Provincial Grand Lodge Of Nottinghamshire Charity Committee

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £100,000+ to local charities (plus internal Masonic relief)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed (high competition for limited funds)
• Decision Time: Estimated 6-12 weeks (bi-monthly review cycle)
• Grant Range: £250 - £5,000
• Geographic Focus: Nottinghamshire only

Contact Details

Address: Masonic Hall, 25 Goldsmith Street, Nottingham, NG1 5LB

Phone: 0115 840 4460

Email: secretary@nottinghamshiremasons.co.uk

Website: www.nottinghamshiremasons.co.uk/grants-to-charities

Provincial Grand Master: Philip G. Marshall

Provincial Grand Secretary: Roger G. Cheetham

Overview

The Provincial Grand Lodge of Nottinghamshire Charity Committee (registered charity 226943) was established to provide charitable relief within Nottinghamshire. The charity operates two distinct funding streams: supporting Freemasons and their families in need, and making grants to local charities serving Nottinghamshire communities. As part of one of Britain's largest charitable giving networks, Nottinghamshire Freemasons collectively contributed to the national Masonic movement that gave £51.1 million to charities in 2020. The Provincial Charity itself donates over £100,000 annually to local charities and similar not-for-profit organizations. The committee operates with 4 trustees and 15 volunteers, reviewing applications on a bi-monthly basis. In partnership with the Masonic Charitable Foundation, they distributed £151,475 in grants to 22 charities in Nottinghamshire in a recent funding round. The charity is currently engaged in the 2029 Festival campaign to raise additional funds for the Masonic Charitable Foundation.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Community Grants Programme: £250 - £5,000 per grant

• Applications accepted bi-monthly (January, March, May, July, September, November)
• Preference given to smaller charities with annual income under £25,000
• Grants must be used within 12 months of offer letter
• Over £100,000 distributed annually to Nottinghamshire charities

Masonic Relief Fund: Variable amounts

• Supports aged or indigent Freemasons of Nottinghamshire Province
• Assists widows, children and relatives of Freemasons
• Available only to those with Masonic connections

Priority Areas

The charity supports local charities and not-for-profit organizations serving Nottinghamshire communities across various sectors including:

• Emergency services support (air ambulances, blood bikes, emergency response vehicles)
• Health and medical research
• Hospice care and end-of-life support
• Support for vulnerable people
• Children and young people's services
• Disability support services
• Services for older people

Key Requirements:

• Charity must operate in Nottinghamshire
• Majority of beneficiaries must fit within one target area
• Must provide audited or independently inspected accounts
• Must demonstrate track record of service delivery
• No Masonic connection required for community grants

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions are not detailed on their website, the charity emphasizes:

• Projects outside Nottinghamshire are not eligible
• Organizations must fit within their defined target areas
• Only one application per target area will be considered from each charity

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Governance and Leadership

Provincial Grand Master: Philip G. Marshall launched the 2029 Festival campaign in May 2023 to raise funds for the Masonic Charitable Foundation. Under his leadership, the Province has emphasized that “charitable giving is a fundamental part of what it is to be a Freemason.”

Provincial Grand Secretary: Roger G. Cheetham

Structure: The charity is an unincorporated association controlled by 4 trustees who delegate authority to a charity committee. Committee members are elected by members of the Province of Nottinghamshire. A Case and Finance sub-committee handles day-to-day matters.

Volunteers: 15 volunteers support the charity's operations.

Governance Philosophy: The charity operates using four guiding principles: Integrity, Friendship, Respect, and Charity.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are accepted during the months of January, March, May, July, September, November through their online grants portal at www.nottinghamshiremasons.co.uk/grants-to-charities.

Before Applying:

• Read all sections of the application guidance thoroughly before proceeding
• Ensure your charity operates in Nottinghamshire
• Confirm the majority of beneficiaries fit within one of their target areas
• Prepare audited or independently inspected charity accounts
• Apply for only one target area
• No Masonic connection is required

Referral Process: Freemasons interested in referring a charity can share the website with the organization or provide contact details so the charity can be advised on how to apply.

Decision Timeline

Applications are reviewed on a bi-monthly cycle based on submission month. While specific timelines are not published by the Nottinghamshire Provincial Charity, comparable Masonic grant programs typically make decisions within 6-12 weeks of the application deadline.

Notification: The charity will provide feedback at whichever stage an application is rejected.

Success Rates

Specific success rate percentages are not publicly disclosed. However, the charity acknowledges that “the main reason for not funding projects is that they receive many more applications than they can support, which unfortunately causes them to turn down many of the charities that apply to them.”

In a recent funding round, 22 charities received grants totaling £151,475 from the combined efforts of Nottinghamshire Freemasons and the Masonic Charitable Foundation, indicating selective but substantial grant-making.

Reapplication Policy

If your grant application is declined, you must wait for one year from the date of rejection before reapplying.

The charity will provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants at whichever stage the application is rejected.

Application Success Factors

Assessment Criteria

The charity states that “charities go through a rigorous assessment process before being selected for support.” Applications are evaluated on:

1. The need being addressed: Clear demonstration of community need
2. Effectiveness of activities: Whether proposed activities effectively tackle the identified need
3. Financial situation: The charity's financial health and sustainability
4. Capacity and sustainability: Organizational capacity to deliver and sustain the project
5. Reach and potential impact: How many people will benefit and to what extent
6. Monitoring and evaluation: How results will be tracked and measured

What Makes Applications Stand Out

Strong track record: Applicants “must demonstrate a track record of service delivery.” New or untested organizations may find it more challenging to secure funding.

Smaller charities prioritized: The program gives “preference to those whose annual income is normally less than £25,000,” suggesting that grassroots organizations with limited alternative funding sources are particularly welcome.

Local focus: Projects serving Nottinghamshire communities are central to their mission. Demonstrate deep roots and understanding of local needs.

Clear beneficiary focus: "The majority of your project's/charity's beneficiaries must fit within one of their target areas." Don't try to be all things to all people - focus your application on one clear target area.

Financial transparency: “Must be able to provide audited or independently inspected charity accounts” - ensure your financial documentation is thorough and professional.

Why Applications Are Rejected

The charity is transparent about the primary reason for rejection: they “receive many more applications than they can support.” This means:

• Competition is high
• Meeting basic criteria may not be sufficient
• Applications must demonstrate exceptional value and impact
• Even strong applications may be declined due to funding limitations

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Timing matters: Submit during bi-monthly windows (January, March, May, July, September, November) and plan ahead for the assessment period
• Small is strategic: With preference for charities under £25,000 annual income, this funder is ideal for grassroots organizations that larger funders might overlook
• Local credentials essential: Nottinghamshire focus is non-negotiable - emphasize deep local knowledge and community connections
• Track record critical: Demonstrate proven service delivery rather than innovative but untested ideas
• One target area only: Focus your application sharply on one beneficiary group rather than trying to address multiple needs
• Financial health matters: Ensure accounts are professionally prepared and demonstrate organizational sustainability
• Competition is fierce: With many applications for limited funds, applications must be exceptionally well-prepared and demonstrate clear, measurable impact
• One-year wait for reapplication: Get it right the first time - unsuccessful applicants must wait a full year before reapplying
• Feedback available: If rejected, request and carefully review feedback to improve future applications

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The Thomas Farr Charity
• J N Derbyshire Trust
• Provincial Grand Charity of the Province of Derbyshire
• LILIAN FRANCES HIND BEQUEST (TRUSTEES OF LADY HIND)
• Durham Freemasons Charity
• Castle Cavendish Foundation
• Sir John Eastwood Foundation
• The Jack Brunton Charitable Trust
• Forever Notts (Nottinghamshire Community Foundation)
• The Fifty Fund

References

• Charity Commission Register, Provincial Grand Lodge of Nottinghamshire Charity Committee (Charity Number 226943): https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=226943&subid=0

• Nottinghamshire Freemasons, “Grants to Charities,”: https://www.nottinghamshiremasons.co.uk/grants-to-charities

• Nottinghamshire Freemasons, “Charitable Work,”: https://www.nottinghamshiremasons.co.uk/charity

• Nottinghamshire Freemasons, Provincial Grand Lodge of Nottinghamshire website: https://www.nottinghamshiremasons.co.uk/

• Nottinghamshire Festival 2029 website: https://www.fest2029.co.uk

• Freemasonry Network, “Nottinghamshire Freemasons,”: https://freemasonry.network/provincial-grand-lodges-ugle/nottinghamshire-freemasons/