Richard Henry Holmes Masonic Benevolent Fund

Could Richard Henry Holmes Masonic Benevolent Fund be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.

Typical grants: £1,000 – £10,000
Applications: Not accepted
Decisions: Bi annually

Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.

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About Richard Henry Holmes Masonic Benevolent Fund

Established in 1910 to honour the legacy of Alderman Richard Henry Holmes, a Deputy Provincial Grand Master, the Richard Henry Holmes Masonic Benevolent Fund is rooted in Northumberland Masonic Lodges. Its mission is to prevent or relieve poverty among Freemasons, their families and dependents, guided by principles of benevolence and fraternity. Trustees are drawn exclusively from Northumberland Masonic Lodges, ensuring a close connection to the community. The fund emphasises dignified, direct relief over project-based funding and works through masonic referral networks rather than accepting unsolicited applications. While masonic connections are valued, the fund also supports non-masonic charities that align with its mission.

What Richard Henry Holmes Masonic Benevolent Fund funds

The fund supports a broad range of charitable purposes including poverty alleviation, education, health advancement and disability support. It focuses on direct relief for individuals in distress, such as crisis grants, care home support and bursaries, as well as aid to frontline welfare providers in the North East. Geographically, the fund concentrates on Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside and Northumberland, with a preference for small to medium grassroots organisations tackling acute hardship. While masonic connections are valued, the fund also supports non-masonic charities that align with its mission.

Who can apply

The fund supports UK-registered charities and community groups, with a preference for small to medium grassroots organisations. Beneficiary groups include children, young people, the elderly and voluntary bodies, with a focus on individuals in distress. While masonic connections are valued, non-masonic charities that align with the fund's mission are also considered. There are no rigid income thresholds, but the fund prioritises frontline welfare organisations addressing acute hardship in Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside and Northumberland.

How they like to fund

The fund emphasises dignified, direct relief over project-based funding. It does not accept unsolicited applications; instead, grants are made through masonic referral networks, typically via the Provincial Almoner or Northumberland Masonic Lodges. Support is directed towards immediate welfare needs.

How much does Richard Henry Holmes Masonic Benevolent Fund give?

£1,000 – £10,000

Typical published range. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you would clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is the free fit check.

Deadlines & timelines

When to apply, and how long their decisions take.

Your specific fit

Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.

Good to know

FaithNo restriction

Focus areas

Poverty & hardshipEducationHealthDisability

How to apply to Richard Henry Holmes Masonic Benevolent Fund

Richard Henry Holmes Masonic Benevolent Fund does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation.

A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
If you cannot apply directly, shortlist open funders with a similar focus instead of writing into a closed door.
Decisions are typically bi annually.

What you can do here

1
Check fit. See if your project aligns with Richard Henry Holmes Masonic Benevolent Fund.
2
Find open funders. Shortlist similar funders you can approach.
3
Save the notes. Keep the fit check if you are later invited to apply.

See if Richard Henry Holmes Masonic Benevolent Fund could be a fit — then find open funders like them.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Richard Henry Holmes Masonic Benevolent Fund provide?

Richard Henry Holmes Masonic Benevolent Fund typically provides grants of £1,000 - £10,000.

Where does Richard Henry Holmes Masonic Benevolent Fund fund charities?

Richard Henry Holmes Masonic Benevolent Fund funds charities operating in the UK.

Does Richard Henry Holmes Masonic Benevolent Fund accept unsolicited applications?

Richard Henry Holmes Masonic Benevolent Fund does not accept unsolicited applications.

How do I apply for funding from Richard Henry Holmes Masonic Benevolent Fund?

Richard Henry Holmes Masonic Benevolent Fund does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation. A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.