The George A Moore Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £336,790 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Quarterly trustee meetings (decisions communicated soon after)
• Grant Range: £500 - £2,500 (larger grants considered for selected projects)
• Geographic Focus: North and West Yorkshire, and Isle of Man

Contact Details

• Website: www.gamf.org.uk
• Email: info@gamf.org.uk
• Phone: 0113 386 3393
• Address: 4th Floor, 10 South Parade, Leeds, LS1 5QS
• Contact for Questions: Nadia Abou-Ragheb (Administrator)
• Chief Administrator: Mrs A. L. James

Overview

The George A Moore Foundation was established in 1970 by George A. Moore, CBE, KStJ, initially as a welfare fund for employees in his furniture manufacturing business at Thorp Arch Trading Estate, near Wetherby, Yorkshire. The foundation was significantly enhanced in 1987 when Mr. Moore sold Moore's Furniture Group. Mr. Moore, born in 1928 in Knaresborough, was awarded a CBE in 1988 and Knight of St John status in 1995 for his remarkable business career and charitable work. He passed away in September 2016 at age 88. The foundation continues to operate from monies privately invested by the Moore family and has provided support to thousands of charitable organizations over the years. The foundation is a well-respected grant-making charity that focuses exclusively on registered charities based in the North and West Yorkshire area, supporting diverse causes including education, health, armed forces, community projects, and sporting initiatives.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Main Grant Programme: £500 - £2,500 per grant (larger grants may be considered for selected projects)
• Application Method: Rolling basis with quarterly trustee meetings
• Meeting Schedule: February, May, August, and November

Priority Areas

The foundation supports charities working in various spheres including:

• Education initiatives
• Health and disability support
• Armed forces charities
• Community development projects
• Sporting projects
• Support for elderly people
• Children and young people
• Poverty alleviation
• Arts and culture
• Environmental projects

What They Don't Fund

• Individuals
• Courses of study
• Overseas travel
• Holidays
• Purposes outside the UK

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Governance and Leadership

Current Trustees:

• Mr J. Richard Moore
• Mrs Charlotte Lowe
• Mrs Ruth Robinson

Administrative Staff:

• Mrs A. L. James, Chief Administrator
• Nadia Abou-Ragheb, Administrator

Governance Structure: The trustees meet quarterly to review applications. No trustees receive any remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity, ensuring all funds go toward charitable purposes.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted in writing by post to:

Mrs A. L. James

Chief Administrator

The George A. Moore Foundation

4th Floor, 10 South Parade

Leeds, LS1 5QS

Application Requirements:

• Submit a written application including all relevant details for the funding requested
• For project funding, include:
• Total funding required
• Funds raised to date
• Proposals to raise any shortfall
• Annual accounts are not required with initial application but may be requested later

Important Notes:

• Applications are only accepted by post (not email)
• Must be submitted by 12 noon on the closing date for the relevant quarterly meeting

Decision Timeline

Meeting Schedule:

• Trustees meet quarterly: February, May, August, and November
• Specific application closing dates are published on the foundation's website

Notification:

• All decisions are communicated by post or email as soon as possible after trustee meetings
• Due to high volume of applications, individual feedback is not provided
• There is no appeals process

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly disclosed. The foundation states it receives a large volume of applications, suggesting competition is significant.

Reapplication Policy

Further applications will only be considered 12 months from the date of any previous application. This applies whether the previous application was successful or unsuccessful.

Application Success Factors

Geographic Focus is Critical:

The foundation exclusively supports registered charities based in North and West Yorkshire, and the Isle of Man. Applications from charities outside this geographic area will not be considered.

Demonstrate Local Impact:

Given the foundation's emphasis on “supporting our local community,” applications should clearly articulate how the project benefits Yorkshire communities or Isle of Man residents.

Complete Project Information:

For project-based applications, provide comprehensive details about total funding required, funds already secured, and realistic plans for raising any shortfall. This demonstrates financial planning and reduces risk from the trustees' perspective.

Eligibility is Essential:

Ensure your organization is a registered charity and that your request doesn't fall into excluded categories (individuals, courses of study, overseas travel, holidays, or purposes outside the UK).

Clear and Concise Applications:

Since the foundation doesn't provide individual feedback and receives high volumes of applications, make your case clearly and concisely in writing. Focus on outcomes and community benefit.

Realistic Grant Amounts:

Most grants range from £500 to £2,500. While larger grants are possible for selected projects, applications should be realistic about the foundation's typical funding levels.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Yorkshire-focused: Only registered charities in North and West Yorkshire and Isle of Man are eligible—geographic restrictions are strictly enforced
• Small to medium grants: Typical grants are £500-£2,500, so tailor requests accordingly rather than seeking large funding
• Quarterly decisions: Plan ahead with February, May, August, and November meeting cycles; check website for specific closing dates
• 12-month waiting period: If unsuccessful, you must wait a full year before reapplying—make your first application count
• Post-only applications: Written applications by post are required; no email submissions accepted
• Project funding details required: For project grants, include total costs, funds secured, and fundraising plans to demonstrate financial viability
• No feedback provided: Applications are not individually reviewed with applicants, so ensure completeness before submission

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The Tudwick Foundation
• The Stroh Gestetner Foundation Ltd
• Lady Gould's Charity
• P H Holt Foundation
• The Geoffrey Watling Charity
• Isle of Wight Foundation
• THE JONES 1986 CHARITABLE TRUST
• Sir John and Lady Heathcoat Amory's Charitable Trust
• THE JAMES FREDERICK AND ETHEL ANNE MEASURES CHARITY
• Hays Travel Foundation

References

• The George A Moore Foundation official website: https://gamf.org.uk/
• How to Apply page: https://gamf.org.uk/how-to-apply/
• About Us page: https://gamf.org.uk/about-us/
• UK Charity Commission Register of Charities, charity number 262107: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=262107&subid=0
• The Stray Ferret, “Statue to commemorate Knaresborough philanthropist approved”: https://thestrayferret.co.uk/statue-to-commemorate-knaresborough-businessman-and-philanthropist-approved/