Masonic Charitable Foundation – Early Years Opportunities 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.

There are two different deadlines:

• 5 October 2018 for large grants applications (first stage).
• 26 October 2018 for small grants applications.

Full details…