Our charitable work

Introduction to our charitable work

Charity has always been a core principle of Freemasonry, and in 2018 we contributed more than £48 million to deserving causes at a local, national and global level – including our very successful ‘Teddies for Loving Care’ scheme.

By freely donating their time and expertise, our members are an indispensable part of this effort. We also encourage members to contribute financially, in the form of collections or raffles at lodge meetings, so long as this doesn’t have a negative impact on their personal finances.

The Masonic Charitable Foundation

Nearly half of the money raised by Freemasons is channelled through the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF).

MCF awards millions of pounds each year to local and national charities that:

• Fund vital services such as hospices and air ambulances
• Contribute to disaster-relief efforts
• Support children in hospital
• Provide education grants for young people
• Advance medical research by funding studentships
• Offer counselling to people in distress.

MCF also provides support to Freemasons and their families, to assist with financial problems, and to treat health problems where using NHS services would result in undue delay or hardship.

More information can be found on the MCF website.

Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution

Part of the funds raised by the MCF go to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution (RMBI), which has been caring for older Freemasons and their dependants for over 160 years.

The RMBI operates 17 residential care homes across England and Wales that offer high-quality residential, respite, nursing and palliative care, including specialist dementia care.

In South Wales, the Albert Edward Prince of Wales Court in Porthcawl provides care and support for up to 72 residents, in seven acres of landscaped gardens.

More information can be found on the RMBI website.

Lodge charitable funds

We are very lucky in South Wales to have access to two charitable funds that provide additional support when needed – the Benevolent Fund of South Wales, and the Provincial Samaritan Fund.

These funds – supported by legacies, fees and donations from members – give grants to a range of charities based in (or operating in) South Wales. They also support Freemasons and their families in time of distress, especially when the need is urgent.