Makers of Playing Cards Charity

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £95,000
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 8-12 weeks
• Grant Range: £1,000 (typical first grant)
• Geographic Focus: National (England & Wales)

Contact Details

• Website: www.makersofplayingcards.org
• Email: charityalmoners@makersofplayingcards.co.uk
• Alternative Email: charitysecretary@makersofplayingcards.co.uk
• Phone: 01869 324776
• Address: 35 Ascot Way, Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX26 1AG

Overview

The Makers of Playing Cards Charity (registered charity number 232876) is the charitable arm of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards, one of the City of London's historic livery companies dating back to 1628. The charity was constituted under a Trust Deed dated 25 October 1943 and was previously known as The Cutler Trust. With annual charitable distributions of approximately £95,000, the charity supports educational initiatives and welfare causes for young people under 25 throughout England and Wales. The charity operates through a traditional governance structure overseen by the Trustees, who meet twice yearly to consider grant applications. Their funding focuses on supporting smaller registered charities working with disadvantaged young people, with a particular emphasis on education, welfare, and relief of need and hardship.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The charity operates a twice-yearly grants programme with the following characteristics:

• Typical Grant: £1,000 in the first instance
• Multi-year Support: Available for up to six consecutive years for organisations meeting grant conditions each year
• Application method: Written application reviewed at trustee meetings in May and October
• Target organisations: Smaller charities with annual voluntary income under £300,000

Priority Areas

• Education for young people under 25, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds
• Welfare and support of children and young people
• Relief of need, hardship and distress among young people under 25
• Financial assistance to deserving students for educational purposes

What They Don't Fund

• Grants to individuals (the charity only makes grants to registered charitable organisations)
• Charities with annual voluntary income over £300,000

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Governance and Leadership

The charity is governed by the Trustees of the Makers of Playing Cards Charity. The Trustees meet twice yearly in May and October to consider grant applications and oversee charitable activities. The charity almoners manage the application process and serve as the primary point of contact for applicants. As with most livery company charities, governance follows traditional structures with close links to the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards.

How to Apply to Makers Of Playing Cards Charity

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted in writing to the charity almoners via email (charityalmoners@makersofplayingcards.co.uk). Applications should be no longer than one side of A4 and should clearly set out how the organisation would spend a grant of £1,000.

The application should include:

• A clear description of how the grant would be used
• Demonstration that the organisation benefits young people under 25 (not individuals)
• Evidence of charitable status
• Information about the organisation's annual voluntary income

Decision Timeline

• Trustees meet in May and October each year
• Applications must arrive by the end of March for consideration in May
• Applications must arrive by the end of August for consideration in October
• Decisions communicated after trustee meetings
• Total process time: 8-12 weeks from deadline to decision

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly disclosed. The charity particularly welcomes applications from smaller charities with annual voluntary income under £300,000.

Reapplication Policy

Organisations receiving grants may be considered for grants for up to six consecutive years, provided the terms of the grant have been met for each year.

Application Success Factors

Based on the charity's funding patterns and stated priorities:

• Target smaller charities (annual voluntary income under £300,000)
• Demonstrate clear educational or welfare outcomes for young people under 25
• Keep applications concise (one side of A4)
• Show how a £1,000 grant would make a meaningful difference
• Ensure the organisation is a registered charity benefiting groups, not individuals
• Evidence work with disadvantaged or underprivileged young people
• Submit applications well in advance of the March or August deadlines

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This charity only funds registered charities, not individuals
• Typical grant is £1,000 - keep requests modest and realistic
• Applications must be very concise (one side of A4)
• Focus on young people under 25 from disadvantaged backgrounds
• Smaller charities (income under £300,000) are preferred
• Deadlines are end of March and end of August for the twice-yearly meetings
• Multi-year funding is possible for organisations demonstrating impact
• Applications should clearly explain how £1,000 will be spent

Similar Funders

These funders frequently fund the same charities:

• The Arts Council Of England
• Garfield Weston Foundation
• The National Foundation For Youth Music
• Jack Petchey Foundation
• The Bridge Trust

References

• The Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards official website (www.makersofplayingcards.org)
• Charity Commission register entry for charity 232876
• Makers of Playing Cards Charity Impact Reports