Since 1850, Architects Benevolent Society (ABS) has supported architecture professionals and their families, offering vital assistance during life’s most challenging moments. In recent years, the number of individuals seeking our help continues to rise dramatically, driven by the escalating cost of living and increasing financial pressures on individuals and our communities. At the same time, a challenging global financial and economic climate continues to impact negatively on charitable funds available, making it difficult to sustain current levels of grant-giving support in the longer-term. To ensure the charity can continue to assist those in need for years to come, after much deliberation, debate, and review, the trustees have had to make the difficult decision to adjust grant budget award policy for 2024/2025. This necessarily includes changes to our eligibility criteria and reductions in the value and types of grants available. These adjustments are essential to protect ABS’s ability to provide lasting support to the architectural community for generations to come.
Our Welfare Team is available to offer expert advice, guidance, and support throughout this period of change and transition. We will do everything we can to connect you with other resources for help and assistance, including our welfare partners who can provide specialist support with mental health, housing, employment, welfare benefits and first-step legal advice. Our current beneficiaries will be contacted individually to inform them of the changes and support and guidance will be readily available to help manage the change.
These updates will take effect from 1st January 2025. We encourage you to explore our website from this date to learn more about the updated criteria and how ABS can support you during difficult times. Together, we can ensure that ABS continues to be a trusted lifeline for the architectural community both now and in the future.
