Freemasons and Charitable Giving | Whalley Masonic Hall

Freemasonry and Charitable Giving

Service has always been a core principle of Freemasonry, and we all take pride in our 300-year history of actively supporting those in need.

Freemasons play a crucial role at local, national, and global levels each year, dedicating both their time and resources to make a tangible difference to various organisations and communities.

Freemasonry stands out as one of the largest contributors to charitable causes in the country, with a noteworthy almost £1 million donated per week. Beyond monetary contributions, Freemasons actively engage in volunteer work, making a significant impact in their communities.

Freemasons engage in many activities including community fundraising and volunteering, as well as a varied programme of events where spouses, partners and families are welcome. Through the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) Freemasons have made substantial donations across the country to local air ambulances, to blood bikes and provided a number of emergency response vehicles, including two super aerial platforms for the London Fire Brigade.

Freemasonry does a huge amount for medical research into treatments for cancer, diabetes, heart disease and a whole range of other conditions, including Alzheimer’s, by funding UK medical scientists to make ground breaking discoveries.

More recently, money raised has helped to support those affected by overseas disasters as well as those at home, such as the Grenfell Tower disaster.

Masonic Charitable Foundation

The Freemasons’ Charity

Funded entirely by Freemasons, the MCF (Charity Number 1164703) builds better lives by encouraging opportunity, promoting independence and improving wellbeing.

It offers a wide range of grants and support services for financial, health, family and care-related needs.

The accompanying graphic shows the finances behind the claim of donating almost £1 million per week.

MCF and East Lancashire

The MCF produces an Impact statement for each of the Provinces (like Counties) under the umbrella of the United Grand Lodge of England. In Lancashire there are two – the Province of East Lancashire and the Province of West Lancashire.

The 2022/23 Impact for East Lancashire, in which Whalley sits, is shown here.

How do Freemasons Raise Funds for the MCF?

Each Province on a regular basis holds a 5 year long fundraising ‘Festival’. Presently the Province of East Lancashire is running a Festival which will end in 2026.

A list of Festivals being run around England can be seen on the MCF website.

Download East Lancs Festival Brochure

East Lancashire Masonic Charity

More locally we have the East Lancashire Masonic Charity (ELMC) which is supported by Lodges and Chapters in the Province of East Lancashire. This Charity looks after issues at a local level. Beneficiaries currently receive around £155,000 in assistance annually.

The ELMC is here to care for and to afford charitable assistance to needy Freemasons or their widows or to any of their dependent relatives, and to reach out to others in the communities in which we live who are deserving of our charitable support.

Support for those less fortunate than ourselves has been a feature of our Masonic activity throughout the history of this Province. In the eighteenth century , charity was disbursed by individual Lodges on behalf of their members. In 1815, Grand Lodge ordained that a Province could establish a Local fund for charitable and other Masonic purposes, and then, in 1853, a meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge in Blackburn established a Fund of Benevolence. Eventually a Committee was formed to promote the interests of charity. This Committee included one representative from each Lodge in the Province. This was the origin of the Lodge Charity representative, now known as the Charity Steward.

In 1876, The East Lancashire Systematic and Educational Masonic Benevolent Fund was established to administer the increasing work of helping needy Masons and their families in the Province.

In 1904, the Institution was incorporated and registered under the Charities Act, and became The East Lancashire Masonic Benevolent Institution (Incorporated). The Constitution of ELMBI has stood the test of time. It has served this Province for over a century. During that time, through the work of Lodge/Chapter Almoners and the Committee of Benevolence, it has been able to improve the quality of life of thousands of its beneficiaries with its charitable care and support. But that would not have happened without the generous donations of the Brethren of the Province, facilitated by Lodge/Chapter Charity Stewards.

A £5 per month subscription or £60 per annum payment will make you a ‘Friend of the ELMC‘ and will enable the Charity’s aims to be better fulfilled. Please use the button below.

The Lodge Almoner

Each Lodge has an officer called the Almoner who is solely responsible for ensuring that all members and their dependants are cared for. This is an important role and does not necessarily demand a great deal of money being raised by the Lodge Members. On odd occasions there will be a need to finance support for a Brother or his dependants. Money will be available at a local level to assist. There are also regional and national initiatives that can be brought into play should the need arise.

To assist the Almoner the Freemasonry Cares initiative has recently been introduced to ensure that Freemasons, their relatives and dependants fully understand the help and assistance that is readily available to them.

All Lodges actively support the work of their own Almoner followed by the ELMC and then the MCF.

Want to know more about Freemasonry in general or Whalley Masons in particular do get in touch.

Patron of the 2026 Festival

Having donated more than £4,500 our Abbey Lodge 2529 is a grand Patron of the Provincial Grand Lodge of east Lancashire 2026 Festival

Freemasonry and Charitable Giving

Masonic Charitable Foundation

MCF and East Lancashire

How do Freemasons Raise Funds for the MCF?

East Lancashire Masonic Charity

The Lodge Almoner

Policies etc.

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