Charity - One of the pillars of Freemasonry
The three Great Principles by which we stand are Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. Freemasons are taught to practise 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
The Masonic Charities
Nationally, our efforts are channeled through four main charity organisations. They are:
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The Freemasons' Grand Charity Donating £85 million singe 1981. It is funded by Freemasons and their families and is continuing a commitment to charitable support that began nearly 300 years ago in the earliest days of organised Freemasonry.
The Royal Masonic Trust for Boys and Girls To Relieve poverty and advance the education of children of a Masonic family and, when funds permit, support other children in need.
The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution Committed to ensuring the individuals’s right to dignity, respect, choice, and control over their own lives is upheld and maintained throughout their later life
The Masonic Samaritan Fund Supporting Freemasons and their dependants who have an identified medical need and, faced with a long wait for treatment, are unable to afford their own private care.
Supporting National & International Charities
We have donated over £8 million towards the operating costs of Hospice Services across England and Wales since 1984
Over £2 million has been given to help the victims of floods, earthquakes, famines, and other terrible events worldwide in the form of Disaster Relief
We have donated over £4 million to fund projects that provide opportunities for Young People The Grand Charity aims to help young people achieve a better life and realise their potential. The projects we support provide stability for disadvantaged young people and encourage them to learn new skills and gain knowledge, which will help them towards a better future.
Local Charitable giving
During the meal (or Festive Board) of our regular meeting a donation is made by each brother as they see fit. This is donated, on each occasion, to a charity chosen by the Master of the Lodge. This normally ranges between £100-£300 per Meeting.
Recent donations have included:
