The Masons Company Craft Fund

Quick Stats

• Registered Charity Number: 292070
• Annual Income: £123,974 (2024)
• Annual Expenditure: £117,002 (2024)
• Maximum Individual Grant: £2,500 for fee support
• Founded: 1985
• Geographic Focus: England and Wales
• Application Method: Rolling basis via online form

Contact Details

Website: www.masonslivery.org

Email: clerk@masonslivery.org

Phone: 01487 900163

Address: c/o Mercers' Hall, 6 Frederick's Place, London, EC2R 8AB

For training grant applications, contact the Clerk who will direct inquiries to the Training Co-ordinator and Craft and Training Committee.

Overview

The Masons Company Craft Fund was established in 1985 as the charitable arm of The Worshipful Company of Masons, one of the ancient Livery Companies of the City of London (number 30 in order of precedence). With an annual expenditure of approximately £117,000 and net assets of over £1.5 million, the Fund is dedicated to promoting any charitable purpose which will encourage the exercise and maintain the standards of the craft of stonemasonry, preserve and improve the craft, and foster, promote and increase public interest in stonemasonry. The charity operates independently with trustees who are Liverymen of the Company, working in parallel with the Court of the Masons' Company to support the future of this heritage craft through both individual educational grants and institutional partnerships with leading stonemasonry training establishments across England and Wales.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Individual Training Grants

• Maximum value: £2,500 for fee support
• Funding for apprentices, students and trainees pursuing stonemasonry qualifications
• Multi-year support available - grants awarded annually to students making progress to ensure they can complete their training
• Support for Yeoman Masons seeking the Journeyman Mason's Certificate or Master Craftsman's Certificate

Annual Bursaries

• Sydney Mason Award: Annual bursary at City & Guilds of London Art School or other suitable training centre for a student nominated by the school

Institutional Support

• Annual grant to Building Crafts College for workplace experience programs
• Grant funding for Italy study tour for Building Crafts College students
• Support for periodic Stone Bench competitions in the City of London
• Partnership funding with Cathedrals' Workshop Fellowship for apprenticeships

Priority Areas

Educational Qualifications Supported:

• City & Guilds qualifications in stonemasonry
• NVQ Level 3 diplomas in stonemasonry (banker masonry, stone carving, memorial masonry, stone fixing)
• Heritage stonemasonry courses
• Diplomas in stone carving (providing NVQ Level 3 already achieved)
• Foundation degrees through Cathedrals' Workshop Fellowship

Training Focus:

• Traditional stonemasonry craftsmanship
• Architectural stone carving
• Heritage building conservation and repair
• Cathedral and historic building stonework

Who Can Benefit:

• Apprentices starting out in stonemasonry
• Students enrolled at approved training establishments
• Yeoman Masons seeking advanced certification
• Part-time students supported by employers
• Independent trainees (exceptional circumstances only, must be recommended)

Approved Training Establishments:

• Building Crafts College (London)
• City & Guilds of London Art School
• Moulton College (Northampton)
• Bath College
• Weymouth College
• York College
• Cathedral workshops through Cathedrals' Workshop Fellowship at Canterbury, Chester, Durham, Exeter, Gloucester, Lincoln, Lichfield, Salisbury, Westminster, Winchester, Worcester, and York

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the Fund's specific focus means it does not support:

• Training or education outside stonemasonry and stone carving
• Projects outside England and Wales
• Organizations rather than individuals (except for specific institutional partnerships already established)
• Courses not leading to recognized qualifications (City & Guilds, NVQ Level 3, or equivalent)

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees (5 Total)

Martin Howard Fox - Chair

Nicholas Jon Hammond - Trustee

Russell James Paul Taylor - Trustee

Alan Paul Kraven - Trustee

Robert Clive Merry - Trustee

All trustees are Liverymen of the Worshipful Company of Masons and serve without remuneration. No trustees receive any payments or benefits from the charity.

Advisory Structure

Craft and Training Committee - Reviews applications and advises trustees on grant decisions

• Adam Stone - Deputy Chair of Craft and Training Committee, leads masonry exhibitions and presentations

Training Co-ordinator - Works with the Craft and Training Committee to assess applicant commitment to the stonemasonry industry

The charity has no employees and no trading subsidiaries, operating as a pure grant-making trust within the structure of the Worshipful Company of Masons.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Application Method: Online application form available at masonslivery.org/our-craft/

Application Requirements:

1. Confirmation of place at an approved training establishment
2. Details of qualification being pursued (City & Guilds, NVQ Level 3, or equivalent)
3. For part-time students: evidence of employer support
4. For independent trainees: recommendation demonstrating commitment to staying in the industry

Pre-Application Contact: Contact the Clerk at clerk@masonslivery.org or 01487 900163 for guidance on eligibility and the application process.

Decision Timeline

Rolling basis - Applications accepted throughout the year as students secure places at approved training establishments

The Training Co-ordinator and Craft and Training Committee review applications and advise the trustees. While specific decision timelines are not published, the Fund operates to support students at the start of their academic year.

Progress Reports: Continued funding is subject to attendance and progress reports submitted by the training establishment to the Craft Fund. Students making satisfactory progress receive renewed grants each year to complete their training.

Success Rates

Specific success rate data is not publicly available. However, the Fund's approach suggests strong support for committed applicants:

• The Fund is “willing to consider any applicant” wishing to enrol in approved stonemasonry training
• Multi-year support indicates commitment to seeing successful applicants through to completion
• The emphasis is on demonstrating genuine commitment to the craft rather than competitive selection

Reapplication Policy

Multi-year funding model: The Fund operates on the principle of supporting students throughout their training period. Rather than requiring separate reapplications, the charity provides continued funding year-on-year for students who:

• Maintain good attendance
• Make satisfactory progress
• Receive positive reports from their training establishment

This ensures students who start training with the Company's backing are in a position to finish it.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Fund's stated priorities and assessment criteria, successful applications demonstrate:

1. Commitment to the Stonemasonry Industry

The Craft and Training Committee explicitly states they “will wish to be satisfied that applicants are committed to staying in the craft and industry after their courses.” This is the primary selection criterion.

Strong applications show:

• Clear career plans in stonemasonry or stone conservation
• Understanding of the traditional craft and its importance
• Interest in heritage building conservation
• Long-term commitment beyond just completing the qualification

2. Enrollment at Approved Establishments

Success requires acceptance at one of the Fund's recognized training institutions. The Fund has established relationships with specific colleges and cathedral workshops, suggesting these partnerships ensure quality training that aligns with the Company's standards.

3. Employer Support (for part-time students)

Part-time applicants need employer backing, demonstrating they are already working in the industry and seeking to formalize their skills through qualifications. This provides strong evidence of career commitment.

4. Proper Qualifications Pathway

Applications should be for recognized qualifications:

• City & Guilds certifications
• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent
• Diplomas in stonemasonry or stone carving

The Fund supports progression through qualification levels and will fund diploma in stone carving only if NVQ Level 3 already achieved in previous training.

5. Recommendations (for independent trainees)

Independent trainees (those without employer support) are considered exceptionally and must be recommended. Strong recommendations from professionals in the field would be critical for these applicants.

6. Heritage and Conservation Focus

The Fund's emphasis on “preserving and improving the craft” suggests applications demonstrating interest in:

• Historic building conservation
• Cathedral and heritage stonework
• Traditional techniques
• Public interest in the craft

Recent Success Stories:

• Multiple students at City & Guilds of London Art School have received Masons Company bursaries, with recipients going on to win the Sydney Mason Award
• Anthony Whitehead won the Worshipful Company of Masons' Master Craftsman Apprentice Award
• The Fund supported Rachael Wragg, who was Highly Commended in the Duke of Gloucester Awards for her work on Lincoln Cathedral Chapter House quatrefoil panels
• Students have successfully completed multi-year programs with continued Masons Company support, including part-time students balancing work and study

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Commitment is key: The primary criterion is demonstrating genuine, long-term commitment to a career in stonemasonry - this matters more than academic achievement or financial need alone

• Choose approved institutions: Ensure your training will be at one of the Fund's recognized establishments (Building Crafts College, City & Guilds of London Art School, Moulton College, Bath, Weymouth, York, or cathedral workshops)

• Multi-year support available: Unlike one-off grants, the Fund will continue supporting you throughout your training if you make good progress - emphasize your need for sustained support to complete qualification

• Employer backing strengthens applications: If studying part-time, secure employer support before applying as this is required (except in exceptional circumstances with strong recommendations)

• Heritage focus resonates: Demonstrate interest in traditional craftsmanship, heritage conservation, and cathedral/historic building work - this aligns with the Company's mission to preserve the craft

• Progress matters for renewal: Once funded, maintain good attendance and progress as the training establishment reports to the Fund - this determines continued support

• Contact the Clerk first: For guidance on eligibility and to ensure your course qualifies, contact clerk@masonslivery.org before applying - this can save time and strengthen your application

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• THE KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE BENEVOLENT FUND
• Norton Folgate Trust
• The Worshipful Company of Turners Charitable Trust
• The Paviors' Charity
• The Company of Arts Scholars Charitable Trust
• THE HEADLEY TRUST
• Nicholas Chamberlaine's School Foundation
• Building and Civil Engineering Charitable Trust
• The Plumbers Charity
• Churches Conservation

References

• The Charity Commission Register: The Masons Company Craft Fund (Charity 292070), https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/sector-data/top-10-charities/-/charity-details/292070/full-print

• The Worshipful Company of Masons: Our Charities, https://www.masonslivery.org/charities/

• The Worshipful Company of Masons: Our Craft, https://www.masonslivery.org/our-craft/

• The Worshipful Company of Masons: Contact, https://www.masonslivery.org/contact/

• Cathedrals' Workshop Fellowship: The Worshipful Company of Masons, https://www.cwfcathedrals.co.uk/heritage-partners/the-worshipful-company-of-masons/

• The Worshipful Company of Masons: Master Craftsman, Journeyman & Apprentice Mason Awards Scheme 2025, https://www.masonslivery.org/master-craftsman-certificates-2025/

• The Building Crafts College: Funding Information, https://thebcc.ac.uk/resources/funding-information/

• Stone Specialist: Training bursary from Masons Livery Company, https://www.stonespecialist.com/news/training/new-video-masons-livery-company

• Wikipedia: Worshipful Company of Masons, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Worshipful_Company_of_Masons