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Masonic Charitable Foundation | Freemasons’ Charity

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The Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) plays a vital role in supporting communities by addressing societal issues through approximately £5.5 million in annual grants to local and national charities. Key focus areas include improving health and wellbeing for older individuals with dementia, supporting early childhood development, assisting children affected by domestic abuse, and funding medical research into childhood diseases. Since its inception in April 2016, the MCF has awarded around 5,000 grants totaling £50 million and responded to over 40 disaster relief appeals. Special initiatives include a £3 million allocation to local charities in 2017 and £3.6 million distributed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Funding is sourced entirely from Freemason donations, with about £24 million contributed annually. Notable programs include "Teddies for Loving Care," which provides comfort to children in A&E, and "Lifelites," which offers assistive technologies for children with life-limiting conditions. The MCF exemplifies the Freemasons' commitment to community support and charitable impact.

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December 9th, 2025

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February 10th, 2026

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External source: www.ugle.org.uk

Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) Overview

The Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) supports communities by addressing significant societal issues through grants to local and national charities, totaling around £5.5 million annually. This funding assists thousands of disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals, enabling them to lead fulfilling lives and engage actively in society.

Key Areas of Focus:

  • Improving health and wellbeing for older people with dementia and their carers.
  • Supporting early years (children aged 0-5) to combat poverty and neglect.
  • Assisting children affected by domestic abuse.
  • Aiding children with special educational needs and disabilities.
  • Funding medical research into childhood diseases and conditions.
  • Supporting care services in the hospice sector.

Since its establishment in April 2016, the MCF has awarded approximately 5,000 grants, amounting to around £50 million. The foundation has also provided funding for over 40 disaster relief appeals in response to natural disasters.

Special Initiatives:

  • In 2017, to commemorate 300 years of Freemasonry, the MCF allocated an additional £3 million to local charities, allowing public voting on fund distribution.
  • In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the MCF collaborated with UGLE and local Freemasons to distribute £3.6 million to affected projects and charities.

Funding Sources: All MCF funding comes from donations by Freemasons, with approximately £24 million contributed annually. The MCF’s Relief Chest Scheme has facilitated over £20 million in donations to various charities.

Highlighted Programs:

  • Teddies for Loving Care (TLC): Provides cuddly bears to A&E departments for medical staff to comfort young children.
  • Lifelites: A charity that ensures children with life-limiting conditions have access to specialist assistive technologies.

The MCF continues to make a significant impact through its charitable efforts, driven by the commitment of Freemasons to support their communities.