King George V Fund For Actors And Actresses

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £199,112 (2024)
• Annual Income: £90,712 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly specified
• Grant Range: Not publicly specified
• Geographic Focus: United Kingdom
• Founded: 1911 by His Majesty King George V

Contact Details

Secretary: Mr John McCuin

Email: secretary@georgevfund.com

Phone: 01708 743616

Website: www.kinggeorgevfund.com

Umbrella Organization: Member of Acting for Others (The Combined Theatrical Charities)

• Acting for Others address: West Suite, 2nd Floor, 11 Garrick Street, London WC2E 9AR
• Phone: 020 7379 6978
• Website: www.actingforothers.co.uk

Overview

The King George V Fund for Actors and Actresses was established in 1911 by His Majesty King George V to reward distinguished actors and actresses. For over 110 years, the charity has been making awards to distinguished actors who are in financial need in their later years. Registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (charity number 210740), the fund operates with 4 trustees and 20 volunteers. In 2024, the charity had an annual income of £90,712 and total expenditure of £199,112, indicating significant grant-making activity supported by reserves and historical assets. No trustees receive any remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. The fund is a member of the Acting for Others network, which comprises 14 theatrical charities working collaboratively to support theatre workers in need.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The King George V Fund operates a single grant program focused on supporting distinguished actors and actresses in financial need during their later years. Specific grant amounts are not publicly disclosed and appear to be determined on a case-by-case basis according to individual need and circumstances.

Priority Areas

The charity pays grants to British actors and actresses who meet two key criteria:

• Distinguished Service: Those who have rendered such service to the acting profession as to merit recognition
• Financial Need: Those who, through altered circumstances, are in a position to require financial assistance

Specific Eligibility Criteria:

• British actors and actresses
• Aged 60 years or older
• At least 15 years of professional acting experience
• Currently in financial need

The fund focuses specifically on supporting veteran performers who have made significant contributions to the theatrical profession but find themselves in financial difficulty in their later years.

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the charity's narrow focus suggests they do not fund:

• Actors under the age of 60
• Those with less than 15 years of professional acting experience
• Non-British actors
• Theatre workers in other roles (stage management, technical, front of house, etc.)
• Institutional or project grants
• Capital appeals or building projects
• Training or educational programs

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Governance and Leadership

Secretary: Mr John McCuin oversees the charity's operations and serves as the primary contact for inquiries.

Trustee Board: The charity is governed by 4 trustees who serve without remuneration. Their names and specific backgrounds are not publicly listed on the charity's website or Charity Commission records.

Volunteer Support: The charity benefits from 20 volunteers who assist with its operations.

Organizational Structure: The fund operates as part of the Combined Theatrical Charities and is a member of the Acting for Others network, which allows for collaborative support across 14 member charities serving theatre professionals.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

The King George V Fund does not prominently advertise a public application process on its website. The charity operates as part of the Acting for Others network, which uses a collaborative application system.

Acting for Others Application System:

Applicants should apply through the Acting for Others network using their member charity menu system. Once you have made an application directly to one member charity and agreed to share your information, you do not need to make repeat applications to other charities in the Acting for Others network. This single-application system allows multiple member charities to review your case and determine which organization(s) can best meet your needs.

Contact: For specific information about applying, contact the Secretary, Mr John McCuin, at secretary@georgevfund.com or 01708 743616, or visit the charity's website at www.kinggeorgevfund.com.

Alternatively, contact Acting for Others at 020 7379 6978 or through www.actingforothers.co.uk to be directed to the appropriate member charity based on your circumstances.

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly specified. Given the charity's focus on individual circumstances and needs assessment, decisions are likely made on a case-by-case basis following review by trustees.

Success Rates

Success rates and application numbers are not publicly disclosed. The charity's 2024 expenditure of £199,112 indicates active grant-making, though the number of recipients and individual award amounts are not published.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies are not publicly specified. Contact the charity directly for information about subsequent applications.

Application Success Factors

Given the limited public information about the application process and decision-making criteria, the following factors appear important based on the charity's stated purpose and eligibility requirements:

Demonstration of Distinguished Service: The charity specifically seeks to reward those who have “rendered such service to the acting profession as to merit recognition.” Applicants should be prepared to document:

• Length and breadth of their professional acting career (minimum 15 years)
• Notable roles, productions, or contributions to theatre
• Recognition or awards received during their career
• Impact on the theatrical profession

Clear Evidence of Financial Need: The charity supports those who “through altered circumstances, are in a position to require such assistance.” Applicants should demonstrate:

• Current financial situation and specific needs
• How circumstances have changed to create financial difficulty
• Why support is needed at this time

Age and Nationality Requirements: Applicants must be British actors or actresses aged 60 or older with at least 15 years of professional acting experience.

Collaborative Network Approach: As part of Acting for Others, the fund works alongside 13 other theatrical charities. If the King George V Fund cannot assist, applications may be referred to sister charities including the Actors' Benevolent Fund, The Ralph and Meriel Richardson Foundation, The Equity Charitable Trust, The Evelyn Norris Trust, Denville Hall, or The Royal Theatrical Fund.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Historic Legacy: Established by King George V in 1911, this fund has over 110 years of supporting distinguished actors in need
• Narrow Eligibility: Must be British, 60+, with 15+ years of professional acting experience, and in financial need
• Network Advantage: Part of Acting for Others umbrella - one application can reach 14 theatrical charities
• Distinguished Service Matters: The fund specifically aims to reward those who have made significant contributions to the acting profession
• Individual Assessment: Grant amounts not published, suggesting case-by-case evaluation based on need and circumstances
• Volunteer-Led: Operated by 4 trustees and 20 volunteers, all unpaid, indicating a mission-driven organization
• Contact First: Limited public application information suggests direct contact with the Secretary is advisable for guidance on the process

References

• King George V Fund for Actors and Actresses official website: https://www.kinggeorgevfund.com/
• Charity Commission for England and Wales, Charity Overview for King George V Fund for Actors and Actresses (210740): https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/210740
• Acting for Others, The King George V Fund for Actors and Actresses member charity page: https://actingforothers.co.uk/member-charity/the-king-george-v-fund-for-actors-and-actresses/
• Acting for Others, Member Charities: https://actingforothers.co.uk/member-charities/
• Spotlight, Performing Arts Charities in the UK: https://www.spotlight.com/news-and-advice/the-essentials/charities-for-performers/