Leicestershire And Rutland Masonic Charity Association

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £288,558 (2024 expenditure)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly specified
• Grant Range: £1,000 - £20,000+ (based on known awards)
• Geographic Focus: Leicestershire and Rutland
• Application Method: Direct application and lodge nomination

Contact Details

Address: Freemasons Hall, 78-80 London Road, Leicester LE2 0RA

Phone: 0116 223 6998

Email: lrmca@pglleics.co.uk

Website: www.pglleics.co.uk

Main Provincial Office: 0116 254 5325 (Freemasons' Hall, 80 London Road, Leicester LE2 0RA)

Overview

The Leicestershire and Rutland Masonic Charity Association (LRMCA), also known as the Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons' Charity (LRFC), is a registered charity (234054) that has been serving the region for many decades. In the financial year ending May 2024, the charity had a total income of £212,396 and expenditure of £288,558. The organization operates with 11 trustees and 80 volunteers, with no paid employees. The charity is funded exclusively by Freemasons of the Province, with members contributing a minimum of £3 per month or £36 per annum. Between 2017-2022, the Province completed a major fundraising festival that exceeded its £1.8m target, ultimately raising over £2 million for local charities and good causes. The LRMCA provides a dual focus: supporting Masonic members and their families in need, while also making grants to local non-Masonic registered charities throughout Leicestershire and Rutland.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The LRMCA operates two distinct funding streams:

1. Non-Masonic Local Charity Grants

• Grants to local organizations, institutions, and registered charities
• Recent known awards: £1,000 - £20,000
• Sympathetic consideration given to requests from small local charities
• Application method: Direct application to LRMCA or lodge nomination

2. Masonic Welfare Support

• Relief and assistance for aged, sick, distressed, or infirm Freemasons of the Province
• Support for wives, widows, and dependent children of Freemasons
• Donations and subscriptions to the Masonic Charitable Foundation

Priority Areas

Based on recent grant awards, the charity supports:

• Healthcare and medical charities (e.g., Mesothelioma UK - £20,000 donation)
• Children and families in need (e.g., Jordan's Weeones - £1,000 for families at Leicester Royal Infirmary)
• Social welfare organizations (e.g., Charity Link - £2,500 for cost-of-living crisis support)
• Vulnerable populations including sick, disadvantaged, and disabled children
• Community projects that benefit local residents

From 2016-2019, the Provincial Grand Chapter alone donated almost £37,000 to 49 local charities and good causes, demonstrating broad support across the charitable sector.

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly detailed, but the charity focuses on:

• Registered charities only
• Organizations within Leicestershire and Rutland geographical area
• The charity does not appear to fund individuals outside of the Masonic welfare stream

Ready to write a winning application for Leicestershire And Rutland Masonic Charity Association?

Our AI helps you craft proposals that match their exact priorities. Save 10+ hours and increase your success rate.

Join the Launch List

Governance and Leadership

Structure: The charity operates with 11 trustees who are responsible for grant decisions and overall management. The Provincial Grand Lodge of Leicestershire and Rutland oversees approximately 3,000 Freemason members across 79 Lodges meeting in 11 Masonic centres.

Provincial Grand Master: Peter C. Kinder

Provincial Grand Secretary: Paul C. Wallace

Charity Stewards: Each of the 79 lodges has a designated Charity Steward who supports members in fundraising and volunteering, and can nominate charities for grant consideration.

The trustees give “sympathetic consideration” to requests from small local charities, suggesting a supportive approach to grassroots organizations.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

The LRMCA accepts grant applications through two channels:

1. Direct Application

• The charity encourages applications for grants from local registered charities
• Contact: lrmca@pglleics.co.uk or call 0116 223 6998
• No publicly available application form or online portal
• Applicants should contact the charity directly to discuss their project and request

2. Lodge Nomination

• The charity seeks nominations from the 79 Lodges and individual Freemason members throughout Leicestershire and Rutland
• Each lodge has a Charity Steward who can facilitate nominations
• This route may be beneficial if your organization has existing relationships with local Freemasons

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly available. Grant applicants should inquire about expected timeframes when submitting their application.

Success Rates

Success rates and application volumes are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

No information is publicly available about reapplication policies or waiting periods for unsuccessful applicants.

Application Success Factors

While the charity does not publish detailed application guidance, the following factors appear important based on their stated priorities and grant-making patterns:

Geographic Focus: The charity specifically serves Leicestershire and Rutland. Ensure your organization operates within or directly benefits residents of these two counties.

Registered Charity Status: You must be a registered charity. This is a clear eligibility requirement.

Small Charities Welcome: The trustees give “sympathetic consideration to requests from small local charities,” suggesting smaller organizations should not be deterred from applying.

Clear Local Impact: Recent grants show support for organizations addressing immediate local needs - from families at Leicester Royal Infirmary to children affected by the cost-of-living crisis. Demonstrate tangible impact on local beneficiaries.

Collaboration with Healthcare/Social Services: Examples like the Jordan's Weeones grant (working with Leicester Royal Infirmary) suggest value placed on partnerships that extend reach.

Cost-Effectiveness: Charity Link's ability to turn a £2,500 grant into £12,500 worth of essential items (71 beds for children) demonstrates impact efficiency that may resonate with trustees.

Connection to Lodge Members: While not required, having a relationship with local Freemason lodge members who can nominate your organization may strengthen applications.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Dual pathways: You can apply directly or seek a lodge nomination - consider pursuing both routes simultaneously if you have Masonic connections
• Small charity friendly: Don't be deterred by size - the trustees explicitly welcome applications from smaller local organizations
• Must be registered: Ensure your charity registration is current and clearly referenced in any application
• Local focus is critical: Demonstrate clear benefit to Leicestershire and Rutland residents with specific examples
• No online portal: Be prepared for a more traditional, relationship-based application process involving direct contact
• Recent COVID response: The charity responded to increased need during COVID-19 and the cost-of-living crisis, suggesting responsiveness to current community challenges
• Wide range of awards: Grants appear to range from £1,000 to £20,000+, allowing both small and larger-scale project funding

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• THE J REGINALD CORAH FOUNDATION FUND
• The David Wilson Foundation
• THE FLORENCE TURNER TRUST
• The Carlton Hayes Mental Health Charity
• ANAND & SETHI FAMILY CHARITY TRUST
• Leicester Charity Organisation Society (Charity Link)
• Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland Community Foundation
• THE HARAMEAD TRUST
• Market Harborough and The Bowdens Charity
• Thomas Harley's Estate Charity (The Harley Trust)

References

• Charity Commission Register: Leicestershire and Rutland Masonic Charity Association (234054), https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/234054
• Charity Link: "Leicestershire and Rutland Freemason's donate £2,500", https://charity-link.org/leicestershire-and-rutland-freemasons-donate-2500/, December 2023
• Jordan's Weeones: “LRMCA Grant Awarded”, https://www.jordansweeones.co.uk/post/leicestershire-and-rutland-masonic-charity-association-support
• Mesothelioma UK: “Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons donates £20,000”, https://www.mesothelioma.uk.com/leicestershire-and-rutland-freemasons-donates-20000-to-support-the-work-of-mesothelioma-uk/
• United Grand Lodge of England: "Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons Festival Fund Tops £2m", https://www.ugle.org.uk/discover-freemasonry/blog/leicestershire-rutland-freemasons-fund-2m-local-charities
• Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons website: www.leicestershire-rutlandfreemasons.org.uk