Worshipful Company Of Needlemakers Charitable Fund

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £75,108 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Varies by program
• Grant Range: £1,000 - £7,500
• Geographic Focus: Primarily London and UK-wide for specific programs

Contact Details

Address: PO Box 73635, London SW14 9BY

Website: www.needlemakers.org.uk

Email: clerk@needlemakers.org.uk

Phone: 07908 521731

Clerk: Fiona Sedgwick

Overview

The Worshipful Company of Needlemakers Charitable Fund (Charity No. 288646) is one of the historic livery companies of the City of London, ranking sixty-fifth in order of precedence. Granted Letters Patent by Oliver Cromwell in 1656 and receiving its Royal Charter in 1664, the Company now acts primarily as a charitable institution. With an annual income of £145,470 and expenditure of £75,108 (financial year ending September 2024), the charity supports the users rather than the makers of needles—including surgeons, nurses, craftspeople using needles in textiles, and students pursuing STEM education. The Company's stated mission is to “make a difference to the people it is able to support” and regularly reviews its giving priorities to align with modern applications of needle technology, particularly in medical and bioscience fields.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

2025 Award for Advanced Needle Technology

• Amount: £7,500 one-off prize plus support package
• Focus: Early-stage projects developing medical or bioscience products, technologies, or services using innovative and/or advanced use of needles or needle replacements
• Additional Support: Workshops, mentoring, and access to professional networks through partnership with the Worshipful Company of Entrepreneurs
• Application Method: Fixed deadline
• Winner Announcement: May 27, 2025

RCN Foundation Needlemakers Educational Bursaries

• Amount: Up to £1,000 per bursary
• Focus: Learning and development activities that enhance patient care for nurses and midwives
• Eligibility: Nurses/midwives currently registered in the UK undertaking learning in the UK
• Application Method: Through RCN Foundation at grants@rcnfoundation.org.uk or 020 7647 3645

RCN Foundation Needlemakers Grant (Student Nurses)

• Amount: Up to £1,000 for each year left of programme (up to two years)
• Focus: Supporting graduates living in London or adjacent counties to become nurses
• Application Method: Through RCN Foundation

Royal College of Surgeons Educational Bursaries

• Amount: Up to £1,000
• Focus: RCS England affiliates and members (FY2-ST8, SAS surgeons, LEDs) to cover costs of attending RCS England courses, cadaveric trauma courses, and PGCert in Surgery e-learning modules
• Eligibility: Must have completed at least one full year of postgraduate clinical work and not be in a consultant post

Cockpit Arts Needlemakers' Award

• Amount: One year of studio space, business support, coaching, and promotional opportunities
• Focus: Craftspeople demonstrating entrepreneurial spirit, creative excellence, and highly developed craft skills
• Application Method: Video or online application form through Cockpit Studios

Guildhall School of Music & Drama Support

• Needlemakers' Prize: Annual Woodwind Competition prize
• Needlemakers' Bursary: Support for promising woodwind students
• History: 27+ years of continuous support (as of 2018)

City & Guilds Foundation Apprenticeship Support

• Amount: Variable, often with matched funding from City & Guilds
• Focus: Supporting apprentices, particularly in engineering and technical fields

Priority Areas

• Engineering education
• STEM subjects at schools and universities
• Apprenticeship training and support

• Life sciences and biosciences
• Surgical training and development
• Nursing education and professional development
• Advanced needle technology in medical applications

• Royal School of Needlework support and prizes
• Textile craftsmanship and needlework
• Music education (woodwind instruments)

• Lord Mayor's Appeal
• City of London institutions
• Master's and Honorary Chaplain's chosen charities

What They Don't Fund

The charity does not explicitly list exclusions, but their funding clearly focuses on:

• Users of needles (not needle manufacturers)
• UK-based activities and beneficiaries
• Educational, healthcare, and arts applications related to needles

Organizations unrelated to needle usage, education, healthcare, or the arts should not apply.

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Governance and Leadership

Current Leadership (The Court)

Master: Nick Macrae

Senior Warden: Simon Bentley

Junior Warden: John Scott

Immediate Past Master: Thomas Michael Foulkes

Clerk: Fiona Sedgwick (appointed 2017, only the 15th Clerk since prior to 1714)

Honorary Chaplain: Rt Revd Bishop Christopher Chessun (Bishop of Southwark)

Honorary Treasurer: David Taylor

Honorary Assistant Clerk: Sheila Reddell

Honorary Archivist: Angie Lewis

Honorary Almoner: Gill Loftus

Beadle: John Oakley

The Court is the governing body of the Company, comprising the Master, Wardens, Past Masters, and Assistants. The Court meets quarterly to handle administrative matters and admit new members. Notably, no trustees receive any remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. The charity operates with 1 trustee and 30 volunteers.

Key Statement from Leadership

The Master has stated: “Needlemakers support apprentices where we can (often with matched funding from City and Guilds),” demonstrating the Company's commitment to practical, hands-on educational support.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

For the 2025 Award for Advanced Needle Technology:

• Download application form from www.needlemakers.org.uk
• Submit via email to the specified contact address
• Applications undergo panel assessment by five experts (academics from Cambridge and Oxford, healthcare leaders, and technology entrepreneurs)
• Shortlisted applicants invited to present via video call
• Deadline: April 17, 2025

For RCN Foundation Bursaries:

• Contact RCN Foundation: grants@rcnfoundation.org.uk or 020 7647 3645
• Download application forms and guidelines from RCN Foundation website
• Applications processed on rolling basis

For Royal College of Surgeons Bursaries:

• Apply through RCS England's educational bursaries program
• Must be RCS England affiliate or member

For Cockpit Arts Award:

• Submit video or online application form through cockpitstudios.org
• Applications typically open in spring

For General Grant Enquiries:

• Contact the Clerk: clerk@needlemakers.org.uk or 07908 521731
• Visit www.needlemakers.org.uk for information

Decision Timeline

2025 Award for Advanced Needle Technology:

• Application deadline: April 17, 2025
• Winner announcement: On or around May 27, 2025
• Award presentation: Early July 2025

Other Programs:

• Timelines vary by program and partner organization
• Educational bursaries often processed on rolling basis
• Annual awards (such as Guildhall School prizes) follow academic calendar

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly available. However, the charity had total expenditure of £75,108 in the financial year ending September 2024, suggesting a modest but meaningful number of grants distributed annually.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is publicly stated. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Clerk for guidance on unsuccessful applications and future opportunities.

Application Success Factors

Key Success Factors

1. Clear Connection to Needle Usage: The charity explicitly supports “users of needles” rather than manufacturers. Successful applications demonstrate how needles (surgical, textile, or other applications) are central to the work or education being supported.

1. Educational Impact: With approximately two-thirds of giving focused on education and STEM subjects, applications should emphasize educational outcomes, skills development, and career advancement.

1. Modern Medical Applications: The charity has been “looking at the extensive use of needles in the medical profession, specifically in areas such as life sciences and biosciences,” indicating strong interest in contemporary medical innovation.

1. Innovation and Entrepreneurship: The 2025 Award for Advanced Needle Technology specifically seeks “innovative and/or advanced use of needles or needle replacements,” suggesting the charity values cutting-edge approaches.

1. UK Focus with Strong London Connection: While some programs are UK-wide, the charity's stated purpose includes “support of London charitable institutions,” suggesting London-based organizations may have an advantage.

1. Partnership Approach: The charity works extensively with established institutions (RCN Foundation, Royal College of Surgeons, Cockpit Arts, Guildhall School), suggesting they value collaborative relationships.

Recent Funded Projects

• Engineering apprenticeships (e.g., supporting a young army engineer with PTSD to secure an engineering apprenticeship at Silverstone)
• Royal School of Needlework student support and prizes
• Surgical training courses at Royal College of Surgeons
• Woodwind musicians at Guildhall School of Music & Drama
• Craftspeople developing needle-based skills at Cockpit Arts
• Nursing education and professional development through RCN Foundation

Language and Terminology

The charity uses professional, traditional language reflecting its heritage as a City of London livery company while emphasizing modern applications. Key terms include:

• “Users of needles” (not manufacturers)
• “STEM subjects”
• “Life sciences and biosciences”
• “Making a difference to the people we support”
• “Advanced needle technology”

Tips for Standing Out

1. Demonstrate Innovation: Show how your project represents cutting-edge thinking in needle applications, particularly in medical or bioscience fields.

1. Emphasize Educational Impact: Clearly articulate how funding will enhance skills, knowledge, and career development.

1. Show Long-term Potential: The charity values sustainable impact—demonstrate how support will lead to lasting benefits for individuals or communities.

1. Connect to Heritage: While the charity focuses on modern applications, acknowledging the historical significance of needlework, surgery, or craftsmanship can strengthen applications.

1. Be Specific About Needle Usage: Don't assume the connection to needles is obvious—explicitly state how needles are used in your field or project.

1. Consider Partnership Opportunities: The charity works with established organizations; if you have connections to RCN, Royal Colleges, or educational institutions, highlight these.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Focus on “users of needles”: The charity explicitly supports those who use needles (surgeons, nurses, craftspeople) rather than needle manufacturers—ensure your application clearly demonstrates needle usage.

1. STEM and medical innovation are priorities: With approximately two-thirds of giving focused on education and strong interest in life sciences, biosciences, and medical technology, applications in these areas are highly competitive.

1. London connection helps but isn't essential: The charity's stated purpose includes “support of London charitable institutions,” but programs like RCN bursaries are UK-wide—clarify your geographic base and impact.

1. Grant amounts are modest but meaningful: Most grants range from £1,000 to £7,500, suitable for bursaries, prizes, and project support rather than large organizational funding.

1. Partnership approach is valued: The charity works extensively through established institutions—consider whether your application might be strengthened by partnering with or applying through organizations like RCN Foundation, Royal Colleges, or arts institutions.

1. Application processes vary by program: Some programs have fixed deadlines (2025 Award for Advanced Needle Technology), while others operate on rolling basis (RCN bursaries)—identify the right program for your needs.

1. Personal contact is welcomed: With a dedicated Clerk (Fiona Sedgwick) and accessible contact details, don't hesitate to reach out for guidance before applying—the charity values direct communication.

References

1. Charity Commission Register of Charities - Worshipful Company of Needlemakers Charitable Fund (288646), https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/288646

1. The Needlemakers' Company Official Website - Charity Section, https://www.needlemakers.org.uk/charity

1. The Needlemakers' Company - Education, https://www.needlemakers.org.uk/charity/education

1. The Needlemakers' Company - 2025 Award for Advanced Needle Technology, https://www.needlemakers.org.uk/about-our-company/news/2025-award-for-advanced-needle-technology

1. The Needlemakers' Company - Our People and The Court, https://www.needlemakers.org.uk/about-our-company/our-people-the-court

1. RCN Foundation - Worshipful Company of Needlemakers Educational Bursaries, http://www.rcnfoundation.org.uk/how_we_can_help/education_grants/rcn_foundation_worshipful_company_of_needlemakers_educational_bursaries

1. Royal College of Surgeons - Educational Bursaries, https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/education-and-exams/courses/educational-bursaries/

1. Cockpit Arts - Needlemakers' Award, https://cockpitstudios.org/awards/the-needlemakers-company-award-at-cockpit/

1. Guildhall School of Music & Drama - Needlemakers Woodwind Prize, https://www.gsmd.ac.uk/whats-on/needlemakers-woodwind-prize

1. City & Guilds Foundation - The Worshipful Company of Needlemakers, https://cityandguildsfoundation.org/tag/the-worshipful-company-of-needlemakers/

1. Wikipedia - Worshipful Company of Needlemakers, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Worshipful_Company_of_Needlemakers