Charity
Charity is one of the first characteristics of Freemasonry brought to the attention of anyone interested in being part of our fraternity. Both at the initial discussions about joining, and then especially when initiated into their respective Lodge.
Individual Lodges raise money for their own charities, usually by raffles at their dinners (Festive Boards) after Meetings, or at any social activity. The proceeds from these go into the Lodge Benevolent Fund and can be used to provide gifts to Widows at Christmas, or to buy cards, flowers etc.
Also, there is usually a collection at each Lodge Meeting, and these funds, plus Gift Aid if offered, are placed in the Lodge “Relief Chest”. Lodge Members can also make regular donations, monthly, quarterly or yearly to this Fund. Every Lodge Relief Chest is administered on its behalf by the Masonic Charitable Trust.
All the money in the Relief Chest belongs to the Lodge and it can only decide how to use those funds in accordance with Charity Commission Rules and Regulations. Therefore, it can only be used to support bona fide Charities.
DownshIre Lodge has its own QR (Quick Response) code for making donations, with or without Gift Aid, and is shown here. It can be used at any time, but especially at our meetings.
You can access the same page here https://gtap.uk/l2437a
The Berkshire Masonic Charity was established in 1990 and exists to provide grants to worthy causes in and around Berkshire, making a big difference to the organisations and lives of the individuals it helps across the local community. Grants are made to Berkshire charities and organisations for a specific purpose, the Charity also assists private individuals, where a grant can be used to improve their quality of life. The Berkshire Masonic Charity supports many different charitable trusts and organisations, but has a particular emphasis on the relief of poverty and distress, and the support of projects for young people.
Since its inception, grants totalling over £1.3 million have been made to over 1,300 recipients in the Masonic Province of Berkshire. Applications for grants can be made through a Lodge with whom the individual or organisation has a contact or connection or by contacting the Applications Secretary. Applications are considered quarterly.
https://berkspgl.org.uk/local-charity/
The Masonic Charitable Foundation
Charity has always been a core principle of Freemasonry, and over the last 300 years Freemasons have established a number of charities – including schools, care homes and a hospital.
The Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) was created in 2016 and brought together the work of four separate charities:
- The Freemasons’ Grand Charity
- The Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys
- The Masonic Samaritan Fund
- The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution