Grand Charitable Trust of the Order of Women Freemasons

The Grand Charitable Trust of the Order of Women Freemasons serves as the principal charitable arm of the Order, a female-only Masonic organization founded in 1908, evolving from mixed-gender lodges to emphasize women's personal development, fellowship, and philanthropy guided by principles of integrity, friendship, respect, and service. Its mission focuses on benevolent giving to enhance lives across the UK, channeling member-driven fundraising from local lodges into impactful support for vulnerable communities, blending historic Masonic traditions with inclusive, non-sectarian community service.

The Trust is a versatile generalist funder, backing health causes (e.g., Cancer Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society, Stroke Association), social welfare (Salvation Army foodbanks, Women’s Aid, Centrepoint homelessness), care for children, elderly, disabled individuals, and crisis relief (e.g., DEC Turkey-Syria appeal, NHS pandemic support). It aids registered charities and individuals in hardship via projects, core costs, equipment, emergency aid, and community initiatives like handbag appeals for women’s refuges, spanning national organizations to grassroots groups in health, social care, education, animal welfare, and housing throughout England and Wales.

Eligibility is limited to UK-registered charities, with no income thresholds or geographic sub-restrictions within England and Wales; however, it does not accept unsolicited applications—nominations come internally from lodge members tied to local needs. Grants typically range £500–£50,000 (most £500–£5,000), disbursed on a rolling basis via annual lodge cycles without deadlines or formal processes. Distinctive for its volunteer-led, member-nominated model and rejection of partisan/sectarian biases, it uniquely fuses female Masonic heritage with flexible, response-driven philanthropy prioritizing practical relief and well-being.