Masonic Charitable Foundation – Children and Young People Grants Programme

The Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) offers grants to local and national charities in England and Wales as part of its work to help thousands of disadvantaged and vulnerable people to live happy, fulfilling lives and participate actively in society. Over the last 40 years, the MCF has provided more than £130 million to charities. The MCF’s work is funded solely through the donations of Freemasons under the United Grand Lodge of England, their families and friends.

Based on conducted surveys which indicate which areas Freemason care most about, the MCF has set out new target areas for its grant-making programme:

• Creating the best start in life for disadvantaged children and young people.
• Reducing isolation in later life.
• Medical research into degenerative disease.
• Care services in the hospice sector.

The Early Years Opportunities Grants programme offers both small and large grants to registered charities in England and Wales to create the best start in life for disadvantaged children and young people.

Depending on their annual income level, charities can apply for either a:

• Large grant, which is for projects and can be used for salary costs, activities, materials, etc., or
• Small grant, which is for general running and/or overhead costs of the charity – core funding.

Applications are reviewed on a first come first serve basis, therefore applicants are advised to submit their application form as soon as possible during the time frame. Applications received towards the end of the application window may be deferred until a later funding round if the current one is over-subscribed.

First stage applications for Large Grants will be accepted from:

• 1 September to 31 October 2020 (5pm).
• 1 February to 31 March 2021 (5pm)

Small Grant applications will be accepted from:

• 1 October to 23 December 2020 (4pm).
• 1 March to 31 March 2021 4pm).

Guidelines, an application checklist, the online eligibility test are available on the Masonic Charitable Foundation website.

Full details…