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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 equipment for the expedition and is aimed at families of children who could not otherwise afford to purchase the equipment. Click here for more information about the kit.

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 £100, £200 or £300 will be given to support equipment purchases for the expeditions and only to families who cannot afford to pay for the equipment.

When do I apply?
A new application window is now open. To apply, click the application button or join our newsletter to get notified.

Who can apply?
Royal Mail or Post Office employees 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 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.

University Bursary Application Form
Check Eligibility

Please check the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Bursary eligibility criteria before you apply.

Create Account

Create a Postal Family Fund account to access your application form.

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.

Start your application

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 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.

 

How many times can I apply?

A child can only be awarded one DofE Bursary, regardless of how many awards the child undertakes.

I’m not sure if my child qualifies.

If in doubt about eligibility, please contact us by email at postalfamilyfund@royalmail.com 

Meet the people we have helped

Jay goes from strength to strength in BMX Racing

The money that the Postal Family Fund provided went towards Jay’s new Cruiser bike. Maryanne, Jay’s mum, says “without the grant from the Postal Family Fund I would not have been able to have afforded the higher spec bike or all the zoom sessions which have allowed Jay to be in the position he is currently in”.

Read Jay's story

"People Like Us" - Esther authors book on mental health

In her book, Esther explores the reality of teens trying to navigate their way through a technology dictated world and the impact it has on their mental health. It aims to provide comfort and advice to those who feel unsupported. The Rising Stars bursary allowed Esther to travel and buy tickets to events where she could publicise her inspirational book.

Read Esther's story

Ben attends Bolsover International Brass Band School

Ben plays percussion in the first section of the Forest of Dean Brass Band. He received a grade 9 in GCSE Music, was awarded the Old Cryptionian bursary, won the highly respected Stagecraft award, and competed with the Filton Brass Band in the Welsh Open. With help from Postal Family Fund, Ben was able to attend the prestigious Bolsover International Brass Band School.

Read Ben's story

Heidi sets sight on Wimbledon

Ranked 7th in Great Britain for girl singles players of her age, Heidi Crncan said, “I am very grateful for the funding the Postal Family Fund has given me over the past few years. This money has really helped me in my tennis career so far. It has provided me with the opportunity to play a sport, which is played by others in a much more privileged position”

Read Heidi's story

Louis - a rising star of table tennis

Louis Cheung-Turner dreams of representing Great Britain at the Olympics. With the support from Postal Family Fund, Louis mother Mel said, “The Postal Family Fund grant has helped enormously towards covering expenses for training camps, tournament costs, travel and accommodation, which comes with competing in many tournaments nationwide and internationally…”

Read Louis's story
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

"I will be forever grateful to the Postal Family Fund for making it possible for me to pursue my chosen career. Not only have they helped me, they have supported my Mum and Dad through the time I spent at drama school. Without any of this the past three years would have been a very different story, so thank you,"

Alexander Harford - Actor

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