Giving Help Beyond Charitable Grants: Why Advice and Support are Integral to Any Charity

According to a 2020 study by the Charities Aid Foundation, 73 per cent of people who received both financial aid and support services (such as mentoring, skills training, or career guidance) reported improved long-term outcomes, compared to just 41 per cent of those who only received financial assistance.

In the world of charity, it is easy to view financial grants as the primary form of assistance. However, there is an often overlooked yet equally crucial aspect of charity work—advice and support. Giving help extends far beyond just writing a check or providing financial resources; it involves creating a lasting foundation of guidance, empowerment, and personal growth for those who receive it.

The Power of Support and Guidance in Charity Work

While charitable grants provide the immediate financial relief needed to address urgent issues, they do not always offer the long-term sustainability that recipients truly need. To truly change lives, charities must provide a holistic approach that encompasses not only financial assistance but also practical support, mentorship, and expert advice.

One of the key reasons advice and support are essential is because they help individuals build the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to thrive independently in the future. For example, a charity that offers financial education, career counselling, or emotional support equips its recipients to make informed decisions, overcome challenges, and pursue their goals with confidence. It’s a partnership, rather than a one-time transaction.

Striving for Excellence: A Core MCF Value

The concept of giving help beyond charitable grants resonates deeply with one of the core values of the Masonic Charitable Foundation: Striving for Excellence. Excellence is not just about achieving success in the moment, but about fostering an environment where continuous improvement, personal development, and progress are prioritised.

When a charity operates with a commitment to excellence, it recognises that the journey toward transformation is multifaceted. Excellence does not only refer to the quality of financial aid—it also refers to the support structure that surrounds that aid. Striving for excellence means ensuring that recipients have the tools, guidance, and mentorship to succeed in the long term. It is about developing programs that focus on skill-building, leadership, and empowerment, in addition to providing immediate financial relief.

This dedication to excellence aligns perfectly with the value of Ambition, a quality that often drives individuals to seek more, do more, and be more. The Masonic Charitable Foundation’s commitment to ambition is evident in its approach to providing not just funds, but also the means to unlock potential.

Ambition and Excellence: A Symbiotic Relationship

Ambition without the right guidance can easily lead to frustration, while support without ambition can lack the drive necessary to foster meaningful change. The MCF recognises that these two qualities must work together in harmony. By providing both financial support and expert advice, the charity creates an environment where ambition is nurtured, and excellence is the outcome.

Striving for excellence means giving people the tools to succeed, while ambition drives them to keep pushing for better outcomes. This partnership between ambition and excellence is what will truly transform lives and create lasting social impact.

Conclusion

While charitable grants are undeniably important, they represent only one aspect of the help that the MCF can provide. As we continue to support and uplift those in need, it’s important to remember that advice and guidance can often be just as valuable, if not more so, than financial assistance. After all, the foundation for lasting change is built on the empowerment of individuals—and that requires more than just a donation. It requires a partnership rooted in ambition, growth, and the pursuit of excellence.

For more information about the work of the MCF and the Advice and Support team, visit our website: www.mcf.org.uk