The Chemists’ Community Fund is the benevolent fund for the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). To access the benefits and services the fund offers you must hold RSC membership.
If current events are having a negative financial impact on you, your partner or dependents, such as higher energy bills, or the rising cost of living, please speak to the Chemists’ Community Fund, as we may be able to offer financial support to you and your family.
The Fund offers a completely confidential service. Please get in touch by using our online form or by phoning 0800 084 3451 (UK Freephone) or +44 1223 853549 (International).
When your career needs a boost
Working life is full of twists and turns. The Chemists’ Community Fund is here to make sure that, whether you’re studying in the chemical sciences, managing a change in career direction or looking ahead to retirement, you are ready for anything that comes your way.
Employment and career advice
Careers service The Royal Society of Chemistry careers team is available to all RSC members, whether or not they use the Chemists’ Community Fund. You can access a range of guidance and resources via the careers web pages.
Retraining grants: if you feel that your career would benefit from refreshing your knowledge, or from learning something that could lead to success in a new role, a retraining grant can cover any associated costs.
Mentoring programme: the ongoing support of a mentor is worth it wherever you are in your career, and it can be especially beneficial if you are at a crossroads in your working life.
Managing redundancy: while being made redundant is an increasingly common part of professional life, that doesn’t mean it is easy. We can guide you to tailored help and advice, including support from the RSC careers team and webinars.
Speak to us about employment and career advice
Supporting work & study
Specialist advice about autism: our partner, the National Autistic Society, has lots of advice and information for handling different aspects of professional life, including interview tips and understanding unspoken workplace rules.
Funding for mobility aids: equipment that helps you move independently can be the difference between pursuing the career you were meant for and having to rethink your plans. We can consider grants to completely fund, or contribute towards this equipment.
Business & employment rights: if you have any questions or concerns about your legal position, either as an employer or an employee, we can refer you to Law Express, who provide telephone-based impartial legal advice.
Accessibility grants: the opportunity to attend chemistry-related meetings, conferences and workshops should be open to everyone. The accessibility grant provides support towards equipment that means you can attend, additional travel expenses or to allow someone to travel with you.
Carers’ grants: for those of you with caring responsibilities, we can offer grants to help you attend a scientific event, if attending means you will incur extra costs.
Bullying & harassment helpline: calling 0800 5200115 will connect you to impartial support for anyone affected or concerned by bullying or harassing behaviour in the chemical sciences.
Watch more from the Chemists' Community Fund
→ Support with care home top up fees
→ Mobility and disability support
Speak to us about supporting work & study
Help when money is short
Support while job hunting: anyone currently without a job is entitled to claim unemployment benefits. We can help you work out what you can apply for and support you through the application process.
Managing a tight budget: there are some excellent tools and guidance available to help you keep track of income and outgoings, including this budget tracker.
Breathing room for new graduates: it’s rare for someone to immediately find a job in their specialist field after graduating, and many people find themselves searching for longer than they hoped. Breathing space grants give you the time you need to find the role your skills deserve.
Student support grants: if you are studying chemistry, completing vocational training or working as an apprentice in the chemical sciences, you can ask us for help with unexpected costs.
Speak to us about your options
Get in touch
Our support is as unique as your situation.