Philanthropy
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. Bursaries, prizes and support are provided 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.
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In 2025 our charitable donations amounted to £97,111 and Fan Makers provided over 180 hours of volunteer time to assist specific charities deliver their services.
Charity Focus on the arts
By Sally Wyllie, Grant Secretary for the Arts.
LSO Create (one of the LSO flagship programs providing tailored activities for neurodiverse adults, their carers and supporters) is one of the charities the Fan Makers supports.
The highlight, for me, this year was attending a public concert at the Barbican with the full LSO orchestra and 26 LSO Create participants.
The students had worked with LSO Specialists to compose a piece inspired by artworks (Belshazzar’s Feast) in the newly rehung National Gallery.
This year we are delighted to be supporting the Guildhall School of Music and Drama which is based within the Square Mile. The facilities they provide for both Music and Drama are world class, and we hope to organize visits to the school to see for yourselves. Many of their concerts are free to the public.
All the recipients of these Arts grants extend invitations to the Fan Makers so it’s a great opportunity to learn more and add to your culture fix.
