Masonic Charitable Foundation

The Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF), established in 2016 as the national charity of Freemasonry under the United Grand Lodge of England, consolidates four historic Masonic charities with over 300 years of heritage. Funded entirely by Freemasons, families, and friends, MCF's mission is to build better lives by enabling opportunity, advancing healthcare and education, and promoting independence, guided by core values of integrity, friendship, respect, and charity. It uniquely blends tailored support for Masonic families with broad grant-making to the wider public, emphasizing long-term social outcomes through a strategic theory of change, positioning it as one of the UK's largest grant-makers with deep roots in voluntary philanthropy.

MCF prioritizes relief of poverty and financial hardship, advancement of health and healthcare (e.g., hospices, community projects), promotion of education, and support for disadvantaged groups facing age, ill-health, disability, or crisis—benefiting vulnerable children, young people, older adults, and those experiencing social isolation. Key programmes include Small Grants for core costs or projects, Large Grants for specific initiatives like salaries or equipment, and targeted Hospice Grants, with examples funding nationwide hospice networks, local welfare charities, and social inclusion efforts.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities based in England and Wales (some Channel Islands/Isle of Man extension), with Small Grants for incomes £25,000–£500,000 (request ≤20% of average income) and Large Grants for >£500,000. Applications follow a two-stage process: online Expression of Interest (EOI) then full application, rolling with 2-4 week EOI responses and 2-4 month decisions; Small Grants £1,000–£5,000/year (up to £15,000 over 3 years), Large £10,000–£60,000 over 1-3 years. Exclusions cover social enterprises, non-charitable CICs, religious activities, and umbrella bodies; MCF stands out for its Freemasonry ties, scale, and evidence-based focus on sustainable health, education, and inclusion impacts.