Benevolent Fund Trustees

Proceeds from Bona Vacantia in the Duchy of Lancaster are divided between two registered charitable trusts. One of these is the Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund and is used to make small grants to associations and organisations in, or with connections to, the County Palatine. Those with strong associations with the Duchy of Lancaster are also eligible to apply.

Trustees of this charitable trust are appointed by trust deed and are currently as follows:

The Hon. Mr. Justice Timothy Fancourt, Vice-Chancellor of the County Palatine of Lancaster.  Appointed as a Trustee in 2021 (Chairman).

Ms Sonia Tolaney, KC, Attorney General of the Duchy
Appointed as a Trustee in 2020.

Sir Michael Stevens, KCVO, Receiver General of the Duchy
Appointed as a Trustee in 2018.

Mrs Amanda Parker JP DL, Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire
Appointed as a Trustee in 2023.

Mrs Diane Hawkins JP LLB, Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester
Appointed as a Trustee in 2022.

Mr Mark Blundell, DL, Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside
Appointed as a Trustee in 2017

Mr Hugh Bruce-Watt, Solicitor for the Affairs of the Duchy of Lancaster,
Appointed as Secretary in 2019.