Our Programs
Our Mission is to encourage the active practice of the Masonic principles of Benevolence and Charity, and to promote a positive image of Freemasonry in the Community.
It all starts with the Masonic Lodge in your community. Individual members of a Lodge or groups of Lodges known as Districts Associations, may bring requests to the Lodge for consideration. If the Lodge wishes to support the request, an application is made to the Masonic Foundation under the appropriate program.
The Masonic Foundation investment portfolio’s earned income is spent on all our programs. Masonic Lodges’ contribute funds under many of the programs that they sponsor.
Donations received from Masons and Non-Masons is important. It permits us to do more and you do get a tax receipt as we are a registered charity.
Benevolence
Our Objective is to “help, aid, and assist all poor and distressed Master Masons and their immediate family”. Such acts frequently involve financial assistance.
Benevolence Funding is only available to Masonic members, their spouses and orphans. When a Mason or family is in real need for assistance contact the member’s Master, or Secretary of the Lodge.
It is important to note this section of financial help is funded internally and not from Non-Mason donations.
Bursary Program
The Goal of the Bursary Program is to assist graduating Senior High School Students financially with their education at the university level (Atlantic Provinces) and/or Nova Scotia Community College.
The Students Apply to a Lodge in their area, usually through the local High School Guidance Dept., and the Lodge’s Bursary Committee decides who will receive the award.
The Criteria for the Bursary is a good academic standing, community involvement, need, etc.
Donations
Know that 100% of monies donated by non Masons to the Masonic Foundation are used in our Community or Special Grant Programs.
Registered Charity
# 119034510
902-423-6149
Shared Funds Program
This program enables Masons through their Lodge or District with financial assistance from the Foundation, to meet a social or financial need within their community.
Lodges or Districts must initiate the program by first identifying a community need, determining the cost and then applying to the Foundation for funding.
As much as possible, Shared Funds Programs should be directed to community based registered charities.
Administrative Funds
Special grants are available for an approved, registered charitable organization that can cover a county territory to a provincial-wide territory.
The Administrative Funds Program requires no financial participation from a Lodge or District and proposals submitted must be for a registered charitable organization in Nova Scotia that provides a service.
A good example is the Masonic Learning Centre for Dyslexic Children opened in 2006 in Dartmouth.
