Charity and Freemasonry

Few people realise how much time, effort and money Freemasons put into their local communities. Perhaps it's because they don't shout about it.

Part of being a Freemason is the genuine desire one has to be a useful member of society and to do something positive for other people, especially those who are less fortunate, less able or for whom life has simply dealt them a 'poor hand'.

As with many other societies, part of the annual income received by Freemason's Lodges and the Provincial Grand Lodge is set aside and spent on providing for members in need. These 'needs' could be for medical treatment, home care for the sick and elderly or by contributing towards an unexpected bill. However, what is not generally known is the contribution made by Freemasons to non-Masonic groups, charities and other worthy organisations. Sometimes they will organise social events specifically in support of a venture 'close to home' and even closer to their hearts.

Many individual Lodges decide for themselves which local 'good causes' they want to support. They can vary between Scouts and Guides, the Silver Threads or the local Band; often support is given to a local hospice or treatment centre for recovering alcoholics. Freemasons recognise the importance of playing a full part in all aspects of the community in which they live and work. In giving to others Freemasons are always reminded that a commitment to their family always takes precedence and that charitable donations and activities must only be made if they are not detrimental to the family unit.

There are many worthwhile organisations within the Wiltshire community who need support. Giving financial support conveys emotional support for the work of the charities, professional staff and volunteers and through them to the communities who benefit from their work. Those benefits extend beyond the area we normally think of and through to extended family and friends, it is the impact on society as a whole which encourages Freemasons to offer support to so many worthy charities and organisations. It is important to stress that charitable giving is generally restricted to organisations and causes which are registered with the Charities Commission.

Wiltshire Freemasons have an ongoing programme of providing Teddy Bears to the Accident and Emergency units of the Swindon and Salisbury hospitals as well as the Wilthsire Air Ambulance. The provision of a Teddy Bear has proved invaluable in helping children to cope with the distress of being in pain or simply being fearful of the unexpected when they find themselves in strange surroundings.

If you know of a charitable need in Wiltshire, please contact the Charity Fund Secretary.

The Grand Charity donates over £250,000 to fund smaller charities and Air Ambulance services

The first installment of The Freemasons' Grand Charity Minor Grants Programme is assisting twenty-six charities, with a total of £67,850. Grants range from £1,500 to £4,350 and are given in the areas of youth opportunities, support for vulnerable people and medical research. A full list of these grants can be found below.

Air Ambulance and equivalent rescue services around the country will receive a total of £192,000 in 2011 – bringing the full amount spent in this category since 2007 to nearly £1 million. Every Province and Metropolitan Grand Lodge has received £4,000 to give to an Air Ambulance (or equivalent) service of their choice and presentations are currently taking place around the country.

These are the latest grants to be announced by The Freemasons' Grand Charity