
There are currently well over 1,000 homeless households in Gloucestershire. Over 100,000 food parcels are handed out annually and there are, of course, the old, the lonely, the children-in-need and victims of abuse, many of whom slip through the net of either being counted, or receiving help.
Funds are collected each year by donation from friends and contacts of The Society and then distributed, in sums of up to £250, sometimes more, for basic and essential items and to those needing emergency financial support. The claims are referred to The Society via numerous agencies, mostly charitable or local government, and then assessed. If approved, the sum is paid out immediately: no delay, no bureaucracy, no fuss.
The costs of the charity are minimal with nearly all the work provided by volunteers, who are experienced and who, in many cases, have been a part of the charity for many years. Our only overheads are accounting and communications and even these are heavily subsidised by Safferys, our accountants, to whom we remain eternally grateful.
Now, with the Winter Fuel Payment withdrawal, the cost of living increases and the government cut-backs, we anticipate a huge upturn in local need and our aim is to increase the amount we currently raise - around £200k per annum - to nearer £500k per annum, in order to cope.
To help with this, we will spread the net more widely through greater publicity and by taking stands at the various events and shows that take place exclusively in Gloucestershire.
But we still desperately need your help as well. A donation - better still, anan annual donation - can be a lifeline.
Brian D'Arcy Clark
President of The Gloucestershire Society 2025

Request for Grants
The Gloucestershire Society welcomes requests from professional staff, working at agencies or organisations recognised by The Gloucestershire Society, for grants to support clients in need, who are long-term residents of the Ceremonial County of Gloucestershire (Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire and Bristol north of the River Avon) OR who were born in the Ceremonial County. All requests are considered by members of the Welfare Committee and funding is determined by the level of need and purpose for which the grant is requested.
If you wish to apply for a grant, please use the map on this page by clicking on the location of the address of the Client / Responsible Adult for whom you are making an application for a grant. A panel will open giving you the details of the Welfare Committee member who is responsible for your area.
Choosing the wrong area may delay the processing of the grant application.
Circumstances Ineligible for Grants
Applications for any of the below reasons are not eligible for a grant from The Gloucestershire Society and any applications will be automatically rejected:
- The Gloucestershire Society is unable to consider applications for individuals. Please discuss your needs with your Social/Health/Care support worker who may make a request on your behalf.
- The Gloucestershire Society is unable to award grants to fund therapeutic services.
- The Society is unable to award grants for the repayment of debt. Clients should be advised to seek help from their local Citizens Advice Bureau who can assist with debt management, budgetary management and if necessary, obtaining a Debt Relief Order.
- The Society is only able to provide one grant to any individual/family. However, in exceptional circumstances a request may be considered.
Gloucester, Cheltenham and North Gloucestershire
Mrs Dot Oakes
The Forest of Dean, Stroud Valleys and East Gloucestershire
Mrs Barbara Tregear
South Gloucestershire and Bristol (North of the River Avon)
Mrs Moira Garner