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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?
The application window is now closed. Join our newsletter to get notified when applications open in 2025.

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.

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.

Join our newsletter and get notified when applications open.

“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 Award

Meet the people we have helped

The Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) bursary helps Macie fulfil her dreams

‘The impact the grant has had on my life is truly astonishing. The grant helped me to complete my Silver Duke of Edinburgh expedition overseas. It was such an amazing experience and opportunity, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the help of the grant. A grant like this is simply amazing because it allows young people like myself the opportunity to experience things we never thought were possible.’

We are proud to support Macie!

Read Macie's story

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

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.

 

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."

Macie

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