West Lancashire Freemasons' Charity

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £500,000+
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not specified
• Grant Range: £1 - £25,000+ (major projects over £25,000 considered)
• Geographic Focus: West Lancashire Province (parts of Lancashire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and Cumbria - from Liverpool to the Lake District)

Contact Details

Website: www.westlancsfreemasons.org.uk/wlfc-home

Email: enquiries@westlancscharity.org.uk

Phone:

• Grants enquiries (Mon-Fri): 0151 482 4757
• General enquiries (Wed): 0151 482 4750
• Emergency out-of-hours: 0770 948 7919

Address: Unit 2 Block A Paramount Business Park, Wilson Road, Huyton, Merseyside, L36 6AW

Overview

The West Lancashire Freemasons' Charity (WLFC) was formed in April 2008 through the amalgamation of seven Masonic charities operating in the Province. It is the largest UK Masonic charity outside the Grand Charities. The charity operates across an extensive geographic area covering parts of Lancashire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Cumbria, from Liverpool and Manchester suburbs in the south to Barrow and the Lake District in the north. With 34 volunteers and annual grant distributions exceeding £500,000, the charity directs over 50% of its giving outside of Freemasonry. The charity is funded entirely from donations by Freemasons and does not receive money from the general public. It provides vital support to Freemasons and their dependants in need, promotes education for children under 25 residing in the Province, and funds diverse community projects throughout the region.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Individual/Family Support Grants: £1 - unspecified maximum

• Financial assistance for Freemasons and their dependants experiencing need, hardship, or distress
• Support for financial emergencies, essential household repairs, and necessary replacements
• Application via lodge almoner, pastoral care officer, or directly to WLFC
• Rolling basis

Educational Grants: Amount varies

• Support for children under 25 who are resident in the Province and need financial assistance for education
• Assistance through Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys for children of West Lancashire Freemasons
• Help for other children where family hardship prevents educational participation
• Application via downloadable application and guidance forms

Community Project Grants: Up to £25,000+ (major projects over £25,000 require written submission)

• Funding for community schemes, charitable organizations, and local projects within the Province
• Major projects exceeding £25,000 must be submitted in writing by June 30 annually
• Application via downloadable application and guidance forms

Priority Areas

The charity actively funds:

• Youth organizations: Scout and Guide groups, Boys Brigade, Sea Cadets, youth clubs
• Educational initiatives: Projects inspiring young people, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds, with focus on learning and opportunity creation
• Disability access: Disabled facilities, accessibility equipment, buggies for disabled visitors
• Community infrastructure: Minibuses for community use, equipment for community buildings, sound systems
• Places of worship: Disabled access improvements to church halls and religious buildings
• Sport and recreation: Equipment for clubs (e.g., judo clubs), recreational facilities
• Health and social care: Children's hospices, Alzheimer societies, cerebral palsy support
• Conservation and environment: Support for nature reserves and outdoor access

What They Don't Fund

• Bank balance top-ups: The charity only helps with specific projects, not general operating costs
• Non-charitable purposes: Applicants must be a registered charity or seeking assistance for charitable purposes
• Full project costs: Generally expects applicants to demonstrate own fundraising efforts; unusual for charity to meet 100% of project costs (though possible in special cases)
• Projects outside the Province: Geographic restrictions apply to the West Lancashire area
• Applications without evidence of need: Requires demonstration of income, savings, and essential outgoings for individual grants

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Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Howard (appointed 2021, previously CFO for 5 years)

• Brings experience from industry privatizations and government contracts

Chief Financial Officer (CFO): Previously Howard, successor not specified in available sources

Board of Directors

Chairman: Derek Parkinson

• Retired Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
• Invested as Assistant Provincial Grand Master in 2014

Vice Chairman: John Smith

• Qualified as chartered accountant in 1979
• Involved with the charity since 2002

Other Trustees:

Paul (Trustee appointed June 2022)

• 19 years as volunteer with charity, primarily as grant executive
• Former Detective Superintendent with Merseyside Police

John (Vice Chairman, Widnes Group)

• Actively involved with charity leadership

Additional leadership references in recent activities include Steve Kayne (CEO) and Mark Mathews (Chairman) cited in grant announcements.

Key Leadership Quote: Tony Harrison, Leader of West Lancashire Freemasons, stated: “This project will be of great benefit to the community, inspiring young people, many from disadvantaged backgrounds, to learn, enquire and think, creating hope and opportunity for the future.” This demonstrates the charity's commitment to youth development and social mobility.

Governance Note: No trustees receive any remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

For Freemasons and Dependants:

1. Contact your lodge almoner, admin care officer, or pastoral care officer who will advise on available help
2. Alternatively, call Freemasonry Cares: 0800 0356090
3. Or contact WLFC directly on 0151 482 4757 (Mon-Fri)
4. Every application is reviewed carefully and sympathetically
5. Need to provide evidence of income, savings, and basic outgoings
6. Documentation from health or social care professionals may be requested (with consent)
7. Applicants should verify state benefit eligibility beforehand

For Community Groups and Charities:

1. For projects up to £25,000: Submit via standard application process on rolling basis
2. For major projects exceeding £25,000: Submit written application by June 30 annually

Application Schedule:

• Individual/family support: Rolling basis
• Community projects under £25,000: Rolling basis
• Major community projects over £25,000: Annual deadline of June 30

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timeframes are not publicly available. The charity emphasizes that applications are reviewed “carefully and sympathetically,” but processing times are not specified.

Success Rates

The charity does not publish success rate statistics. However, with over £500,000 distributed annually and 34 volunteers processing applications, the charity maintains significant grant-making activity.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is published. Given the rolling application process for most grants, unsuccessful applicants may likely reapply, particularly if circumstances change or additional fundraising has been completed.

Application Success Factors

Key Advice from the Funder

1. Demonstrate Own Fundraising: The charity explicitly states they “would wish to see evidence that you have been raising funds for the project yourselves.” This is critical—they want to support organizations showing commitment through their own fundraising efforts.

1. Be Specific About Projects: Applications should focus on specific projects with clear objectives. The charity “only helps for a specific project and does not top up bank balances.”

1. Show Community Benefit: Particularly for youth projects, demonstrate how the work will inspire young people, create opportunities, and support those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

1. Verify Charitable Status: Ensure you meet the requirement of being either a registered charity or seeking assistance for charitable purposes before applying.

1. Geographic Eligibility: Confirm your project is within the Province boundaries (parts of Lancashire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and Cumbria).

Recent Funded Projects

These examples illustrate successful applications:

• 5th Blackpool Scout Group: £25,000 for replacement minibus (full cost funded)
• Cerebral Palsy United Football Club: £10,000 for weekend holiday for 20 children at Lake District activity centre
• Catalyst Science Discovery Centre: £25,000 for interactive science exhibit during gallery refurbishment
• Christ Church, Fulwood & St Thomas's, Garstang: Grants for disabled facilities installation in church halls
• Liverpool Cathedral: Funding for disabled lift installation
• Lytham St Annes Sea Cadets: Vehicle purchase
• Friends of Mere Sands Wood: Buggies for disabled visitors

Language and Terminology

The charity emphasizes:

• “Need, hardship or distress” (for individual support)
• “Inspiring young people”
• “Creating hope and opportunity”
• “Community benefit”
• “Treating applications with common sense and compassion”

What Makes Applications Stand Out

1. Focus on Disadvantaged Communities: Projects serving young people from disadvantaged backgrounds align strongly with stated priorities
2. Equipment and Capital Items: Many successful grants fund tangible items (minibuses, buggies, equipment) rather than running costs
3. Accessibility and Inclusion: Projects improving access for disabled people receive consistent support
4. Youth Development: Organizations serving uniformed youth groups (Scouts, Guides, Cadets) have strong track record
5. Educational Value: Projects with clear learning and development outcomes for children
6. Clear Community Impact: Demonstrate how the project serves the wider community, not just members

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Requesting general operating costs or deficit funding
• Failing to show evidence of own fundraising efforts
• Applying for projects outside the geographic area
• Not demonstrating charitable status or purpose
• Expecting 100% funding without justification for special circumstances

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Over Half Goes Beyond Freemasonry: With 50%+ of giving directed outside Masonic causes, community organizations have strong opportunities for funding if they meet geographic and charitable purpose criteria.

1. Show Your Commitment First: Evidence of own fundraising is essential. The charity wants to partner with organizations demonstrating commitment, not simply provide handouts.

1. Youth Projects Are Priority: Projects benefiting children and young people, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, align closely with leadership priorities and strategic focus.

1. Think Capital, Not Revenue: Successful applications typically fund specific capital items (vehicles, equipment, facilities) rather than ongoing costs or staffing.

1. Major Projects Need Planning: If seeking over £25,000, note the annual June 30 deadline and written submission requirement—don't miss this timing.

1. Geographic Focus Matters: Ensure your project clearly serves communities within the Province boundaries (Lancashire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Cumbria areas).

1. Accessibility Projects Welcome: Strong track record of funding disability access improvements across various settings (churches, nature reserves, community facilities).

1. The Human Touch: Leadership emphasizes treating applications “with common sense and compassion”—they're approachable, reasonable, and genuinely want to support worthy causes.

References

1. West Lancashire Freemasons' Charity official website - Apply for assistance page: https://www.westlancsfreemasons.org.uk/philanthropy-giving-care/wlfc/apply-for-assistance/

1. West Lancashire Freemasons' Charity official website - About WLFC: https://www.westlancsfreemasons.org.uk/about-the-west-lancashire-freemasons-charity/

1. Charity Commission register - Charity number 1175246: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1175246&subid=0

1. Companies House - Company number 11020585: https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/11020585

1. West Lancashire Freemasons' Charity official website - Annual Reports: https://www.westlancsfreemasons.org.uk/philanthropy-giving-care/wlfc/annual-reports/

1. Freemasonry Today - “West Lancashire Freemasons surprise Scouts Group with £25,000 donation to buy new minibus”: https://www.freemasonrytoday.com/more-news/provinces-districts-a-groups/west-lancashire-freemasons-surprise-scouts-group-with-25-000-donation-to-buy-new-minibus

1. United Grand Lodge of England - “West Lancashire Freemasons Support Cerebral Palsy United”: https://www.ugle.org.uk/discover-freemasonry/blog/west-lancashire-freemasons-support-cerebral-palsy-united

1. Catalyst Science Discovery Centre - "Inspiring the young - West Lancashire Freemasons' Charity give £25,000 to science and technology project": https://www.catalyst.org.uk/inspiring-the-young-west-lancashire-freemasons-charity-give-25000-to-science-and-technology-project/

1. West Lancashire Freemasons' Charity official website - WLFC home: https://www.westlancsfreemasons.org.uk/philanthropy-giving-care/wlfc/

1. West Lancashire Freemasons' Charity official website - Freemasons in the community: https://westlancsfreemasons.org.uk/about-freemasonry/freemasons-in-the-community/