CHARITIES SUPPORTED BY FREEMASONS
Relief, or “charitable giving” is the cornerstone of Freemasonry and, since it was established in 1717, the United Grand Lodge of England has supported charities on a local and national basis. The charitable reach goes even further, immediate financial aid has been given to those tragically affected by emergencies and disasters and The British Red Cross Tsunami and Earthquake Appeals are recent examples.
NATIONAL
Freemasons in Leicestershire and Rutland support the central charity the Masonic Charitable Foundation.
The Masonic Charitable Foundation provides a wide range of grants to Freemasons and their families who have a financial, health and care or family need. The Foundation also awards grants to other charities, medical research studies and disaster relief appeals. Funded entirely through the generous donations of the Masonic community, the Foundation has an annual charitable expenditure which places it amongst the largest charities in the country. The Foundation is financially strong, well-resourced and able to respond to the changing needs of Masonic families and other charitable organisations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Te2mlRZvcMo
COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND RESEARCH GRANTS
The Masonic Charitable Foundation looks beyond Freemasonry, making significant financial grants to charities which help people to live happy, fulfilling lives and to participate actively in society.
Through the Masonic Charitable Foundation and its predecessor charities, Freemasons have provided support amounting to around £130 million to charities across England and Wales and overseas in recent years.
The grants made seek to benefit as many people as possible and further those causes about which Freemasons and their families are most concerned. The charities and research projects we support make a significant and lasting difference to thousands of people in need.
To contact the Masonic Charitable Foundation:
Masonic Charitable Foundation, Charity No. 1164703, Company No. 09751836, Email:
Address: Freemasons’ Hall, 60 Great Queen Street, London, WC2B 5AZ
TEDDIES FOR LOVING CARE
Over 20,000 Teddies have been given to children who have attended the Accident and Emergency Unit at Leicester Royal Infirmary.
For more information on the teddies provided by Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons please click on the teddy.
LOCAL
The Almoner of the Lodge holds two funds – one being the Benevolent Fund and the other the Charity Fund.
The Benevolent Fund is built up from collections (Alms) at Lodge meetings. These are not classed as Charitable collections but for the benefit of members of the Lodge and their close relatives. This fund is used to provide Christmas gifts for the Lodge widows and gifts for Lodge members or their wives/partners if for example they become unwell.
The Charity Fund is also built up from collections at Lodge meetings. This fund is used to provide Charitable contributions to Masonic or Non-Masonic Charities. When the fund reaches a sufficient level (hopefully once a year) the Lodge Almoner and Charity Steward propose a Charity or Charities to which the funds should be donated. This proposal is then put to the Lodge Committee for agreement.
In October 2012, £250 was each given to SARIC and Help for Heroes and in October 2013, £40 was donated to LOROS.
In November 2014, £300 was donated to the Leicestershire & Rutland Masonic Charity Association.
In March 2015, £40 was donated to LOROS. In May 2015, £200 was donated to the Nepal Earthquake Appeal
In May 2016, £275 was donated to Brainstrust and £275 to SARIC
In October 2017, £100 was donated to Admiral Nurses – Leicestershire
In December 2017, £50 was donated to MacMillan Nurses in memory of W. Bro. David J. Lewin