Charity

 

“The Freemasons’ Grand Charity is dedicated to helping people in need, and has donated over £100 million since 1980.”

The values of Freemasonry are based on integrity, kindness, honesty and fairness. Freemasons are taught to practice charity and to care, not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole – both by charitable giving, and by voluntary efforts and works as individuals.

From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of orphans, the sick and the aged. This work continues today. In addition, large sums are given to national and local charities.

Masonic charity is exercised at every level: individual Lodges make gifts and give aid to their own communities and every Province also gives large sums of money to regional causes. Nationally, our efforts are channelled through four main charity organisations

Charity

From it’s earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of orphans, the sick and the aged.

Every year Freemasons help thousands of people in need.

How?

By donating millions of pounds to charitable causes.

Funding Medical Research

Since 1981, the Grand Charity has donated nearly £10 million for medical research.  Providing benefit to people everywhere, medical research funding is an integral part of the Charity’s grant-making programme.

Helping Freemasons and their families through difficult times

A priority for the Grand Charity is assisting Freemasons and their families who are in financial distress normally following a life-changing event.

Providing Opportunities for Young People

Since 1981, the Grand Charity had donated over £5.5 million to help disadvantaged young people get the most out of life.

Supporting vulnerable people to get the most out of life

Since 1981. The Grand Charity has given nearly £25 million to fund projects that support people in a variety of difficult situations, including serious illness, disability, homelessness, poverty and deprivation.

Big Support for Smaller Charities

The Minor Grants Programme supports smaller charities that are carrying out vital work.  Grants range from £500 – £5,000.  With many charities experiencing cuts to their income in recent years, the Grand Charity’s Minor Grants Programme has become even more relevant.

Helping to Rebuild Lives

Severe flooding devastated parts of the UK in 2014.  The Grand Charity responded with emergency grants, including £28,500 for the Somerset Community Foundation.  In addition, Freemasons across the country donated in excess of £200,000 to help rebuild communities in Somerset.

Savings Lives in Emergency Situations

Over the last eight years £1.5 million has been donated by the Grand Charity to support air ambulance services.  Freemasons are passionate about supporting air ambulance charities because they save thousands of lives each year, relying almost exclusively on charitable donations.

Dedicated Support for Hospices

For thirty years the Grand Charity has provided dedicated annual support to hospice services in England and Wales.

Masonic Charitable Foundation (M.C.F.)

The M.C.F. gave grants in excess of £33 million over the last year, this does not include the £1 million donated every 12months by Essex Freemasons.

The £33 million makes the M.C.F. one of the biggest grant making organisations in the U.K.