Charity is at the heart of the Worshipful Company of Fan Makers – as it always has been. The Fan Makers give grants to a variety of causes to the benefit of some of the most disadvantaged people of London; and provide bursaries, prizes and support to institutions connected with the traditional craft of fan making and modern fan technology, as found in jet engines, heating, air conditioning and ventilation.

Long-term relationships are developed with grant recipients so we get to know them well. Visits by Liverymen are a regular feature. Grants are funded from annual donations by members of the Fan Makers Company and income from investments; these Grants and investments are kept under review by Trustees, who are supported by a Charities Working Group.

Cranfield University Bursary. The Fan Makers fund jointly with Cranfield University a Bursary to pay the fees of a promising student, who could not otherwise afford it, to undertake the Thermal Power MSc course at the Propulsion Engineering Centre. The student will have indicated an intention to forge a career within the UK and preference is given to graduates of British Universities. The award could be a life-enhancing outcome for an individual from a disadvantaged background.

CIBSE Bursary.  A Bursary in association with the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) is awarded each year to a student of limited financial means, who has the potential to make a difference in the UK Engineering Industry and to excel academically. The Bursary aims to encourage students to build a career in Building Services, preference being given to CIBSE students at South Bank University who exhibit commitment and interest in the field.

Lansbury Lawrence School. Lansbury Lawrence Infants and Primary School is in Tower Hamlets, London’s most deprived Borough. Fan Makers provide three School Governors and make grants to enable the purchase of equipment and other items that are not available through public funds.

The Fan Museum. The Fan Makers have strong ties with The Fan Museum in Greenwich, providing Trustees and making regular grants funded from a legacy left for this purpose. Apprentice Liverymen attend one of the fan making courses run by the Museum. 

Fan Making Craft Project. The Fan Makers have teamed up with the University of the Arts London and West Dean College of Arts and Conservation to create workshops, courses and seminars aimed at revitalising the art and craft of fan making. A generous legacy is being applied to this project.

LONDON CHARITIES. A number of London charities are supported with grants, preference being given to smaller charities or, occasionally, a project of a larger charity that is specific to London. Examples of charities that are in receipt of grants this year (together with links to their websites for further information) are:

Poverty and Destitution

Caritas Anchor House. Newham, which has the highest per capita rate of homeless people in UK. A residential charity with 140 beds that works to break the cycle of rough sleeping and homelessness.  

Children and Education

Young and Inspired. Hackney, the Sunshine Breakfast Club, started by teachers who recognised that some children arrived at school not having had breakfast and were thereby not paying attention in class. The provision of this most important meal of the day has a dramatic effect upon the children’s behaviour and attainment.  

Stepney City Farm. In the heart of the East End, Stepney City Farm is a working farm with a strong educational ethos. 

Treloar’s School. In Alton, Hampshire but with longstanding connections to The City, Treloar’s is a leading provider of education, care, therapy, medical support and independence training to some of the most disabled young people in the country.

Health

Arts

LSO Create, Old Street, The City; London Symphony Orchestra musicians work with adults who have learning difficulties to compose, improvise and create music.

The Lord Mayor’s Fund.

The Lord Mayor’s Fund, to which a grant is made each year, currently supports four charities:

Place2Be provides mental health counselling support and training in schools to improve the emotional wellbeing of pupils, families, teachers and staff.  

Onside Youth Zones creates high quality youth facilities that are inspiring and safe places to spend leisure time.  

Samaritans provides support for those in emotional distress or at risk of suicide.  

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, the world’s leading youth achievement awards. 

APPLYING FOR A GRANT.

Most grants are made to charities with which a longer term relationship has been established but the Trustees of the Worshipful Company of Fan Makers Poor Fund welcome applications for new grants, giving preference to smaller charities that operate to the benefit of the people of London. Applications should be addressed by email to The Clerk