Masons Company Craft Fund

The Masons' Company Craft Fund, established in 1985 by The Worshipful Company of Masons—a livery company with roots in 1356—exists to promote, preserve, and advance stonemasonry in the UK. Its mission centers on fostering excellence, high standards, and public interest in this vital craft for built heritage conservation, emphasizing training for future generations through lifelong skills development, heritage preservation, and public awareness. Distinctive for its exclusive focus on stonemasonry within the historic livery tradition, the fund values commitment to craft transmission from masters to apprentices and strategic partnerships with vocational institutions.

It funds education and training for apprentices, students, trainees, and Yeoman Masons pursuing qualifications like the Journeyman Mason’s or Master Craftsman’s Certificates on approved full-time, part-time, or employer-supported courses. Support includes direct grants and bursaries (e.g., via City & Guilds of London Art School and Sydney Mason Fund), apprenticeships through Cathedrals’ Workshop Fellowship and Building Crafts College, workplace placements, awards like the Duke of Gloucester Awards, study tours, and events promoting natural stone awareness, such as festivals and demonstrations. Beneficiaries are primarily young trainees and emerging craftsmen, with broader public gains in heritage skills sustainability.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities or academic institutions with direct stonemasonry training roles, primarily existing partners; individuals must be enrolled in approved UK courses (England/Wales focus, London emphasis), often with recommendations. No strict income limits, but preference for small/medium specialist entities. Applications via specific email form (rolling basis), reviewed quarterly (Spring/Summer/Autumn/Winter; allow 3 months). Typical grants: £500–£3,000 for individuals, £2,000–£10,000 for projects (up to £20,000 occasionally).

Unlike generalist funders, it rejects unsolicited non-stonemasonry causes, core costs outside partners, or unrelated heritage; its niche integration with professional bodies ensures targeted impact on this endangered trade.