Freemasonry is said to be one of the largest supporters of charity next to the National Lottery in terms of the amount of its charitable donations.
Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of children, those who are ill and the care of older people, from its earliest days. This work continues today amongst its own members and their dependents. More than 50% of the funds raised by Masons for charity are given to non-Masonic national and local charities in support of their work for the benefit of non-masons, local communities and society in general. This includes long term funding for medical research including prostate and ovarian cancer.
Local Masonic Charities
There are two local Masonic Charities making grants totaling up to £60,000.00 each year:
- Gloucestershire Community Foundation Freemasons Fund
- Gloucestershire Masonic Charity Action
All of the funds disbursed by these Masonic charities are raised directly by local Lodge members and their families. All charity contributions are at the sole discretion of individual members. No contributions are collected from the public. Each of the national and local Masonic charities has its own charitable objects for specific purposes. Local Lodges also donate directly to local causes in their own communities, it is estimated that in addition to the grants made by the charities that Gloucestershire Lodges further donate more than £50,000.00 per year.
Masonic Charitable Foundation
Nationally there is the Masonic Charitable Foundation which is for Freemasons, for Families, for everyone. The Masonic Charitable Foundation builds better lives by enabling opportunity, advancing healthcare and education and promoting independence for Freemasons, their families and the wider community. Funded entirely through the generosity of Freemasons and their families, the Masonic Charitable Foundation is one of the largest grant-making charities in the country.
