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).
Become a Fund volunteer
Underpinning the services we offer through the Fund is our network of volunteers, drawn from the Royal Society of Chemistry’s strong scientific community.
Volunteers are a crucial part of the Chemists’ Community Fund, and do a huge amount to help members and their families across the country.
If you are interested in volunteering for the Fund, we have three roles to choose from:
- Visitors
- Local Section Coordinators
- Ambassadors
Please do get in touch about any of our roles, as we are always looking to expand the number of Ambassadors and we currently have Visitor and Coordinator vacancies in certain areas of the UK.
What do volunteers do?
Volunteers visit Royal Society of Chemistry members and their families in their local area, supporting them in a range of different ways. For example:
You could be the connection that revives a much-loved interest
When their situation makes it difficult for someone to stay in touch with their specialist field, volunteers might find appropriate member networks or local section events to attend, or relay information from our magazines.
You could be a way out of isolation
Volunteers also play an important role in building social networks for people less able to do this for themselves. A volunteer visitor might find other Royal Society of Chemistry members or events in the local area, and arrange outings or activities.
You could be the one who helps with a grant application
We often provide grants and funding to help applicants in financial difficulty. If a member needs support with the application process, volunteers are there to guide them through it.
You could be support through a difficult time
Following a life-changing experience such as bereavement, having someone there to offer support and sympathy can mean a great deal. As a volunteer, you could make a genuine difference.
What makes a good volunteer?
We know that Chemists’ Community Fund applicants want volunteers who are impartial, friendly, sympathetic and calm, with a genuine desire to help.
As part of our volunteer network, we will give you training and you will be supported by the Fund team and a regional volunteer coordinator. They’ll be on hand to assist with your training needs, offer advice about individual cases and to support you throughout your time as a volunteer.
We only ever ask volunteers to give what time they can to the role, and we appreciate any and all support.
There is an ethos within the chemistry community to work together because it’s the nature of the work that we do.
…Anyone who finds themselves in trouble – lost their job, injured themselves so they can’t work… they have the right to ask the Fund for support.
Apply to become a volunteer
Looking for more volunteering options?
Get in touch
Our support is as unique as your situation.