About the BBI – Over 150 years of caring The Builders Benevolent Institution was founded in 1847, and ever since that time has been providing financial help and support for recognised Master Builders and their dependants who, through ill health or misfortune, find themselves in need. Applications for assistance are welcomed and should be addressed to the Secretary. They are carefully considered by the Trustees and processed as quickly as possible. How we help Beneficiaries receiving help are visited regularly by a BBI Welfare Advisor to make certain that their needs are being met, and to offer support which includes helping with applications for any relevant state or other benefits. Beneficiaries normally receive a monthly grant according to their circumstances. We also make occasional one-off grants towards the cost of necessary items like stair lifts, home alterations and urgent household repairs. The BBI is a registered and effectively managed charity where every penny received is carefully and properly spent – our administrative costs are kept to an absolute minimum so that beneficiaries can be given as much help as possible.