Grand Order Of Water Rats Charities Fund

Charity Number: 292201

Annual Expenditure: £0.2M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £186,286 (2024 expenditure)
  • Annual Income: £141,757 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Monthly trustee meetings review applications
  • Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed (described as “small grants”)
  • Geographic Focus: United Kingdom

Contact Details

Address: 328 Grays Inn Road, London WC1X 8BZ

Phone: 020 7278 3248

Email: charities@gowr.net (charities fund) or info@gowr.net (general inquiries)

Website: www.gowr.co.uk

Overview

The Grand Order of Water Rats Charities Fund (registered charity 292201) was established by the Grand Order of Water Rats, the UK's oldest and most distinguished showbusiness charity, founded in 1889. The organization is a fraternity of entertainers dedicated to charitable giving and the celebration of performance arts. The Charities Fund was founded to help members of the theatrical profession, or their dependents, who due to old age or ill health are in need. The charity operates with 6 trustees who meet monthly to review applications and oversee the distribution of funds. The fund's mission encompasses “Philanthropy, Conviviality, and Social Intercourse.” While the primary focus is on theatrical professionals, when sufficient funds are available, the charity also supports other charitable organizations and individuals, particularly UK registered charities connected with theatrical entertainers.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Individual Support Grants

  • One-off and regular grants to members of the theatrical profession and their dependents in the UK
  • Small grants for those experiencing hardship due to old age, ill health, or disability
  • Emergency aid through targeted grants to address immediate crises
  • Application method: Rolling basis - applications may be made at any time in writing

Organizational Grants

  • Support for UK registered charities connected with theatrical entertainers
  • Provision of equipment in hospitals and to out-patients
  • Support for hospitals, health charities, and benevolent funds
  • Special awards to worthy individuals or organizations at trustee discretion
  • Application method: Trustee discretion/invitation only

Priority Areas

Primary Beneficiaries:

  • Members of the theatrical profession with at least 7 years' professional performing experience
  • Dependents of theatrical professionals
  • Elderly/old people in the theatrical profession
  • People with disabilities in the theatrical profession

Secondary Support:

  • UK registered charities connected to theatrical entertainers
  • Hospitals requiring medical equipment
  • Health charities and benevolent funds supporting the entertainment industry

Key Funding Areas:

  • Relief of sickness among individuals through provision of hospital equipment
  • Medical expenses and living costs for theatrical professionals
  • Emergency aid during industry crises (e.g., supported showbusiness professionals during COVID-19 lockdowns 2020-2022)

What They Don't Fund

  • Student fees or education costs
  • Debts incurred by credit card usage, bank loans, or overdrafts
  • Local or national taxes
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Governance and Leadership

Organizational Structure:

The charity is led by the King Rat, who serves as the ceremonial head for a one-year term. The current King Rat is Richard Gauntlett (2024-2025), with Chris Emmett having served in 2023. The King Rat presides over events and represents the organization in external matters.

Supporting officers include:

  • Prince Rat: Acts as deputy and prepares to assume the King Rat position the following year
  • Preceptor: Often a past King Rat who provides guidance on traditions and operations

Trustees:

The charity has 6 trustees drawn from senior members of the Grand Order of Water Rats. Trustees meet monthly at the organization's headquarters at 328 Gray's Inn Road, King's Cross, London, to review and approve funding requests. One or more trustees receive payments or benefits for services provided to the charity. Trustees have the power to make special awards to worthy individuals or organizations at their discretion.

The organization operates from its headquarters at 328 Gray's Inn Road in King's Cross, London, and is registered as charity number 292201.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

For Individual Applicants (Theatrical Professionals):

Applications may be made at any time in writing - there is no deadline. The charity accepts applications from members of the theatrical profession, or their dependents, in the UK who due to old age or ill health are in need.

Applications should be addressed to:

  • The Grand Order of Water Rats
  • 328 Grays Inn Road
  • London WC1X 8BZ
  • Tel: 020 7278 3248
  • Email: charities@gowr.net

Eligibility Requirement: To qualify, a professional must have been a performer for a minimum of seven years in the theatrical profession.

For Charitable Organizations:

This funder does not have a public application process for organizational grants. The charity supports UK registered charities connected with theatrical entertainers and may fund equipment in hospitals, but these grants are made at the discretion of the trustees. Special awards to worthy individuals or organizations are made at trustee discretion.

Decision Timeline

Trustees meet monthly to discuss and assimilate the various requests for help. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Success Rates

Success rates and specific application numbers are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly documented, but as applications are accepted on a rolling basis at any time, reapplication appears to be permitted.

Application Success Factors

For Individual Applicants:

  • Seven-Year Minimum: Ensure you can demonstrate at least seven years as a performer in the theatrical profession
  • Clear Need: Applications are prioritized for those experiencing genuine hardship due to old age, ill health, or disability
  • UK-Based: Applicants must be in the UK
  • Complete Information: Provide comprehensive details about your circumstances and specific needs
  • Emergency Situations: The fund has demonstrated responsiveness to crisis situations, as evidenced by their support during COVID-19 lockdowns

Understanding the Organization's Mission:

The Grand Order of Water Rats has been supporting the theatrical profession since 1889, with a strong focus on “Philanthropy, Conviviality, and Social Intercourse.” The organization is deeply rooted in the entertainment industry and understands the unique challenges faced by performers, particularly regarding income instability and career longevity issues.

What Won't Be Funded:

Be aware that applications for educational fees, debt repayment (credit cards, bank loans, overdrafts), or tax obligations will not be considered.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Theatrical Focus: This charity exclusively serves members of the theatrical profession and their dependents - you must demonstrate at least 7 years' professional performing experience
  • Rolling Applications: No fixed deadlines mean you can apply at any time in writing, providing flexibility for emergency situations
  • Monthly Reviews: With trustees meeting monthly, decisions are made regularly rather than annually or quarterly
  • Small, Targeted Grants: Expect modest grant amounts focused on immediate relief rather than large-scale funding
  • No Organizational Public Process: For charitable organizations seeking support, there is no public application process - grants are made at trustee discretion for UK registered charities connected to theatrical entertainers
  • Clear Exclusions: Do not apply for educational costs, debt repayment, or tax obligations - applications will be rejected
  • COVID-19 Responsiveness: The fund demonstrated adaptability during the pandemic, providing emergency aid to showbusiness professionals unable to work during lockdowns, showing they respond to sector-wide crises

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