Provincial Grand Lodge of Londonderry and Donegal Council of Charity and Welfare

The Council supports poverty relief, social welfare, healthcare, and services for vulnerable people. It funds grassroots organisations such as hospices, foodbanks, care homes, and child trauma projects. Its work covers emergency aid, core costs, and project-specific needs, always with a focus on local impact. Geographically, it primarily serves Londonderry (Northern Ireland) and Donegal (Republic of Ireland), with occasional wider reach across the island. The Council prefers small, locally rooted charities over large national bodies, and values immediate, personal assistance over large-scale initiatives.

UK-registered charities and community groups operating in Londonderry or Donegal are eligible. The Council prioritises organisations with local roots and modest scale, serving Freemasons, their widows, dependents, and the wider community. There are no religious restrictions, and no strict income thresholds, though smaller entities align best with the funder's hands-on approach. Applications must come through established networks, as unsolicited approaches are not accepted.

The Council does not fund capital projects or large-scale initiatives. It also avoids supporting national charities, preferring organisations with a local, grassroots focus. Formal, impersonal processes are not part of its approach.

Funding is discretionary and relationship-driven, provided through established networks and by invitation. The Council awards grants for core costs and project needs, blending private Masonic welfare with public benefit. It does not accept unsolicited applications, and works directly with Lodge Almoners to identify and respond to acute local distress.