Difference between revisions of "Charitable Support"

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=Freemasonry Support and Funding for the RNLI and Other Important Charities=
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'''Masonic charitable support''' includes assistance to Freemasons and their families, grants to other charities and services available to the wider public. The arrangements differ between jurisdictions. In England and Wales, national Masonic charities operate alongside provincial and local fundraising; other Grand Lodges maintain their own programmes.<ref name="mcf">The Freemasons' Charity, [https://freemasonscharity.org.uk/ official website], support programmes and organisational statement. Accessed 30 September 2026.</ref><ref name="elmc">East Lancashire Masonic Charity, [https://elmc.co.uk/matched-funding-grant-to-the-bury-branch-of-the-rnli/ Matched Funding Grant to the Bury Branch of the RNLI], 10 March 2016.</ref><ref name="rhode">Grand Lodge of Rhode Island, [https://www.rimasons.org/masonic-grand-lodge-freemasonry-ri/ri-freemasonry-community-programs Community Programs]. Accessed 30 September 2026.</ref>
  
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The Freemasons, a centuries-old fraternal organisation, has long been recognised for its commitment to philanthropy, providing significant support and funding to a range of important charities. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has been a key beneficiary of this generosity, receiving financial contributions that have been critical in enabling the charity to save lives at sea.
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== Schools, annuities and care homes ==
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English Masonic charities developed institutions for children's education and support in old age. Their histories include both residential provision and grants to people living elsewhere. Separate articles describe the schools, the institutions that funded them and their later changes:<ref>Museum of Freemasonry, [https://atom.aim25.com/index.php/royal-masonic-institution-for-boys-archive-collection Royal Masonic Institution for Boys archive collection], GBR 1991 RMIB; [https://atom.aim25.com/index.php/royal-masonic-institution-for-girls-archive-collection Royal Masonic Institution for Girls archive collection], GBR 1991 RMIG; [https://atom.aim25.com/index.php/royal-masonic-benevolent-institution-archive-collection Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution archive collection], GBR 1991 RMBI.</ref>
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* [[Royal Masonic School for Girls]]
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* [[Royal Masonic School for Boys]]
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* [[Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution]]
  
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The RNLI is a UK-based organisation, founded in 1824, with a mission to prevent the loss of life at sea. Operating 238 lifeboat stations around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, the RNLI's volunteers provide an essential service, often under challenging and dangerous conditions. The support of the Freemasons has been instrumental in ensuring that the RNLI can maintain its fleet of lifeboats and essential equipment, as well as provide comprehensive training for its dedicated volunteer crews.
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== Present organisations ==
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As of September 2026, the Masonic Charitable Foundation operates under the name '''The Freemasons' Charity'''. It is the national charity associated with the United Grand Lodge of England. Its programmes include financial assistance, health and wellbeing support, educational help for Masonic families, and grants to other charities.<ref name="mcf" /> RMBI Care Co. provides residential and nursing care and dementia support, including for people without a Masonic connection.<ref>RMBI Care Co., [https://rmbi.org.uk/about-us/ About us]. Accessed 30 September 2026.</ref>
  
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The Freemasons (UGLE), through their charitable arm, the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF), have donated significant funds to the RNLI over the years. Most recently, in 2021, the MCF awarded a grant of £120,000 to the RNLI, demonstrating the continuing commitment to the life-saving work undertaken by the charity.
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In the United States, the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island describes charitable grants, student scholarships and a medical-equipment programme among its activities. This is one jurisdiction's provision, rather than a single system administered for all American Freemasons.<ref name="rhode" />
  
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In addition to the RNLI, Freemasons have made substantial contributions to numerous other UK-based and international charities. The MCF has provided financial aid to causes such as healthcare, education, and disaster relief, making a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals in need.
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== Scottish provision ==
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The Grand Lodge of Scotland operates a separate charitable structure. The Scottish Charity Regulator records the Grand Lodge of Scotland Annuity Benevolent & Charity Funds as charity SC001996. Its stated activities include grants assessed according to the needs of eligible Freemasons, widows and dependants; educational support for children and dependants; and donations to external charitable causes considered individually.<ref>Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR), [https://www.oscr.org.uk/about-charities/search-the-register/charity-details?number=SC001996 Grand Lodge of Scotland Annuity Benevolent & Charity Funds], charity SC001996, operations. Accessed 2 October 2026.</ref>
  
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For example, the MCF has supported charities such as Prostate Cancer UK, The Alzheimer's Society, and The Air Ambulance Service, helping them to continue their vital work. The foundation has also responded to global crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, by providing funds to international charities like the British Red Cross and UNICEF.
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The Grand Almoner's October 2024 appeal described both continuing commitments to grant beneficiaries and the need to respond to emergencies in Scotland and overseas. It also reported local lodges' support for their chosen community charities and the continuing Prostate Scotland awareness project.<ref>Grand Lodge of Scotland, [https://www.grandlodgescotland.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Grand-Almoners-Appeal-2024-Overseas.pdf Grand Almoner's Appeal 2024: Overseas], October 2024.</ref>
  
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The UGLE Freemasons' support for these and other important charities demonstrates the organisation's dedication to improving the lives of others, and their commitment to building a more compassionate and caring society. As a result, the Freemasons have become a significant force for good within the United Kingdom and beyond, making a meaningful and lasting impact on a wide range of humanitarian causes.
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== National coordination in England and Wales ==
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The Masonic Charitable Foundation's launch in April 2016 brought together the work of the Freemasons' Grand Charity, the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys, the Masonic Samaritan Fund and the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution. The combined provision encompassed financial, educational, health and care assistance, alongside grants to charities outside Freemasonry.<ref>Provincial Grand Lodge of West Lancashire, [https://westlancsfreemasons.org.uk/philanthropy-giving-care/masonic-charitable-foundation/ Masonic Charitable Foundation], account of the 2016 launch and constituent charities.</ref>
  
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==The Cornwall Floods and Masonic Relief==
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== A documented RNLI donation ==
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The East Lancashire Masonic Charity records a £2,500 donation presented to representatives of the RNLI's Bury Ladies Guild on 7 March 2016. The Prince of Wales Lodge No. 1012 applied for local support to match a £1,000 Grand Charity offer; the Community Fund supplied £1,500. This provides a dated example of national and local funds contributing to the same project.<ref name="elmc" />
  
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In November 2010, Cornwall experienced devastating floods that wreaked havoc on the lives of residents and businesses. With hundreds of homes affected and infrastructure damage in the millions of pounds, the disaster required a swift and coordinated response from emergency services and local communities. The Freemasons, known for their philanthropic efforts, stepped in to provide much-needed aid and support.
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== Related articles ==
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* [[Masonic charity festivals]]
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* [[Masonic charity jewels]]
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* [[Bartholomew Ruspini]]
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* [[Royal Masonic Hospital]]
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* [[Masonic Samaritan Fund]]
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* [[Faith, Hope and Charity]]
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* [[Freemasonry in the nineteenth century]]
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* [[Masonic museums and libraries]]
  
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Immediately following the floods, the Provincial Grand Lodge of Cornwall organised an emergency relief effort to provide financial assistance to those in need. The Freemasons donated a substantial sum of £50,000 to the Cornwall Community Foundation, which was instrumental in distributing the funds to the affected communities.
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== References ==
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<references />
  
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One beneficiary of this support was a family from St Blazey, whose home was severely damaged by the floods. The family faced significant financial hardship, as their home insurance did not cover the full extent of the damage. With the Freemasons' contribution, they were able to make essential repairs and return to their home, rebuilding their lives after the disaster.
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{{Topic navigation}}
  
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Another example of the Freemasons' assistance during this crisis involved a small business owner in Lostwithiel. Her shop, which had been in the family for generations, was inundated with floodwater, destroying stock and causing extensive damage to the premises. The support from the Freemasons allowed her to reopen the shop, saving the business and preserving a vital part of the local community.
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[[Category:Craft Freemasonry]]
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==Links==
 
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::'''Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)''': [[https://rnli.org/]] - A UK-based charity dedicated to saving lives at sea, operating lifeboat stations and providing essential training for volunteer crews.
 
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::'''Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF)''': [[https://mcf.org.uk/]] - The central charitable organisation of Freemasonry in England and Wales, providing financial support to various causes including healthcare, education, and disaster relief.
 
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::'''Prostate Cancer UK''': [[https://prostatecanceruk.org/]] - A leading UK charity committed to stopping prostate cancer from being a killer, funding research and providing support to those affected.
 
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::'''The Alzheimer's Society''': [[https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/]] - A UK charity dedicated to providing support and care for people with dementia and their families, while also funding research to find a cure for the disease.
 
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::'''The Air Ambulance Service''': [[https://theairambulanceservice.org.uk/]] - A charity that operates critical care air ambulance services across the UK, providing rapid response to medical emergencies and transporting patients to specialist hospitals.
 
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::'''Cornwall Community Foundation''': [[https://www.cornwallcommunityfoundation.com/]] - A local charity in Cornwall, providing grants and support to individuals and organisations in need, and fostering sustainable community development.
 
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::'''British Red Cross''': [[https://www.redcross.org.uk/]] - A humanitarian charity providing support to people in crisis, both in the UK and around the world, through emergency response, healthcare provision, and disaster relief efforts.
 
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::'''UNICEF UK''': [[https://www.unicef.org.uk/]] - The United Nations Children's Fund, working in over 190 countries to protect the rights of children, providing healthcare, education, and emergency relief.
 

Latest revision as of 14:34, 2 October 2026

Masonic charitable support includes assistance to Freemasons and their families, grants to other charities and services available to the wider public. The arrangements differ between jurisdictions. In England and Wales, national Masonic charities operate alongside provincial and local fundraising; other Grand Lodges maintain their own programmes.[1][2][3]

Schools, annuities and care homes

English Masonic charities developed institutions for children's education and support in old age. Their histories include both residential provision and grants to people living elsewhere. Separate articles describe the schools, the institutions that funded them and their later changes:[4]

Present organisations

As of September 2026, the Masonic Charitable Foundation operates under the name The Freemasons' Charity. It is the national charity associated with the United Grand Lodge of England. Its programmes include financial assistance, health and wellbeing support, educational help for Masonic families, and grants to other charities.[1] RMBI Care Co. provides residential and nursing care and dementia support, including for people without a Masonic connection.[5]

In the United States, the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island describes charitable grants, student scholarships and a medical-equipment programme among its activities. This is one jurisdiction's provision, rather than a single system administered for all American Freemasons.[3]

Scottish provision

The Grand Lodge of Scotland operates a separate charitable structure. The Scottish Charity Regulator records the Grand Lodge of Scotland Annuity Benevolent & Charity Funds as charity SC001996. Its stated activities include grants assessed according to the needs of eligible Freemasons, widows and dependants; educational support for children and dependants; and donations to external charitable causes considered individually.[6]

The Grand Almoner's October 2024 appeal described both continuing commitments to grant beneficiaries and the need to respond to emergencies in Scotland and overseas. It also reported local lodges' support for their chosen community charities and the continuing Prostate Scotland awareness project.[7]

National coordination in England and Wales

The Masonic Charitable Foundation's launch in April 2016 brought together the work of the Freemasons' Grand Charity, the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys, the Masonic Samaritan Fund and the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution. The combined provision encompassed financial, educational, health and care assistance, alongside grants to charities outside Freemasonry.[8]

A documented RNLI donation

The East Lancashire Masonic Charity records a £2,500 donation presented to representatives of the RNLI's Bury Ladies Guild on 7 March 2016. The Prince of Wales Lodge No. 1012 applied for local support to match a £1,000 Grand Charity offer; the Community Fund supplied £1,500. This provides a dated example of national and local funds contributing to the same project.[2]

Related articles

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 The Freemasons' Charity, official website, support programmes and organisational statement. Accessed 30 September 2026.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 East Lancashire Masonic Charity, Matched Funding Grant to the Bury Branch of the RNLI, 10 March 2016.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Grand Lodge of Rhode Island, Community Programs. Accessed 30 September 2026.
  4. ↑ Museum of Freemasonry, Royal Masonic Institution for Boys archive collection, GBR 1991 RMIB; Royal Masonic Institution for Girls archive collection, GBR 1991 RMIG; Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution archive collection, GBR 1991 RMBI.
  5. ↑ RMBI Care Co., About us. Accessed 30 September 2026.
  6. ↑ Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR), Grand Lodge of Scotland Annuity Benevolent & Charity Funds, charity SC001996, operations. Accessed 2 October 2026.
  7. ↑ Grand Lodge of Scotland, Grand Almoner's Appeal 2024: Overseas, October 2024.
  8. ↑ Provincial Grand Lodge of West Lancashire, Masonic Charitable Foundation, account of the 2016 launch and constituent charities.
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