Oxfordshire Masonic Charity

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £70,000 - £90,000
• Success Rate: N/A (No public application process)
• Decision Time: By Provincial Grand Lodge meetings
• Grant Range: £500 - £10,000+ (based on observed donations)
• Geographic Focus: Oxfordshire

Contact Details

• Email: charity@oxfordshirefreemasons.org
• Phone: 07526101928
• Address: 4 Barnes Road, Wootton, Bedford, MK43 9FB

Overview

The Oxfordshire Masonic Charity (Charity Number 278761) was established in 1979 as the charitable arm of Oxfordshire Freemasonry. With an annual income of approximately £446,000 and expenditure of £70,000-£90,000, the charity serves a dual purpose: providing relief to distressed Freemasons and their families while also supporting external charitable organizations throughout Oxfordshire. The charity operates under the guidance of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Oxfordshire, which has grown to over 1,500 members across 50 lodges meeting in 10 centres throughout the county. Their charitable giving reflects the Masonic commitment to relief and philanthropy, contributing to the broader Freemason network that donated over £51 million to UK charities in 2020.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The charity makes discretionary grants in two main categories:

• Individual Support: Relief grants for distressed Freemasons, widows, and children
• Organizational Grants: Support for Masonic charities and external charitable organizations (£500 - £10,000+)

Priority Areas

Based on recent grant activity:

• Healthcare and hospice services
• Support for people with disabilities
• Youth mentoring and development programs
• Medical research (particularly gastrointestinal conditions)
• Community welfare projects
• Emergency relief and crisis support

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the charity appears to focus on Oxfordshire-based organizations and causes with clear charitable purposes aligned with Masonic values of relief and community service.

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Governance and Leadership

The charity is governed by 4 trustees:

• Timothy Nicholas Grier
• Ronald John Barnett
• Adrian Hedley Barlow
• Andrew Keech

The Provincial Grand Master, James R.G. Hilditch, provides overall leadership for Oxfordshire Freemasonry. The charity operates with 15 volunteers and maintains strict governance policies including financial controls, risk management, and safeguarding measures. No trustees receive remuneration for their service.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants to external organizations are determined by the Provincial Grand Lodge in duly constituted meetings. Organizations typically come to their attention through:

• Connections with local Freemason members
• Relationships with individual lodges
• Recommendations from the Masonic community
• Direct approaches to the Provincial Grand Lodge

Getting on Their Radar

Based on observed grant patterns, organizations can increase visibility by:

• Engaging with individual Masonic lodges in Oxfordshire (50 lodges across 10 centres)
• Building relationships with Freemason members who can champion causes internally
• Demonstrating clear charitable impact in the Oxfordshire community
• Aligning with Masonic values of relief, charity, and community service

Decision Timeline

Grant decisions are made at Provincial Grand Lodge meetings throughout the year. The exact frequency and timing of these meetings is not publicly available.

Application Success Factors

Organizations that have successfully received support demonstrate:

• Strong local presence in Oxfordshire
• Clear charitable purpose aligned with relief and community welfare
• Measurable impact on vulnerable populations
• Professional governance and financial management
• Often have existing connections within the Masonic community

Recent successful recipients include established charities like Sobell House Hospice, Yellow Submarine (disability services), and youth mentoring programs, suggesting preference for organizations with proven track records.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No public application process means relationship building is essential
• Focus on connecting with individual Masonic lodges in Oxfordshire first
• Emphasize local impact and benefit to Oxfordshire residents
• Align proposals with Masonic values of relief, charity, and brotherhood
• Consider approaching during special Masonic fundraising campaigns or events
• Be prepared for discretionary decision-making rather than competitive processes
• Successful organizations often have champions within the Masonic community

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The Monmouthshire Provincial Grand Charity 2004
• THE WARWICKSHIRE MASONIC CHARITABLE ASSOCIATION LIMITED
• Durham Freemasons Charity
• Worcestershire Masonic Charity Organisation
• Masonic Samaritan Fund
• Douglas Compton James Charitable Trust
• THE EAST LANCASHIRE MASONIC CHARITY
• THE JAMES FREDERICK AND ETHEL ANNE MEASURES CHARITY
• The West Wales Grand Charity
• Richard Henry Holmes Masonic Benevolent Fund

References

• Charity Commission Register: Oxfordshire Masonic Charity (278761)
• Oxfordshire Freemasons website (oxfordshirefreemasons.org.uk), organizational information
• Charity Commission Full Print Report, financial data for 2023-2025
• Provincial Grand Lodge communications regarding recent grants and donations