How the George Viner Memorial Fund can help

Given the high cost of journalism courses, ranging from £2,000 to over £9,000 in some cases, our help makes all the difference for students who successfully apply for a bursary. Many of the students who apply to our charity already have large loans and do not necessarily have families who are able to financially support them.
Financial help from the fund has given over 150 students to date the opportunity to study for a recognised journalism qualification and enter the industry. We can help with tuition fees, the cost of travel and accommodation and course books as well as with mentoring and career guidance.
Our former scholars work as staff and freelance journalists and photographers in all parts of the media – from broadcasting, magazines and newspapers, to public relations, book publishing and online.

The George Viner Memorial Fund was set up to honour the career and dedication of George Viner. George became a member of the NUJ in 1932 at the age of 20 and remained an active member of the union serving on the union’s ruling body the National Executive Council for many years.

From 1961 until his retirement in 1976, George was the NUJ’s Education and Training Officer and was a great educationalist. One of his many achievements was the establishment of the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ), which still today runs some of the best recognised journalism qualifications. Much of his journalistic career was spent in South Wales, where he developed his interest in education through his work with bodies such as the Workers’ Educational Association.

On George’s death in 1983, it was decided to set up the Trust in his name to mark his commitment and passion for education and journalism. The Trust was founded in 1986, and went on to become a registered charity in 1989. Carole, George’s daughter, continues the family’s association with the fund, serving as a trustee of the charity.