Our Charities |
From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of orphans, the sick and the aged. Contrary to popular belief, one does not have to be a Freemason to benefit from Masonic charity. Freemasonry is second only to the National Lottery in the level of money donated to charitable causes in the UK.
Whilst some Masonic Charities do cater specifically for masons and their dependants, others do a great deal of non-Masonic charitable giving. Over the last few years this has included the provision of a lifeboat to the RNLI; £250,000 to the Great Ormond Street Hospital Wishing Well appeal; the endowing of a Chair in Gerontology at Cambridge University; support to Crisis at Christmas, research into drug abuse, research into cancer and heart disease, and over £500,000 donated to Hospices throughout the country. In addition, large sums have been given to disaster appeals both at home and abroad.
Eastbourne Lodge strongly supports local charities and gives generously to local hospitals, hospices, churches and other good causes. We also contribute to the Sussex 4 Sussex Provincial Charity Fund which gives sums of money to regional causes, such as £100,000 presented to the Sussex Air Ambulance appeal, and a further £50,000 will be presented in the very near future. Nationally, our efforts are channelled through four main charity organisations:
The Grand Charity
The Grand Charity was formed as an independent charity in 1980 to take over the functions of the United Grand Lodge of England's Board of Benevolence, which itself had its origins in the Committee of Charity set up in 1725. Like its predecessor, the Grand Charity has a threefold function:
- relieving distressed Freemasons and their dependents
- making grants to other Masonic Charities
- making grants to non-Masonic causes
For more information on The Grand Charity, please visit their website at http://www.grandcharity.co.uk
The Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys
In 1982 the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls (formed in 1788) and the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys (formed in 1798) were combined to form the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys to continue nearly two hundred years of care for the children of poor families.
The prime object of the Trust is 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 families. The second objective is to provide help to children not connected to Masonic families and to support charities connected with children.
For more information on The Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys, please visit their website at http://www.rmtgb.org
The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution
The RMBI provides a comprehensive range of services designed to meet the needs of older Freemasons: sheltered accommodation and residential and nursing care in homes throughout England and Wales, as well as practical and financial support for those who wish to remain in their own homes.
The Institution has a daunting challenge to provide these services to an increasingly large number of older Freemasons and their dependants. Regular practical help and advice, through the Care Advice Team, home improvement loans and holidays are other important ingredients in the help the Institution provides.
For more information on The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution, please visit their website at http://www.rmbi.org.uk
The New Masonic Samaritan Fund
Established in 1990 with the active support of United Grand Lodge of England, the New Masonic Samaritan Fund is an independent charity, which provides support for sick and infirm Freemasons, their families and dependants who are in need. The Fund gives 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 National Health Service without undue delay or hardship.
For more information on The New Masonic Samaritan Fund, please visit their website at http://www.nmsf.org
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