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.

The Masonic Charitable Foundation builds better lives by enabling opportunity,advancing healthcare and education and promoting independance for Freemasons, their families and the wider community.

Funded entirely through the generosity of Freemasons and their families, the Masonic Charitable Foundation is one of the largest grant-making charities in the country.

There are two local Masonic Charities making grants totalling up to £60,000.00 each year:

• Gloucestershire Community Foundation Freemasons Fund
• Gloucestershire Masonic Charity Action

All of the funds disbursed by these Masonic charities are also raised directly by Lodge members and their families. All charity contributions are at the sole discretion of individual members. No contributions are collected from the public.

Local Lodges also donate directly to local causes in their own communities, it is estimated that in addition to the grants made by the charities listed above, Gloucestershire Lodges further donate more than £50,000.00 per year.