About the CEKFC

The Cornwallis East Kent Freemasons’ Charity (CEKFC) exists to help prevent or relieve poverty in East Kent. We do this by providing grants, essential items, and other forms of support to individuals and communities in need. This includes emergency assistance following local disasters.

Our trustees may also consider grants for other charitable purposes that benefit the public in East Kent, provided they align with charity law in England and Wales.

For more about our constitution and governance, please visit the Charity Commission website:

👉 Charity Commission – CEKFC

 Who Can Apply?

Applications are welcomed from:

• Individuals in need
• Registered charities
• Masonic Lodges and Chapters in East Kent acting on behalf of individuals or charities

If you’re an individual or organisation, consider contacting your local Masonic Lodge or Chapter for possible support. Find details here:

👉 Province of East Kent Freemasons

Who Cannot Apply?

We cannot accept applications from:

• Limited companies
• Public sector organisations (e.g., schools, hospitals, police) or any group funded and operated by UK or Local Government

Exception: Applications may be accepted from registered charities set up to support public sector bodies (e.g., hospital “Friends of” groups).

What Kinds of Projects Do We Support?

We fund initiatives that make a real difference to the lives of people in East Kent, particularly the vulnerable and disadvantaged. While our focus is on local charities, we may support national charities with a clear local impact. All applying charities must be registered with the Charity Commission.

We support projects for:

1. Vulnerable People

Projects aimed at improving the lives of individuals who are:

• Living with disabilities
• Caring for the elderly or seriously ill
• Carers themselves
• Experiencing poverty or distress

2. Youth Opportunities

Projects helping young people (under 25) to:

• Engage in positive activities that promote personal development and citizenship
• Learn life and work-related skills
• Overcome challenges linked to disability or disadvantage

How Can Grants Be Used?

Our grants support one-off projects or time-limited initiatives. They are not meant for on-going funding, daily operational costs, or as a recurring income source.

Examples of eligible projects:

• Hiring specialist support for time-limited projects (e.g., therapy, training)
• Small-scale building works or improvements
• Vehicle purchases or modifications
• Playground or accessibility equipment
• IT equipment and software
• Youth development activities
• Mobility aids or disability equipment
• Furniture or essential furnishings
• Books and stationery for new initiatives
• Emergency support for charities facing unforeseen crises

What We Do Not Fund

We do not support grants for:

• Staff salaries or wages
• Volunteer expenses
• On going running costs or overheads
• Travel (especially overseas)
• Research or product development
• Rent, mortgage, or debt repayments
• Utility bills or fuel
• Insurance, licenses, taxes, or council tax
• Routine maintenance
• General consumables (e.g., printer ink, office supplies)
• Fundraising activities like sponsored walks

Repeat Applications

We normally only award one grant per applicant.

• A second application may be considered after 2 years, only in exceptional circumstances.
• A third application will only be considered after 4 years from the second award.

How to Apply

Visit our website for the simple online application process:

👉 www.cornwallisekfc.org.uk

Final Checklist Before Applying

Before submitting your application, ensure:

• It clearly addresses relief of poverty or public benefit
• It supports individuals or communities in East Kent
• It meets the criteria listed above

We aim to review and respond to all applications within 6 weeks of receipt.

Why we are called the Cornwallis East Kent Freemasons Charity.

The Cornwallis name has long been associated with Kentish Freemasonry.

Three generations of the family, each a Baron have carried out high public office, served in the military and in senior civic positions and of course Freemasonry where they have occupied some of the most senior offices. Their combined contribution to our country, the county of Kent and Freemasonry is unlikely to be surpassed. We are proud therefore to name our charity in their honour.

 You can find out more about the Cornwallis family by searching the website of the Kent Museum of Freemasonry The Kent Museum of Freemasonry | Purpose-built in 1933 and open to all – Free entry