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Our Rising Stars Bursary is aimed at postal families with children (under the age of 18) where the child has a special talent or passion in the arts (art, music, performance, literature), sport or other specialist area. For example, you might need help with the associated costs such as expensive equipment (including clothing and/or instruments), travel or dedicated coaching.

How much is the bursary?
Up to £850 per child per year, capped at £1,500 per household.

When do I apply?
The application window for 2025 is now closed. Join our newsletter to be notified when applications reopen in 2025.

Who can apply?
Royal Mail or Post Office employee or pensioner (including a spouse or partner) who is responsible for a child under the age of 18.
Please refer to the eligibility section below.

 

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 Rising Stars 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.

Rising Stars Stories

Dreams come true for Alfie who is representing Great Britain in gymnastics.

‘The Postal Family Fund is an amazing way to help your children achieve their dreams. I highly recommend the fund, the process is easy to follow and communication from the application process is really quick. We can’t thank the Postal Family Fund enough.’

We are proud to support Alfie. Best of luck!

Read Alfie's story

Jack follows his sailing dreams and competes at the highest level - regionally, nationally, and internationally

‘It has allowed Jack to follow his dreams, by giving him the best opportunities to be successful. It has also taken away part of the financial burden of his parents, sailing can be an expensive sport, with the long journeys to events and the cost of the coaching and equipment, the bursary has certainly helped to cover these costs.’

We are proud to support Jack. Best of luck!

Read Jack's story

Evie goes from strength to strength on the ice-skating rink

‘We are truly grateful for the support from the Postal Family Fund and Rising Stars bursary, this has helped towards her new skates, competition dress and lessons and many things that go along with ice skating… This is a good opportunity for young stars to be able to access sports that they may not be able to afford.’

We are proud to support Evie. Best of luck!

Read Evie's story

Harry, Darts’ next superstar

‘It has helped Harry with his JDC Junior Darts Development, especially with travel expenses, without which we couldn’t afford it.’

Paul urged colleagues on low incomes to use the Postal Family Fund to help the future of their children, whether that is sports or university education.

We are proud to support Harry. Best of luck!

Read Harry's story

Budding athletes, Isobelle and Fred, get a boost on the running track.

The award has supported the financing of equipment required such as trainers, spikes, and clothing. The help from Postal Family Fund has allowed Isobelle and Fred to do the necessary training and compete more effectively.

Children and youths have their dreams and ambitions. And the Postal Family Fund helps to chase them.’’

Read Isobelle and Fred's story

Supporting our next generation of Golfers

‘All Amelia wants to do is play golf. She would like to eventually go to golf college then obtain her tour card. This award will assist Amelia on a step towards her ultimate goal. Thank you Rising Stars!’

We are delighted to offer our support to Amelia. Good luck!

Read Amelia'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 - Rising Stars Bursary

Can the Rising Stars bursary be awarded retrospectively?

Bursaries cannot be awarded retrospectively nor can the Trustees accept applications for courses which have already taken place. 

Who is the payment made to?

All payments will be made to the Applicant.

What courses are accepted?

Child must be accepted for a course or equivalent in the subject areas of art, music, performance, literature and sport. 

What evidence is required?

Evidence of potential and/or competence will have to be provided either by a schoolteacher and/or someone who holds a recognised coaching qualification issued by the relevant regulatory body. Trustees can make an award for a contribution towards the cost of specialist equipment, or clothing subject to documentary evidence being provided. 

The institution or academy running the course must be one that is recognised by the Trustees as being of appropriate quality and standing in its field. 

The Trustees will require evidence of attendance and achievement. 

What is the bursary not for?

The Postal Family Fund bursary scheme excludes those who have training contracts with a professional or semi-professional club or another organisation. 

I’m not sure if my child qualifies.

If in doubt as to the eligibility of the course, 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

"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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