North Wales Freemasons Charity

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £107,398 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly specified
• Grant Range: £1,000 - £60,000
• Geographic Focus: North Wales and throughout England and Wales

Contact Details

• Website: www.nwmasons.org
• Phone: 01492860223
• Email: nwmbasec@nwmasons.org
• Address: 8 Mostyn Avenue, Craig-y-Don, Llandudno, LL30 1YS
• TLC Fund Contact: David J. Gibbison (01492 592559, dj.gibby@tiscali.co.uk)

Overview

Founded in 1874, North Wales Freemasons Charity is a well-established charitable organization supporting good causes throughout North Wales. With an annual expenditure of £107,398 (2024), the charity advances both masonic and non-masonic charitable causes through three distinct funds: the Benevolent Fund, Income Fund, and TLC Fund. The charity focuses on education, health advancement, disability support, and poverty prevention, with particular emphasis on children and young people, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities. Under the leadership of Chairman Philip Arthur James and 14 trustees, the charity works in partnership with the Masonic Charitable Foundation to identify needs and provide support to communities across North Wales.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The charity operates through three funds:

• Benevolent Fund: Supported by member subscriptions and Lodge donations (amounts vary)
• Income Fund: Supported by investment income (amounts vary)
• TLC (Teddies for Loving Care) Fund: Provides comfort items to children in hospital settings

Priority Areas

• Children with special educational needs and communication difficulties
• Medical research and healthcare services
• Hospices and end-of-life care
• Youth opportunities and development
• Mountain rescue and emergency services
• Mental health support services
• Community organizations supporting vulnerable populations

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions not publicly documented

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Governance and Leadership

The charity is governed by 14 trustees led by Chairman Philip Arthur James. Phil James has been quoted emphasizing the charity's commitment to community support: “Service has always been a core principle of Freemasonry. Our members play a crucial role, dedicating both their time and resources, actively engaging in volunteer work, to make a significant impact in our communities.”

Regarding their support for children with communication difficulties, James stated: "I'm very pleased we've been able to help TGP Cymru with their hugely important project helping children with communication difficulties. Communication passports will make sure new teachers and other carers they encounter as they grow up will understand their specific needs and preferences."

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are typically awarded through trustee discretion, recommendations from lodge members, or through partnership with the Masonic Charitable Foundation. Organizations cannot directly apply for funding but may be identified for support through community connections and masonic networks.

For TLC Fund specific inquiries, organizations can contact David J. Gibbison (01492 592559) or Bryan George (01492 870195).

Decision Timeline

Not publicly specified

Success Rates

Application numbers and success rates are not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly documented

Application Success Factors

Based on recent grant awards, the following factors appear important:

• Organizations providing vital community services in North Wales receive priority
• Projects supporting children with special needs have been particularly successful
• Emergency and rescue services align well with their priorities
• Mental health and wellbeing initiatives are valued
• Match funding opportunities can increase grant amounts (as seen with the £20,532 mountain rescue donation where member donations were matched)
• Organizations with clear community impact and measurable outcomes

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• North Wales Freemasons Charity operates without a public application process - connections through masonic networks or community recommendations are essential
• Recent grants range from £1,000 to £60,000, with most falling between £1,000-£20,000
• The charity particularly values projects supporting vulnerable populations in North Wales
• Partnership with the Masonic Charitable Foundation can provide additional funding opportunities
• Building relationships with lodge members and trustees is crucial for being considered for funding
• Organizations should focus on demonstrating clear community impact and alignment with masonic values of service

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• John Horniman's Children's Trust
• C A Redfern Charitable Foundation
• The Geoffrey Watling Charity
• Oxfordshire Masonic Charity
• THE WARWICKSHIRE MASONIC CHARITABLE ASSOCIATION LIMITED
• The Kathleen Smith Foundation
• Richard Henry Holmes Masonic Benevolent Fund
• The Wyfold Charitable Trust
• West Riding Masonic Charities Limited
• The Elizabeth Hardie Ferguson Charitable Trust Fund

References

• North Wales Freemasons Charity Registration (Charity Commission: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/212691
• North Wales Freemasons Official Website: www.nwmasons.org
• “TGP Cymru receives grant from North Wales Freemasons” (North Wales Chronicle, 2025)
• “North Wales Freemasons donate £20,532 to mountain rescue team” (Cambrian News, 2024)
• Masonic Charitable Foundation Grants to Charities: https://mcf.org.uk/get-support/grants-to-charities/