In 2017 a series of tragic events led the Charity Commission for England and Wales to recommended a new approach to national emergencies.

The Manchester Arena bombing, the Grenfell Tower fire, and the terror attacks in London at Westminster Bridge and London Bridge sparked incredible waves of public generosity, which made a huge difference to the lives of survivors and their loved ones.

But there were important learnings too that year. The prevalence of individual fundraising pages made it hard to address instances of fraud. While the innovative work by the London Emergencies Trust and We Love Manchester Fund showed the benefits of taking a fast and coordinated approach to raising and sharing out funds for those affected.

Sector experts and emergency survivors came together to conceive the National Emergencies Trust. We are an independent charity, dedicated to responding to UK disasters. The Trust was launched by its Royal Patron His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales in November 2019.

The way we work

Within as little as four hours of a national emergency happening, the National Emergencies Trust will launch a nationwide fundraising appeal to ensure those affected receive financial support as soon as they need it.

The funds raised are shared out as financial gifts to survivors and their loved ones to spend as they wish, according to their own personal needs.

Funds may also be distributed as grants to local or national charities who can offer short and long-term practical and emotional support for those affected, wherever they are.