TalentAid helps the children and grandchildren of Freemasons who are exceptionally talented in music, sport or the performing arts.
Grants can be awarded to assist with ongoing costs such as sports coaching, advanced music lessons and the purchase of one-off items such as a musical instrument or sports equipment.
Support is agreed for a set period of time and subject to both an annual financial review and confirmation that the candidate’s talent continues to develop.
TalentAid scheme can support children and young people with exceptional talents in music, sport or the performing arts
Eligibility
All applications are subject to the following criteria:
- The applicant must be the child, step-child or grandchild of a Freemason.
- A financial assessment of the family.
- Candidates must apply for all other sources of available funding such as grants, scholarships and sponsorship.
- Candidates must intend to pursue their talent as a career and must be able to demonstrate exceptional talent by passing recognised examinations, gaining entry to highly competitive schemes or by performing at regional and national levels.
- Grants are not available to fund a hobby or so that an academically gifted child can attend a better school.
- Assistance with school fees for performing arts students can only be considered if they attend a Dance and Drama Award (DaDA) accredited or Music and Dance Scheme (MDS) accredited establishment, see the DaDA list here and MDS list here.
- We are only able to consider assistance with school fees for other disciplines if the applicant attends a choir school, a specialist music school or a sports college based on their exceptional talent.
In most cases where grants toward fees are agreed, parents will be expected to make a contribution.
Application process
If you feel you are eligible to be considered for support please complete the application process at https://mcf.org.uk/talentaid/.