Our purpose

The IPA Group Benevolent Fund, the working name for the IFA/IPA Group Benevolent Fund, supports current and former IFA members and current IPA members experiencing financial hardship or difficult personal circumstances.

We consider every application individually, taking into account the member’s circumstances, the support they need, and the evidence they provide. Where possible, financial assistance can offer some breathing space during a particularly difficult period. The Fund is here to ensure members know they have somewhere to turn when they’re struggling. 

Independence

The charity operates independently of the IFA and IPA boards. Directors and staff from these organisations cannot serve as trustees. The IPA Group Benevolent Fund has its own board and a charity manager, who oversees its operations and grant-awarding process. All grants are confidential and are not shared with the IFA or the IPA Group. 

Applying for support

The IPA Group Benevolent Fund is an independent registered charity governed by its Board of Trustees. The IFA and IPA support the Fund and raise awareness, but do not decide grant applications. The Charity Manager and Trustees review applications under the Fund's Grant-Making Policy. Each case is assessed individually, confidentially and against the Fund's eligibility criteria.

Support may be available to current and former IFA members, current IPA members and their dependants. Applicants must normally have held membership for at least 12 months and be, or have been, members in good standing. We handle application information in line with the charity's privacy and data protection responsibilities. We understand that seeking help can be difficult, and we're here to support you. To apply, please visit: Apply for Support - IPA Group Benevolent Fund

How can you help?

As one of the world’s largest professional accountancy networks focused on SMEs and SMPs, IPA Group connects accounting professionals worldwide through education, professional development, representation, and a strong sense of community.

The Benevolent Fund extends that sense of support beyond members’ professional lives. When someone in the IPA Group community is facing serious financial hardship or difficult personal circumstances, the Fund may be able to provide financial assistance.

Every donation helps us continue supporting members and their families when they need it most. You can support the Fund by donating during your membership renewal or making a separate contribution at any time. To donate or find out more about supporting the Fund, visit IFA/IPA Group Benevolent Fund - JustGiving

Beneficiaries

The stories below show the difference that support can make to members and their families around the world:

"I am a single parent with a daughter needing long-term medical support. After reducing my work hours due to hospital visits, I struggled to make ends meet. The Benevolent Fund provided essential assistance, for which I am very grateful. Thank you for your support!"

"After becoming homeless with my children last November, the IFA Benevolent Fund provided crucial support. I'm now in a home, starting anew, and I deeply appreciate your kindness and help. Thank you for making a difference in our lives."

"I am deeply grateful for the compassion and professionalism shown by the IPA community. Thank you for your patience and for listening to my situation with care. I also appreciate the IPA Benevolent Fund Trustees, the IPA Melbourne office, and everyone involved in my application."

"After being hit by a vehicle in a new country and facing serious injuries without insurance, I found myself in a desperate situation. I discovered help through the IFA magazine and applied for assistance. Thanks to this support, my life has changed - my children and I now have a home, and we're building a new life together. I'm deeply grateful for your kindness."

"Receiving this funding has meant the world to me because it financed my EMDR therapy. I have seen an increase in my mood and a decrease in anxiety. This means that I can become a better father and a better professional. I am truly grateful to the IPA/IFA for the assistance."

About the charity

IPA Group Benevolent Fund is the working name of the IFA/IPA Group Benevolent Fund, a registered charity in England and Wales (Charity No. 1202088).

Established in 2023, the Fund provides financial assistance to eligible current and former IFA members, current IPA members and their dependants who are facing financial hardship or significant need.

The charity operates independently from the IFA and IPA, with its own Board of Trustees. The charity handles applications confidentially, and the Trustees make grant decisions independently under its Grant-Making Policy. Paola Kennedy, the Charity Manager, oversees the Fund’s day-to-day operations and administers the grant application process.

Trustees

The current Board of Trustees are:

• Lloyd Driscoll, FIPA FFA (Australia)
• Nola Luyten, FIPA FFA (Australia)
• Tony Rabah, FIPA FFA (Australia)
• Kevin Smith, FFA FIPA (UK)
• Bill McGregor, FFA FIPA (Northern Ireland)
• Chantel van den Heever, FCG (South Africa)
• Patricia Akudjedu, FFA FIPA (UK) 

Contact

For further information about the fund or how to become a trustee, please contact us at: info@ifa-ipa-benevolentfund.com