Masonic Charity
Charity is at the Heart 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. Nationally, our efforts are channelled through four main charity organisations, they are The Grand Charity, The Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys, The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution and The New Masonic Samaritan Fund.
The Grand Charity
The Grand Charity was formed as an independent charity in 1980 to take over the functions of the United Grand Lodge of England's Board of Benevolence, which itself had its origins in the Committee of Charity set up in 1725. Like its predecessor, the Grand Charity has a threefold function: relieving distressed Freemasons and their dependents; making grants to other Masonic Charities and making grants to non-Masonic causes.
For further information, please visit the website of The Grand Charity.
The Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys
In 1982 the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls (formed in 1788) and the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys (formed in 1798) were combined to form the Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys to continue nearly two hundred years of care for the children of poor families. On the 1st May 2003, the Trust became the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys.
The prime objective of the Trust is support for the children of distressed or deceased Freemasons, the aim being to offer them the start in life they would have received had distress not befallen their families. The second objective is to provide help to children not connected to Masonic families and to support charities connected with children.
For further information, please visit the website of The Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys.
The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution
The RMBI provides a comprehensive range of services designed to meet the needs of older Freemasons: Sheltered accommodation and residential and nursing care in homes throughout England and Wales, as well as practical and financial support for those who wish to remain in their own homes.
The Institution has a daunting challenge to provide these services to an increasingly large number of older Freemasons and their dependents. Regular practical help and advice, through the Care Advice Team, home improvement loans and holidays are other important ingredients in the help the Institution provides.
For further information, please visit the website of The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.
The New Masonic Samaritan Fund
Established in 1990 with the active support of United Grand Lodge of England, the New Masonic Samaritan Fund is an independent charity, which provides support for sick and infirm Freemasons, their families and dependents who are in need. The Fund gives relief to those applicants who cannot afford the full cost of private health care and who are unable to obtain their treatment on the UK's National Health Service without undue delay or hardship.
For further information, please visit the website of The New Masonic Samaritan Fund.