TalentAid
TalentAid helps the children and grandchildren of Freemasons who are exceptionally talented in music, sport or the performing arts.
The TalentAid scheme is now closed and will re-open in January 2027.
Grants can be provided as a contribution to 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.
The scheme is competitive and has limited funds.
Eligibility
All applications are subject to the following eligibility criteria:
Masonic Connection:
- The TalentAid candidate must be the child, step-child or grandchild of a Freemason. (Please be aware that if the Freemason’s membership is not active there is a set period of time after the membership ended in which an application can be submitted. Please contact us for further information before submitting an application).
Household & Finances:
- The candidate must be aged 25 or under and in full-time education as of 1st September 2027.
- The household income must qualify under our financial assessment.
- Candidates must apply for all other sources of available funding such as grants, scholarships and sponsorship.
- Please note, TalentAid grants are affordability tested and so a household contribution may be required. If you have a high level of income and/or capital and you are unsure if you are eligible to apply to the scheme, please contact us to discuss an application.
Costs:
- Costs requested must be essential to the development of the candidate’s talent.
- The MCF will only consider costs that are required for the forthcoming academic year (2027/8). Any costs outside of this timeframe cannot be considered.
- Assistance with school fees for music or dance students can only be considered if they are attending a Music and Dance Scheme (MDS) accredited establishment AND are on a course eligible for funding from this scheme. Please see the list of MDS eligible schools https://www.gov.uk/music-dance-scheme
- Assistance with course fees for performing arts students can only be considered if they are studying a Level 5 or Level 6 Diploma in Professional Acting, Dance or Musical Theatre that is eligible for a Dance and Drama Award (DaDA). Please see the list of eligible establishments https://www.gov.uk/dance-drama-awards
- We can only consider assistance with school fees for other disciplines if the candidate attends a choir school or a sports college based on their exceptional talent. Choristers must also have applied for funding from the Choir Schools’ Association when submitting an application. Please visit their website for further information https://www.choirschools.org.uk/
- In certain circumstances we can consider support for undergraduate degrees if the Student Finance Tuition Fee Loan does not cover the full cost of the tuition fees. Please contact us for further information before submitting an application.
Talent:
- Candidates must intend to pursue their talent as a career.
- The candidate 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.
- Grants are not available to support academic excellence.
Application process and deadline
All TalentAid applications are considered during the summer for the forthcoming academic year. You will be notified of the outcome of the application in August.
For those seeking support for the 2026/7 academic year: The TalentAid scheme has closed for this academic year so we are not accepting any further applications.
For those seeking support for the 2027/8 academic year: Applications will open in January 2027. Any applications received before January 2027 will not be considered.
Further information
If you have any questions about the TalentAid scheme, please get in touch.
0800 035 60 90 (option 2)