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The Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Bursary is to support postal children aged between 14 and 18 who have signed up to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. The bursary is to pay for necessary equipment for the Award Expedition (Bronze, Silver or Gold) and the cost of the Residential Section of the Gold Award. It is aimed at families who could not otherwise afford the equipment or residential for their child.
About DofE
DofE aims to empower young people; to support them as they learn new skills, overcome obstacles, and build confidence and resilience.
How much is the bursary?
Awards of up to £300 will be given to support equipment purchases for the expeditions. Click here for more information about the kit.
Awards of up to £400 will be given to support the costs of undertaking the Gold Award residential section. Click here for more information about the Gold Award residential section.
Families can only apply for one type of DofE bursary (Equipment or Gold Residential) in any given year.
When do I apply?
Applications for 2025 are now closed.
Need a reminder for next year? Keep up to date on our grants and bursaries by joining our newsletter.
Who can apply?
Royal Mail or Post Office employee or pensioner (including a spouse or partner) who is responsible for a child aged between 14 and 18 years old, who is enrolled in a Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme (Bronze, Silver or Gold).
Please refer to the frequently asked questions (FAQ) section below for information about a Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Bursary application.
How to Apply
Your application will be dealt with in strict confidence. It will only be seen by members of the Postal Family Fund.
Check Eligibility
Please check the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Bursary eligibility criteria before you apply.
Complete Application
Fully complete the application form. We’ll then get in touch and request supporting documents.
Trustee Review
Your application will be reviewed by our trustees who will announce their decision by writing to you.
“We at The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award are so pleased to see Postal Family Fund working with us to enable children from all backgrounds to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award. We see first-hand how their financial support is helping to change children’s lives, supporting them as they learn new skills, overcome obstacles, build confidence and resilience and ensuring they have opportunities to thrive.”
The Duke of Edinburgh’s AwardMeet the people we have helped
FAQs - Duke of Edinburgh Bursary
Who can can make the application?
The online application must be made by the parent or guardian of the child who is enrolled in the Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme
Who is the payment made to?
Payment will be made to the applicant.
What evidence is needed to support my application?
Evidence of employment or pension status with Royal Mail or Post Office Ltd will be required from the applicant.
Evidence of equipment costs or the cost of the Gold Award Residential Section depending on which Duke of Edinburgh Award Bursary has been applied for.
How many times can I apply?
A child can only be awarded one DofE Equipment Bursary and one DofE Gold Residential Bursary, regardless of how many awards the child undertakes. They can only receive one type of DofE bursary in any given year.
I’m not sure if my child qualifies.
If in doubt about eligibility, please contact us by email at postalfamilyfund@royalmail.com
Our History
Supporting postal families for over 150 year
Formerly known as The Post Office Orphans Benevolent Institution (POOBI), the Postal Family Fund is a charitable organisation that helps Royal Mail Group & Post Office Ltd families with children who are experiencing difficulties and are in need of a little extra support.
The charity was established in 1870 by staff from the General Post Office (a forerunner of Royal Mail Group& Post Office Ltd) to help the families of their colleagues who faced hardship as a result of death or chronic illness or disability.
Find out more
"This grant has opened doors for me beyond the expedition itself. It has given me the confidence and motivation to pursue further opportunities for personal and academic growth. By receiving this grant, I feel a sense of validation and recognition for my efforts, encouraging me to continue striving for excellence in all aspects of my life."
MacieJoin the family
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