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Educational grants: funding Marco’s studies

At the Naval Children’s Charity, we’re proud to help young people achieve their academic potential. Marco was struggling to finance his studies and was working two jobs to make ends meet. Here’s how we helped. 

Marco isn’t afraid of a bit of hard work. Now in his second year of a chemical engineering degree at the prestigious Imperial College London, he’s put in a lot of graft on his way to a promising career in the field. 

His family has been known to NCC for many years – Marco’s brother is autistic, deaf, blind and mute. We’ve funded home adaptations, making the house more accessible and helping the family provide care. 

While Marco’s parents have been helping him with the steep accommodation costs associated with living and studying in London, he’s had to supplement his academic pursuits by working two jobs. 

Applying his skills to help others, this young man has not only been tutoring younger students that struggle with maths and science, but has also been working a bar job on the weekends. 

Needless to say, this isn’t an ideal situation for someone wanting to focus on their studies. 

We’ve been able to supplement Marco’s income over the past few months, providing an educational grant that has relieved stress during the busy exam season. 

Here’s what Marco had to say: 

“My short-term goal for the next two years is to achieve the best grade that I can in my course, which is extremely challenging and time-consuming.

I truly appreciate the help that Naval Children’s Charity has given me: I had the opportunity to fully focus on my exam season because of their support. 

I feel much more in control and truly believe that my work this year at university has been the best that I could achieve. 

This could not have been attained without the help of Naval Children’s Charity!”

How we can help you

Apply for Financial Assistance using the Lightning Reach portal.

For applications for financial assistance you can apply by clicking on Register for Help below which will take you to the Lightning Reach portal. This platform is provided by our trusted partner, Lightning Reach, a social impact startup which uses secure technology to make the application process as quick and safe as possible for you.

A simple 3 step process
  1. Register and complete your profile here
    When asked to specify which of the Armed Forces you have served in, make sure to select ‘Royal Navy’, ‘Royal Marines’, ‘Merchant Navy in support of the Armed Forces’ or from the roles / industries list to ensure you are matched to Naval Children’s Charity.

  2. Once you’ve completed your profile, you should receive a support match to The Naval Children’s Charity. Click ‘continue’ to complete and submit your application.

  3. Provide your supporting evidence and submit your application to The Naval Children’s Charity.

Once your application has been made a caseworker will be in touch as soon as possible, this is usually within 3 days.

The profile you create on the Lightning Reach portal can also help you to find and apply for support from other support organisations easily and securely. We recommend that you submit your application to The Naval Children’s Charity first before submitting applications to other organisations.

For help with completing your application, visit Lightning Support and search for ‘The Naval Children’s Charity’.

If you have a question or not sure what help you need and require information or advice please use this online form.

Alternatively, If you would prefer to call our casework team, we can be contacted on 023 9263 9534, our office hours are 0830-1600 Monday to Friday.

How we can help you

The Naval Children’s Charity supports children up to and including the age of 25 whose parent(s) serve or have served in the Naval Service: Royal Navy, Royal Marines, QARNNS, WRNS, their Reserves and the RFA. If you need information or advice regarding support for your child(ren) please fill in the form to the best of your knowledge. One of our caseworkers will then contact you.

If you would prefer to call us we can be contacted on 023 9263 9534, our office hours are 0830-1600 Monday to Thursday and 0830-1300 on Friday.