We’re Foothold, the Institution of Engineering and Technology Benevolent Fund. And we’re really passionate about supporting the wellbeing of past and present members of the IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) and their dependents worldwide.
By providing financial support for those most in need, helping to lift them out of poverty and ensure they are in the best place possible to overcome the challenges that life brings, we strive to help engineers and their families to make positive choices that will change their lives for the better.
It's a big team effort, with donors, Trustees, partner organisations, staff and volunteers all working together to help us achieve our purpose of ensuring no-one in the engineering community has to face life’s challenges alone.
Work life support
Giving people the tools to take back control of their lives is vitally important, and our career coaching support helps engineers who are out of work build the skills and confidence they need to get back into employment.
Financial support
We know that whilst many engineers and their families have a good standard of living, sadly there are some who are struggling to make ends meet.
We provide financial support through one-off grants to fund a range of essential household items, as well as ongoing monthly support for those who really need it to ensure they have enough money to keep a roof over their heads, put food on the table, access transport and keep in touch with friends and family.
Digital support
Our digital health and wellbeing support allows us to reach and support many more people than we can through our direct support alone. In 2020, we began a three-year collaboration with Gattaca Plc, which enabled us to launch our health and wellbeing hub managed by Rightsteps – a social enterprise focused on providing evidence-based mental health and wellbeing solutions – meaning advice, support and interventions are now available for our community, 24/7.
