The three Great Principles by which we stand are Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. Freemasons are taught to practise charity and to care, not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole – both by charitable giving, and by voluntary efforts and works as individuals.
Masonic charity is exercised at every level: individual Lodges make gifts and give aid to their own communities, every Province also gives large sums of money to regional causes and nationally there are the four central Masonic charities.
Central Masonic Charities
Freemasons Grand Charity
www.grandcharity.org
Charity No: 281942
Tel: 020 7395 9261
Relieves distressed Freemasons and their dependants, makes grants to other Masonic charities and to non-Masonic causes.
Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution
www.rmbi.org.uk
Charity No: 207360
Tel: 020 7596 2400
Comprehensive range of services designed to meet the needs of older Freemasons and their dependants including sheltered accommodation, residential and nursing care in homes as well as practical and financial support for those who wish to remain in their own homes.
Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys
www.rmtgb.org
Charity No: 285836
Tel: 020 7405 2644
Support for the children of distressed or deceased Freemasons, the aim being to give them the start in life they would have received had distress not befallen their family. It also provides similar support in non-Masonic cases where funds allow.
Masonic Samaritan Fund
www.msfund.org.uk
Charity No: 1130424
Tel: 020 7404 1550
Provides support for sick and infirm Freemasons, their families and dependants who are in need. Relief to those applicants who cannot afford the full cost of private healthcare and who are unable to obtain their treatment on the UK’s NHS without undue delay or hardship.
All can be written to at:
60 Great Queen Street
London
WC2B 5AZ
Middlesex Charities
Non Masonic
Middlesex Masons are strong supporters of charity be they national, local or Masonic. It is often the case that smaller local charities do not receive support as they are not know about. In an attempt to make these charities better able to be found, a list can be found here – Middlesex Charities Web
Masonic
Middlesex Masonic Charity
Charity No: 1064406
MMC makes grants to worthy causes and charities in Middlesex, or with strong Middlesex connections, which have been suggested by members of Lodges and Chapters in the Province. The grants are often made in respect of but not limited to, youth development, community projects and support for medical and care facilities in the Province. The MMC also offers financial support to the children and grandchildren of Middlesex Masons by way of scholarships in further education.
Middlesex Masonic Charity is the working name of the Masonic Province of Middlesex Charitable Trust.
Applications can be made by any Mason on behalf of a cause using the application form available from the Lodge/Chapter Charity Steward or Andrew Elliott (Tel: 020 8868 2695 Email: [email protected])
Donations are always welcome and being a registered charity funds can be transferred directly from your relief chest or by direct donation sending them a cheque.
Middlesex Provincial Benevolent Fund
Charity No: 217065
The main purpose of the fund is to provide assistance to Middlesex Masons, their widows and the children of deceased brethren, in distressed circumstances, where the four central Masonic charities were unable to offer support or in cases of emergency. Applications would come from the Provincial Grand Almoner having been unable to obtain assistance from the central Masonic charities. It is also a fund which supports other Provincial Festivals. Any enquiries should be routed through the Provincial Almoner.
It has received the proceeds from the Provincial Annual Meetings of both the Craft and Royal Arch but other donations are always welcome.
Middlesex Provincial Relief Fund
Charity No: 14006R (Reg Industrial & Provident Act)
Established following the sale of The Princess Alexandra Home at Stanmore in January 2002 to help Masons and their relatives in circumstances where the other four main Masonic charities are unable to assist. The fund is also available to assist non-Masons living within the old county boundary of Middlesex who due to poor health or poverty are in need of financial assistance.
Applications can be made by any Mason on behalf of an individual using the application form downloadable HERE [coming soon]. Forms to be returned via the Provincial Almoner.
Donations are always welcome and being a registered charity funds can be transferred directly from your relief chest or by cheque sent directly or via Provincial Office.
General
Provincial Charity Awareness Committee
The Charity Forum has changed its name as well as its activity, role and recognition within the Province. The Charity Forum will now be known as the Provincial Charity Awareness Committee (PCAC) to reflect how the Committee will now be dealing with all matters relating to charity in the Province with our Charity Stewards: responsibility for Almoners and their role having reverted to the Provincial Almoner.
Find out more by clicking this link.
Charity Steward Notes
Issued regualrly for Charity Stewards to use in their reports at Lodge/Chapter.
Find the latest and past issues here..
New Charity Steward?
Some helpful words can be found here..
Useful Contacts
For charity contact details try this list.
Help and advice for Charity Stewards
Each centre has its own team headed up by a Centre Charity Chairman.
For help and advice contact them:
Harrow – John Briggs Tel: 020 8420 6507 Email: [email protected]
Southgate – Peter Rider Tel: 020 8372 9785 Email: [email protected]
Staines – Peter Harper Tel: 07810 541423 Email: [email protected]
Twickenham – Rob King Tel: 01483 793888 Email: [email protected]
Uxbridge – Don Rutherford Tel: 01895 636193 Email: [email protected]
Gift Aid & Relief Chests
Make the most of the donations and the charities receive 25% more money – A basic explanation of Gift Aid and how it works with a Relief Chest can be found here.
More comprehensive information:
- How to open a Relief Chest;
- How to operate a Relief Chest;
- Gift Aid and Relief Chest forms;
- Regular giving.
can be found here
Comments:
I am about to be appointed as the Charity Steward of Fortitude Lodge this coming Friday (22/10/11). I would just like to leave a message of thanks to all those who have contributed to the Charity Section of the PGLM website. The information is current, informative and easy to digest.