Charity
Charity is one of the great principles of Freemasonry. Donations from Freemasons and their families allow the organisation to distribute more than £52 million per year to deserving causes. It is one of the largest donators to charity in the country.
The Masonic Charitable Foundation
Until 2016 there were 4 separate London-based masonic charities but these have now been amalgamated to form the Masonic Charitable Foundation. It makes grants to deserving Freemasons and their families and, where necessary, provides medical and educational support. In addition it helps tackle some of society’s most important issues through grants to local and national charities, including medical and social care research projects, hospices and air ambulance and rescue services. It is often one of the first organisations to respond with major grants to international disaster appeals.
West Riding Masonic Charities Limited
The masonic Province of Yorkshire West Riding has its own dedicated independent registered charity, West Riding Masonic Charities Ltd. It has 3 areas of activity: the West Riding Masonic Care and Support Fund, which supports West Riding Freemasons, their families and dependents, particularly when there are immediate and pressing requirements; the West Riding Masonic Community Fund, which makes grants to non-masonic community organisations and charitable institutions; and Teddies for Loving Care, which provides young children attending hospital Accident and Emergency Departments with a much-appreciated teddy.