Charities and Support

Supporting education, wellbeing, and community impact through charitable initiatives.

AIA Educational and Benevolent Trust

The AIA Educational and Benevolent Trust plays a vital role in advancing education within the accountancy profession and offering financial support to AIA members during challenging times. It is officially registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales under registration number 1118333.

Donate to the Trust

The AIA Educational and Benevolent Trust is funded almost entirely through generous donations from AIA members. Every contribution helps us provide life-changing opportunities and essential support to those in need. If you would like to make a difference, your donation is greatly appreciated.

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Apply for Assistance

AIA members facing financial hardship can apply for support through the Trust. To begin, simply download the application form, complete it, and return it as instructed. The Trust is here to help members navigate difficult times with dignity and discretion.

Download Application Form

Awards

The Trust is proud to champion academic excellence by recognising outstanding achievement in university accounting programmes. Each year, the Trust presents awards to top-performing students who demonstrate exceptional talent, dedication, and potential in their studies.

These awards not only celebrate academic success but also encourage the next generation of finance professionals to pursue excellence in their careers. By investing in emerging talent, the Trust reinforces its commitment to the future of the accounting profession.

Scholarships

Aimed at students who are committed to a career in accounting and finance, the AIA Educational & Benevolent Trust Scholarships are a life-changing opportunity to study for the AIA Professional Qualification with full funding towards tuition and exams fees.

Commonwealth Scholarships are available to fund Commonwealth citizens’ study on the AIA Professional Qualification.

Find out more

Become a Trustee

The Trust is currently seeking lay members to join its governing board.

What’s a Lay Member?

Lay members are individuals who are not part of AIA but bring independent insight and professional experience to the charity’s decision-making. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds who can contribute to the Trust’s mission and governance.

Why Become a Trustee?

Becoming a trustee is a rewarding opportunity to help guide the Trust’s mission and make a meaningful impact on the accountancy profession. It’s a chance to share your expertise, contribute to strategic decisions, and support those in need. Trustees receive an attendance fee and reimbursement for expenses in recognition of their valuable contribution.

How to Apply

If you are interested, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant skills and experience to trust.fund@aiaworldwide.com

Our Commitment to Community

AIA is proud to support charitable causes that matter to our staff and members. We are currently sponsoring the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS), which provides a 24/7 emergency response across Northern England. Operating with two helicopters and two rapid response vehicles, GNAAS carries out hundreds of life-saving missions each year. Each mission costs £4,478, with annual operating costs exceeding £8 million.

Previous staff-nominated charities include the British Heart Foundation, Newcastle Food Bank, the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, Cancer Research UK, WaterAid, and Bliss. These partnerships reflect our ongoing commitment to making a positive impact beyond the accountancy profession.

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Preventing Charity Fraud

Fraud poses a growing risk to all organisations, including charities. AIA is a proud signatory of the Charity Fraud Pledge, demonstrating our commitment to preventing fraud and protecting charitable resources. By taking this pledge, we actively promote best practices and work to minimise risk wherever it may arise.

View pledge

The IAB Benevolent Trust

The IAB Benevolent Trust (Charity number: 1118333-1) is available to provide support and relief to verified members of the Institute of Accountants and Bookkeepers (IAB) who may be experiencing financial hardship or other personal difficulties.

The Trust exists to offer compassionate assistance in times of need, ensuring that eligible members can access help when it matters most.

IAB Benevolent Trust

AIA offers a qualification and membership pathway for everyone.

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