18 November 2020
Masonic Charitable Foundation – Later Life Inclusion 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 set out new target areas in 2018 for its grant-making programme:
- Reducing isolation in later life.
- Creating the best start in life for disadvantaged children and young people.
- Medical research into degenerative disease.
- Care services in the hospice sector.
The Reducing Isolation in Later Life Grants programme offers both small and large grants to registered charities that support disadvantaged and vulnerable older people over 50 years of age in England and Wales. Over the next five years, the MCF will be supporting charities that help people to overcome barriers to actively participate in society in their later years.
The funding will help people who face social isolation or loneliness due to reasons such as financial hardship, care responsibilities, a decline in physical or mental health, or life transitions including retirement or bereavement. The support will help to provide a range of services to support the physical and emotional needs of people as they age, including community-based programmes and access to healthcare, transport and technology.
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 – 31 October 2020 (5pm).
- 1 February – 31 March 2021 (5pm).
Small Grant applications will be accepted from:
- 1 October – 23 December 2020 (4pm).
- 1 March – 31 March 2021 (4pm).
Guidelines, an application checklist, the online eligibility test are available on the Masonic Charitable Foundation website.