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
The legacy of these charities and the principle of charity can be seen today through the work of the MCF.
At a regional level donations are given to Provincial Grand Lodge in support of charity projects throughout the county. In addition to these, lodges make donations at a local level to support their own local communities.
Some of the more recent Royal Edward supported charities have included; Riding for the Disabled, SARA, St Peters Hospice, MacMillan Cancer Care, Flying Scholarships for the Disabled, Above & Beyond and Cancer Care, Children’s Hospice South West, Incredible Kids and Great Western Air Ambulance to name but a few.
Royal Edward joined the GMCA gift Aid scheme in 2003 and we have been able to take advantage of the 25% tax rebate on all donations received from tax payers. This has helped to increase our support to Charities, as well as the Almoner’s request in supporting our members and Lodge widows.