Freemasonry & Charity

It is a little known fact, outside the Fraternity, that Freemasonry is, and has been from the very start, heavily involved in charity and charitable works.
The Brotherhood not only supports its own charities, but also non-Masonic charities too.
Each Lodge has a Charity Secretary or Almoner and at each Lodge meeting, a collection is made for whichever charities the lodge is collecting for.
Below are some more of the charities and charitable works that we are involved in.

The Grand Charity

This was formed as an independent charity in 1980, its purpose to take over the functions of the United Grand Lodge of England's Board of Benevolence.
This started its life in the Committee of Charity set up in 1725.
Like its predecessor, the Grand Charity has a threefold function:

• Making grants to non-Masonic causes;
• Making grants to other Masonic Charities;
• Providing relief to distressed Freemasons and their dependents.

The New Masonic Samaritan Fund

This charity was established in 1990 with the active support of United Grand Lodge of England.
This is an independent charity, which provides support for sick and infirm Freemasons, their families and dependants who are in need.
The Fund gives aid to those applicants who can't afford the full cost of private healthcare and those who are unable to obtain their treatment on the UK's National Health Service without undue delay or hardship, which with the increasing pressures upon the NHS is becoming more of an issue for everyone, whether they be a Freemason or not...

The Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys

This charity was set up to provide care for the children of poor families and combines two charities into one body that initially provided for boys and girls separately.
Although the charity primarily caters for the children of deceased or distressed Freemasons, it also cares for those of non-Masonic families.
It also supports other charities connected with supporting children.

The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution

This charity was set up to provide a comprehensive range of services designed to meet the needs of older Freemasons such as:

• Sheltered accommodation;
• residential care homes;
• nursing care in homes throughout England and Wales.

The Institution also offers practical and financial support for those who wish to remain in their own homes.
This is a daunting challenge to provide all these services to an increasingly large number of older Freemasons and their dependants. Regular practical help & advice, through the Care Advice Team, home improvement loans & holidays are other important ingredients in which the Institution plays a very active part.

As you can see, the Freemasons of England and Wales do not just look after their own and over the past 5 years have raised and distributed a staggering £75 Million to all these worthwhile causes.