The East Lancashire Masonic Charity

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £1,190,506 (charitable activities expenditure, 2024)
• Community Grants: £74,000 to 53 organizations (2019 data)
• Total Grants Awarded: £751,067.45 (since inception)
• Decision Time: 4-8 weeks
• Grant Range: Varies by program; community grants typically £2,500 - £5,000+
• Geographic Focus: Predominantly East Lancashire (Blackburn, Burnley, Pendle, Hyndburn, Ribble Valley, Oldham, Rochdale, Middleton, Bury, and surrounding areas)
• Annual Assistance to Beneficiaries: £155,000

Contact Details

Address: Hewlett Court, Newcombe Road, Holcombe Brook, Bury, BL0 9XJ

Website: www.elmc.co.uk

Email: elmc@eastlancsmasons.org.uk

Phone: 01204 886552

Key Staff:

• Julie Ward, Manager (Operations Director)
• Karen Hall, Administrative Officer (part-time)

Overview

The East Lancashire Masonic Charity (ELMC) was incorporated in its present form in 1904 and is registered as charity number 225151. With total income of over £1 million annually and substantial assets, the charity serves a dual mission: providing direct financial and housing support to needy Freemasons, their widows, and dependent relatives, while also making grants to local charities and community organizations in the East Lancashire region.

The charity operates Hewlett Court sheltered housing facility and distributes approximately £155,000 annually in direct assistance to individual beneficiaries, while also awarding community grants through its Grant Making Committee. The ELMC emphasizes supporting projects where Freemasons are actively involved in their local communities, focusing on poverty relief, education, health improvement, community development, and cultural heritage. The charity meets at least four times per year to consider grant applications and has been actively supporting youth organizations, scout groups, educational initiatives, and community facilities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Community Grants Program

• Amount: Grants typically range from £2,500 to £5,000+
• Process: Applications submitted through Lodge/Chapter Charity Stewards to District Charity Stewards
• Approval: Single grants exceeding £5,000 require Board of ELMC sanction
• Volume: 53 grants totaling £74,000 awarded in 2019
• Application Method: Rolling basis; Grant Making Committee meets at least 4 times per year

Individual Benevolence Support

• Direct financial assistance to Freemasons and their families experiencing hardship
• Annual assistance totaling approximately £155,000
• Grants intended to last minimum one year with renewal processes

Educational Grants

• Support for children of needy or deceased Freemasons
• Recent example: £2,500 educational grant for youth sports achievement

Priority Areas

The ELMC supports projects in the following categories:

• Poverty Relief: Direct assistance and community support programs
• Education: Youth development, educational opportunities, achievement awards
• Health Improvement: Healthcare facilities and wellbeing initiatives
• Community Development: Scout groups, youth clubs, community facilities
• Cultural and Heritage: Arts, culture, and heritage preservation
• Environmental Protection: Conservation and environmental projects
• Human Rights: Social justice and rights-based initiatives

Strong Preference: Organizations and projects where Freemasons are actively involved receive priority consideration.

What They Don't Fund

• National charities (except specific local events or projects)
• Organizations already supported by Grand Charity (the main Masonic charity)
• Projects or organizations outside the Province boundaries
• Political parties or politically affiliated organizations
• Animal-only causes or organizations
• Organizations connected with political parties

Note: Recipients need not be registered charities, but must operate within East Lancashire boundaries.

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Governance and Leadership

The charity is governed by its Constitution and directed by its Board of Directors, who also serve as Trustees. The Board is elected annually at the Annual General Meeting.

Management Structure

• Board of Directors/Trustees: Elected annually; includes Provincial Grand Master, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Provincial Grand Almoner, and other appointed members
• Minimum Quorum: 4 members required for committee decisions
• Day-to-day Management: Julie Ward (Operations Director) and Karen Hall (Administrative Officer)
• Provincial Grand Charity Steward: Bob Findley (appointed March 2021)

Committees

• Grant Making Committee: Considers funding for charities and community projects; meets minimum 4 times per year
• Committee of Benevolence: Oversees individual assistance to Freemasons and families
• Young Peoples Committee: Focuses on youth-related initiatives
• Comforts Fund Committee: Provides additional support services

The committee reserves the right to distribute funds fairly across the Province to ensure equitable geographic coverage.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

For Community Organizations:

• Lodge or Chapter Charity Stewards submit applications to District Charity Steward
• District Chairman and District Charity Steward review and approve
• Application forwarded to Secretary of Grant Making Committee

1. Application Form: Official Grant Application Form available on elmc.co.uk in PDF and Word formats

• The applicant
• Assistant Provincial Grand Master (APGM)
• District Chairman
• District Charity Steward

1. Supporting Information: Guidelines for applicants and District Charity Stewards available on website

For Individuals (Freemasons/Families):

• Contact the charity directly for benevolence applications
• Separate process from community grant applications

Decision Timeline

• Standard Processing: 4-8 weeks from receipt of application
• Potential Delays: If form is incorrectly completed or further information is required
• Committee Meetings: At least 4 times per year
• Notification: Decisions communicated following committee meetings

Success Rates

Specific success rate percentages are not publicly disclosed. However, in 2019, the Grant Making Committee approved 53 community grants totaling £74,000, indicating active grant distribution.

Reapplication Policy

For Existing Beneficiaries: Renewal application forms are sent 3 months prior to the first anniversary of the last application to determine if continued assistance is needed. Grants are intended to last a minimum of one year.

For Community Organizations: No specific restrictions on reapplication are published. Organizations can submit applications when the committee is meeting (at least quarterly).

Application Success Factors

Key Success Factors

1. Freemason Involvement

The charity explicitly states: “Preference is given to organisations in which Freemasons are actively involved.” If your organization has Freemason members or supporters, highlight their involvement and engagement.

2. Geographic Alignment

Projects must operate within the Province boundaries. Clearly demonstrate your organization's presence and impact in East Lancashire communities (Blackburn, Burnley, Pendle, Hyndburn, Ribble Valley, Oldham, Rochdale, Middleton, Bury, and surrounding areas).

3. Community Impact

The charity values projects that benefit local communities. Demonstrate clear, measurable community benefits and how funds will improve lives in East Lancashire.

4. Alignment with Priorities

Frame your project within one or more of their priority areas: poverty relief, education, health improvement, community development, cultural heritage, environmental protection, or human rights.

5. Follow the Route

Applications must go through the proper Masonic channels. If you don't have direct connections to a Lodge or Chapter, reach out to local Masonic groups to discuss potential sponsorship of your application.

Recently Funded Projects

• Salford Lads and Girls Club: £5,000 for two interactive smart screens in historic Grade II* listed building
• 8th & 26th Todmorden Scout Group: Nearly £3,000 for France trip for King's Scout, Explorer Belt, and Gold Duke of Edinburgh awards
• Bury Scout Group: £2,500 towards £7,500 toilet facility development
• 24th Farnworth Scout Group: Grant awarded (amount not specified)
• Dragon Martial Arts Club, Mossley: Grant awarded (amount not specified)
• Individual Educational Grant: £2,500 for youth to attend World Championships in Jiu Jitsu

Committee Evaluation Approach

The committee conducts site visits to approximately three grant recipients per year to assess how grants have benefitted the community, showing their commitment to impact measurement and relationship building.

Common Themes in Successful Applications

• Youth development and education
• Community facility improvements
• Sports and achievement opportunities
• Practical, tangible outcomes
• Clear demonstration of need
• Local community benefit

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Work Through the Masonic Network: You cannot apply directly. Build relationships with local Lodges or Chapters who can sponsor your application through their Charity Stewards.

• Emphasize Freemason Involvement: If members of your organization are Freemasons or if Freemasons volunteer with you, make this prominent in your application. This is explicitly stated as a preference.

• Be Geographically Specific: Clearly demonstrate that your organization operates within and benefits East Lancashire communities. National organizations with local branches should emphasize the local impact.

• Understand the Dual Mission: While the charity primarily supports Freemasons and their families, the community grants program is substantial (£74,000 to 53 organizations in 2019) and actively seeks worthy local projects.

• Target Grant Amounts Strategically: Most community grants appear to fall in the £2,500-£5,000 range. Requests over £5,000 require additional Board approval, so may face more scrutiny.

• Plan for 4-8 Week Timeline: Allow sufficient time for processing. Ensure your application is complete and accurate to avoid delays.

• Focus on Tangible Community Benefits: Successful grants support specific, practical improvements (equipment, facilities, trips) rather than general operating costs. Be specific about what the grant will achieve.

References

• The East Lancashire Masonic Charity official website: https://elmc.co.uk/
• Grant Making Committee page: https://elmc.co.uk/grant-making-committee/
• Charity Commission Register entry for charity 225151: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/225151
• Provincial Grand Lodge of East Lancashire: https://eastlancashirefreemasons.org/charity/
• ELMC Grants page: https://elmc.co.uk/elmc-grants-2/
• Financial data from Charity Commission accounts for year ending December 31, 2024