| Maximum value £ 60,000 Application deadline – none stated Grants for local and national charities in England and Wales that are working to reduce loneliness and isolation in later life. 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 the following target areas 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. Objectives of Fund 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. Value Notes There are two funding levels: Large grants starting from £10,000 are available to charities with an annual income exceeding £500,000. The average large grant will range from £20,000 to £60,000. Small grants of between £1,000 and £15,000 are available to charities with an income of under £500,000. All grants can be over one, two, or three years. Grant amounts should not exceed 15% of the total income of the applicant charity. Charities can only apply for one grant programme at a time. Who Can Apply Charities registered with the Charity Commission or relevant Central registry as long as their beneficiaries are in England and Wales. Charities with an income of less than £500,000 can apply for a small grant. Charities with an income exceeding £500,000 can apply for a large grant. To be eligible, applicants must be supporting disadvantaged and vulnerable older people over the age of 50 years and provide: Mental and physical health support. Gateway and access to service, eg, transport and technology. Community based approaches, ie, volunteering, positive ageing and neighbourhood support. Advocacy, social and welfare support. Location England and Wales Restrictions Examples of desired outcomes are: Short Term Older people adapting to key transitions in their lives. Older people well supported, better informed and receiving essential advice. Existing services better supporting the physical, psychological and emotional needs of people as they age. More therapeutic support available to people at key points in their lives. Greater knowledge of options and rights leading to greater confidence in choices. Increased cultural and social participation choices for people as they age. Greater awareness of the issue within the Masonic community. Long Term Reduced feelings of loneliness or social isolation for people in later life. Improved health and sense of wellbeing for people as they age. More active social lives for people in later life. The older population living as they choose in a healthy and safe environment. MCF’s profile raised within the Masonic community, public and third sector. The following timescales apply: Small Grants Applicants can expect to find out whether their initial enquiry was successful within two to three weeks. Final decisions can be expected within two to three months of submitting a full application. Large Grants Applicants can expect to find out whether their initial enquiry was successful within three to four weeks. Final decisions can be expected within three to four months of submitting a full application. Applications will only be accepted via the Trust’s website electronically. Documents & links Grants to charities – The Masonic Charitable Foundation (mcf.org.uk) Contacts For further information on how to obtain this fund, please contact the following: Charity Grants Programmes Masonic Charitable Foundation 60 Great Queen Street London WC2B 5AZ Tel: 020 3146 3337 Email: charitygrants@mcf.org.uk |
