The Lord Kitchener National Memorial Fund (LKNMF)

The LKNMF was established as a permanent living memorial to Field Marshal Lord Kitchener of Khartoum, Secretary of State for War, whose tragic death in 1916 cut short a momentous career and stirred the nation to collective grief amongst the military and civilians alike.

The LKNMF was established on the 14 June 1916 in response to an Appeal by the Lord Mayor of London to establish a national memorial to the late Field Marshal Lord Kitchener of Khartoum. The Charter of Incorporation of the Fund received Royal Assent in 1919 with HM Queen Alexandra as its first President. Initially set up for ‘the relief of disabled officers and men' of the First World War other rounds of donations allowed for the establishment of a permanent memorial in All Souls Chapel, St Paul's Cathedral, as well as the foundation of a medical school at the university Kitchener had earlier established in Khartoum as a memorial to General Gordon.

Also established was a scheme to offer Kitchener University Scholarships to former members of the three Services of a suitable age who were undertaking a course of study leading to a first degree at a university in the United Kingdom. The first of these scholarships was awarded in 1917 and were extended shortly afterwards to the sons - and later daughters - of parents who were serving or who had served in the Armed Forces. Since the grant of the first scholarship over 5,500 more have been awarded. At present up to 25 awards are made each year. It is likely that the next scholarship grant will be to the value of £1,500, subject to a decision by the Council of the LKNMF.

In 1980 Kitchener European Scholarships (KES) were inaugurated. The rules of eligibility were the same as those applying for university scholarships but were aimed at those studying for a Master’s degree in Business Administration at the European Institute of Business Administration (INSEAD) in Fontainebleau. 80 KES scholarships have been awarded to date. In 2005 this Scholarship was suspended until sufficient further funding could be identified.

It is the aim of the LKNMF to continue increasing both the number and the value of Kitchener Scholarships in future years, as well as the likely revival of a postgraduate award scheme.

The LKNMF is overseen by its Council and run by the Executive and Scholarship Committees, both of which have Kitchener Scholars serving on them.

In addition to the investment performance of the LKNMF, resources have also been raised through the generosity of former Kitchener Scholars wishing to support the interests of those who will follow them. If you would like to help with a donation or would appreciate some more information on legacy giving, then please contact the Secretary of the LKNMF.

See: https://www.lknmf.com