Masonic Samaritan Fund

The Masonic Samaritan Fund, established in 1990 and now integrated into the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) since 2016, is a benevolence fund rooted in Freemasonry's tradition of mutual support. Its core mission is to relieve suffering and enhance quality of life for Freemasons, their wives, partners, widows, children, and dependants—broadly defined to include same-sex partnerships and extended family—by funding essential health interventions unavailable or delayed through the NHS or local authorities, such as medical treatments, dental care, respite breaks, mobility aids, physiotherapy, and related advisory services. Emphasizing discretion, dignity, and practical restoration of independence, it operates as a grant-maker for individuals, stewarding assets from investments and donations to balance immediate and future needs within Masonic values of compassion and solidarity.

It exclusively supports health and welfare needs within the Freemason community linked to English Constitution Lodges, primarily in England and Wales but extending overseas. Eligible beneficiaries include active or former Freemasons and dependants of any age facing financial hardship that precludes private care; external charities, organisations, or the general public are not eligible.

Grants vary by need, typically ranging from several hundred to several thousand pounds per case, paid directly for specific services rather than as unrestricted or project funding. Applications are handled confidentially on a rolling basis with no deadlines or open rounds—initiated via local Lodge Almoner or direct MCF contact by phone, email, or post, followed by assisted form completion and possible home visits. Distinctively closed to unsolicited proposals, it differentiates from broader health funders by its fraternal focus, individual-centric model, and rejection of organisational or community-wide grants.