Monmouthshire Provincial Grand Charity 2004

Monmouthshire Provincial Grand Charity 2004, established in 2004 as the principal charitable arm of the Freemasons in the Province of Monmouthshire, operates under provincial by-laws and a deed of trust led by the Provincial Grand Master and trustees. Rooted in Masonic values of service, benevolence, and community, its mission is to relieve poverty and distress—prioritizing Freemasons, their dependants, and the wider community—while advancing religious purposes (Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism), education through scholarships and bursaries, and grants to hospitals, hospices, schools, and registered charities, all within the historic boundaries of Monmouthshire in South-East Wales. Funds from member donations and events are promptly distributed without accumulating reserves, emphasizing responsive, lodge-driven benevolence.

It supports a broad range of needs, including individual hardship relief, health-related grants (e.g., equipment for institutions), educational initiatives, faith-based causes, and contributions to major Masonic charities like the Masonic Charitable Foundation, alongside local voluntary organizations, community groups, and academic bodies making direct community impact.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, community groups, and academic institutions with strong ties to Monmouthshire and the local Masonic network; no strict income limits apply, though preference favors grassroots and medium-sized entities. Grants typically range from £200 to £70,000, with most local awards in the low thousands. There are no open applications, deadlines, or unsolicited submissions—requests must be endorsed by Masonic lodges or provincial representatives, with decisions made ad hoc by trustees at irregular meetings.

Distinctively, it excludes non-local causes, direct external applications, and non-aligned activities, differentiating itself through its exclusive Masonic structure, community-identified needs, localism, and integration into Monmouthshire's civic fabric, positioning it as a responsive vehicle for member-led charitable giving rather than a traditional open funder.