Charity
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.
From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of orphans, the sick and the aged. This work continues today. In addition, large sums are given to national and local charities.
Masonic charity is exercised at every level: individual Lodges make gifts and give aid to their own communities and every Province also gives large sums of money to regional causes.
Masonic Charity: to provide assistance when needed to brethren in distress, and to their wives/widows and families.
Non-Masonic Charity: to make donations to a range of charities both in the UK and also overseas to benefit society in general.
Donations are made at three levels:-
by the United Grand Lodge of England, via the Grand Charity
by administrative regions: London, Provinces (in England and Wales) and Districts (overseas)
by individual private lodges
Most masonic fund-raising comes from Freemasons themselves contributing to charity through collections at meetings, Festive Boards (formal dinners after the meetings) and various masonic social functions.
English Freemasonry is one of the biggest single regular source of donations to charities and good causes after the various national lotteries.
