Charity - Introduction

Masonic Charity 

Freemasonry is not a charity, but it is charitable, supporting its own members and their families in distressed circumstances and also non-Masonic charities and individuals. Freemasons are rightly proud of the fact that they raise all money for their charities from their own members and not from the general public.  

There are four central Masonic Charities:  

The Grand Charity
assists both Freemasons and their dependants in time of need and other Masonic Charities (£4.87 million in 2011). It is the central channel for giving to non-Masonic causes (£2.65 million in 2011) and provides relief throughout the world to those affected by major disasters. In the 30 years since its foundation in 1980 grants totalling substantially in excess of £100 million have been made. For further information see the Grand Charity’s website 

The Province is now seeking to raise at least £3 million for the Grand Charity by 2014. See The 2014 Festival

The Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys
works to alleviate poverty and advance education, principally for the children of Masonic families in need. In 2011 it spent over £8.1 million helping beneficiaries. For further information see the Trust’s website.

The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution
provides care and support to Freemasons and their dependants, mostly through its 17 residential homes with approximately 1000 occupants and 1250 staff. It has an annual turnover of £36 million. For further information see the Institution’s website. 

The Masonic Samaritan Fund
assists principally with the cost of private medical treatment. In 2011 £5.3 million was allocated in support of 987 applicants. For further information see the Fund’s website.

 Attention is particularly drawn to the booklet 'The Central Masonic Charities - Information for Freemasons and their Families' which can be viewed and downloaded by clicking here.   
 

In the Province of East Kent there are three local Charities:  

The East Kent Provincial Grand Master’s Charity
makes discretionary charitable grants and holds substantial funds against any local emergency. For further information click here.

The Provincial Grand Lodge of East Kent Charity Fund
makes discretionary charitable grants to local charitable causes.

The Kent Masonic Library and Museum Trust 
operates The Kent Library & Museum of Freemasonry at Canterbury. For further information click here.