Provincial Grand Lodge of Hertfordshire Benevolent Fund

The Provincial Grand Lodge of Hertfordshire Benevolent Fund, established in 1964 by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Hertfordshire, is a Masonic charity dedicated to providing financial support to distressed Freemasons, their widows and children, Masonic charities, and other deserving charitable institutions or societies. Rooted in Freemasonry's traditions of compassion, solidarity, mutual aid, and public benefit, it emphasises discretion, prudent stewardship, and trustee-led decision-making to deliver sustainable impact, blending individual relief with broader community welfare through volunteer trustees and confidential processes.

It prioritises alleviating hardship via unrestricted grants for general charitable purposes, core costs, emergency relief, capital needs, or specific projects, targeting Freemasons and dependants first, then Masonic-linked charities, local community groups, and benevolent organisations. Support focuses on financial aid rather than themed programmes, with flexibility to address assessed needs within Hertfordshire and occasionally beyond for Masonic causes.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities or community groups based in Hertfordshire, with a preference for smaller, grassroots entities (no strict income limits); strong Masonic connections enhance chances, though others may qualify at trustee discretion. It does not accept unsolicited applications—requests must come via lodge Almoners or direct trustee contact—with decisions made quarterly at trustee meetings (no fixed deadlines). Typical grants range from £500 to £5,000, occasionally higher for organisations.

Distinctive for its closed, referral-based model tied to the Masonic community, it avoids public calls, religious restrictions, or large national charities, focusing instead on immediate, need-based aid with prudent reserves for enduring support.