Makers Of Playing Cards Charity

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £70,000 - £80,000
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 2-3 months (quarterly meetings)
• Grant Range: £500 - £5,000 (typical)
• Geographic Focus: National (England & Wales)

Contact Details

• Website: www.makersofplayingcards.org
• Email: charitysecretary@makersofplayingcards.co.uk
• Phone: 01869 324776
• Address: The Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards, Cutlers' Hall, London

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. With annual charitable distributions typically ranging from £70,000 to £80,000, the charity supports educational initiatives, heritage preservation, and welfare causes throughout England and Wales. The charity operates through a traditional governance structure overseen by the Court of the Worshipful Company, maintaining the centuries-old tradition of livery company philanthropy while addressing contemporary social needs. Their funding focuses particularly on education, youth development, and supporting organizations with connections to the City of London or the playing card industry's heritage.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The charity operates a general grants program with the following characteristics:

• Small Grants: £500 - £2,000 (most common award level)
• Medium Grants: £2,000 - £5,000 (for established partnerships or significant projects)
• Multi-year Support: Available for exceptional cases with proven track record
• Application method: Written application reviewed at quarterly Court meetings

Priority Areas

• Education and youth development, particularly literacy and numeracy programs
• Heritage preservation related to the City of London and historic crafts
• Support for disadvantaged young people through skills training and apprenticeships
• Welfare support for individuals in hardship, particularly those with connections to the City of London
• Arts and cultural projects that promote traditional crafts and skills

What They Don't Fund

• General appeals and circular letters
• Large capital projects
• Medical research
• Animal welfare
• Political or religious campaigning activities
• Overseas projects
• Retrospective funding

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Governance and Leadership

The charity is governed by the Court of Assistants of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards, comprising the Master, Wardens, and Court Assistants. The Court meets quarterly to consider grant applications and oversee charitable activities. The charity secretary manages day-to-day administration and serves as the primary point of contact for applicants. As with most livery company charities, governance follows traditional structures with annual rotation of the Master position, ensuring continuity through the permanent Court of Assistants.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted in writing to the charity secretary via email (charitysecretary@makersofplayingcards.co.uk) or post. There is no formal application form, but applications should include:

• A clear description of the project or need
• Budget breakdown and amount requested
• Evidence of charitable status (if applicable)
• Most recent accounts
• Details of other funding secured or applied for

Decision Timeline

• Applications reviewed at quarterly Court meetings (typically March, June, September, December)
• Decisions communicated within 2 weeks of Court meeting
• Total process time: 8-12 weeks from submission to decision
• Successful applicants receive payment within 4 weeks of approval

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly disclosed, but the charity indicates they receive more applications than they can support, suggesting a competitive process.

Reapplication Policy

Unsuccessful applicants may reapply after 12 months if circumstances have changed or the project has developed. Organizations receiving grants may apply for continuation funding but should demonstrate impact from previous support.

Application Success Factors

Based on the charity's funding patterns and livery company tradition:

• Demonstrate clear educational or skills development outcomes
• Show connections to the City of London, its institutions, or traditional crafts where relevant
• Present modest, achievable projects with clear impact measures
• Evidence of good governance and financial management
• Personal approaches through livery company members can strengthen applications
• Projects supporting apprenticeships or vocational training align well with livery company values
• Clear explanation of how even small grants will make a significant difference

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Keep grant requests modest (£500-£5,000 range) - this is a traditional livery company charity with limited funds
• Emphasize educational outcomes, particularly for disadvantaged young people
• Highlight any connections to the City of London, traditional crafts, or heritage
• Submit concise written applications well in advance of quarterly Court meetings
• Consider building relationships with Company members who may champion your cause
• Focus on practical, tangible outcomes rather than general support
• Small, focused projects often more successful than ambitious programs

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 -
• City of London Livery Companies Database -
• Information provided directly via charity contact details