The Edward Stocks Massey Bequest Fund has awarded £18,000 in grants to 15 Burnley organisations in 2025, plus annual university bursaries to two outstanding students. As Chairman of the Advisory Committee of the charity, I’m pleased to share the full details, and to let eligible groups know that 2026 applications open in late April.
The Fund’s History
Edward Stocks Massey was born in Brierfield in 1850 and, with his brother Charles, built Massey’s Brewery into one of Burnley’s great businesses. When he died childless in 1909, he left £135,000 to the town, worth millions today, to advance education, science, learning, music and the arts. The fund has been distributing grants annually ever since.
2025 Awards
Local Services: £11,000
| Organisation | Award |
|---|---|
| Towneley Hall Museum & Art Gallery | £4,000 |
| Burnley Mechanics Theatre | £3,000 |
| Burnley Music Centre | £2,000 |
| Lancashire County Library Service, Burnley District | £2,000 |
Voluntary Organisations: £7,000
| Organisation | Award |
|---|---|
| 352 (Burnley) Air Training Corps | £1,250 |
| Burnley Municipal Choir | £1,250 |
| Burnley Youth Theatre | £500 |
| St Peter’s Young Singers | £500 |
| Sion Pantomime Society & Players | £500 |
| Mid Pennine Arts | £500 |
| Burnley Garrick Theatre | £500 |
| Burnley Orchestra | £500 |
| Burnley Light Opera Society | £500 |
| Burnley Film Makers | £500 |
| St Peter’s Concerts | £500 |
Student Bursaries
Annual bursaries awarded to Caden Redmond and Naimah Miah, selected after presentation and interview from all applicants. Both receive funding throughout their university studies.
Apply for 2026 Funding
Who can apply:
- Individuals and organisations in the Borough of Burnley
- Projects advancing education, science, learning, music or other arts
- University student scholarships (nominations via school/college, considered September)
Key dates: Application window opens late April. Public notice in the Burnley Express. Advisory committee decisions are final, and past awards do not guarantee future funding.
If your organisation does good work in Burnley’s arts, education or cultural life, I’d encourage you to apply. Get in touch if you have questions.