The ASA Benevolent Fund was established on the initiative of the late Nancy Keesing, Australian poet and author. A trust was established in 1981 with a founding donation of $5000 from Nancy Keesing.

The current trustees are Edmund Campion, Michael Frankel, Roger McDonald, Lynne Spender, Meg Stewart, with Ray Koppe as Administrator. Patrons are Jon Cleary, Pauline Griffin, Mark Hertzberg and Deirdre Hill.

Over the years, the fund has accumulated capital from donations received. Capital is invested in approved trustee securities and grants are paid out from interest earned, not from capital. Any request for financial assistance has to be carefully considered and can only be made in relatively small amounts and as a result of necessitous circumstances.

The fund has been able to distribute limited grants to author applicants finding themselves in financial difficulties as a result of a sudden illness, accident, disability, nursing home costs, wheelchair expenses and/or assistance with funeral expenses.

ASA members requesting assistance need to complete an application form advising full details of their financial situation and reasons for seeking help.

Application forms can be obtained from the Administrator, or downloaded here, in Word or PDF.

The Benevolent Fund needs to increase its small capital base and is seeking donations. Donations are tax deductible and should be forwarded to: The Administrator, Australian Society of Authors' Benevolent Fund, PO Box 1566, Strawberry Hills NSW 2012.

Enquiries: asa@asauthors.orgor phone 02 9318 0877.