Masonic Samaritan Fund
The Masonic Samaritan Fund (MSF) is a medical charity associated with English Freemasonry. Established in 1990 as the New Masonic Samaritan Fund, it supported Freemasons and specified family members with health and care needs. Its work became part of the Masonic Charitable Foundation's combined provision in 2016, while the Fund remained a separately registered charity.[1][2][3]
Background and purpose
The Royal Masonic Hospital had an earlier Samaritan Fund to help patients unable to pay for treatment. That hospital fund belongs to the institution's earlier history and should be distinguished from the national charity established in 1990.[4][1]
The Charity Commission describes MSF's purposes as providing medical help, treatment, care and advice for Freemasons and eligible relatives, including dependants of deceased members. It identifies the incorporated charity, number 1130424, as taking over the activities of the earlier unincorporated body, number 1001298.[2]
Fundraising and the MCF
Provincial festivals raised money for MSF. The MCF's Warwickshire appeal booklet records £3.2 million raised by that province's 2012 festival. The same booklet describes the MCF taking over the work of the four central Masonic charities following its launch in April 2016.[3]
This operational consolidation should be distinguished from the legal existence of the Fund. Its Charity Commission entry still reports separately for the year ending 31 March 2025.[2] Current information about support is published by the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which operates as The Freemasons' Charity.[5]
Related articles
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Provincial Grand Lodge of Buckinghamshire, The History of Freemasonry, entry for 1990.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Charity Commission for England and Wales, Masonic Samaritan Fund, charity number 1130424, overview reporting to 31 March 2025. Accessed 30 September 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Masonic Charitable Foundation, Warwickshire 2023 Festival Appeal, launch booklet, foreword.
- ↑ Museum of Freemasonry, Royal Masonic Hospital archive collection, AIM25, reference GBR 1991 RMH, account of the post-war Hospital and Nursing Home.
- ↑ The Freemasons' Charity, official website, organisational statement and support links. Accessed 30 September 2026.
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