East Lancashire Masonic Charity

The East Lancashire Masonic Charity (ELMC), founded in 1904, is the principal Masonic charity in the Province of East Lancashire, dedicated to relieving poverty and hardship among needy Freemasons, their widows, and dependents, while extending support to deserving individuals and community causes where members reside. Rooted in Masonic values of fraternity, benevolence, compassion, and discretion, ELMC operates under a Provincial Grand Master presidency and a Board of Trustees, blending mutual aid for its community with broader public benefit projects in health, education, and resilience, primarily in East Lancashire.

It funds thematic priorities like financial distress relief, wellbeing support, disadvantaged youth, disability services, bereavement aid, medical equipment, hospices, food banks, and grassroots initiatives—often one-off grants for capital items (e.g., wheelchairs, sensory rooms, defibrillators), capacity building, or operational costs delivering immediate impact. Beneficiaries include Masonic families, local UK-registered charities, and community groups with a strong East Lancashire link, preferably sponsored by a Masonic Lodge or District Charity Steward.

Eligible applicants are small to medium-sized local voluntary groups and charities (no strict income limits, preference for modest-sized ones) operating in East Lancashire (valid postcode required). Typical grants range from £500 to £5,000 (average £2,000–£3,000), awarded via online or postal forms on a rolling basis, with quarterly Grant Making Committee meetings (March, June, September, December) and decisions in up to three months; urgent cases expedited. ELMC excludes religious/political activities without Masonic ties, long-term core costs, or non-local projects, distinguishing itself through hands-on, needs-led assessment, Lodge partnerships, and alignment with principles of dignity and social cohesion.