Freemasonry Charities

Charity is a cornerstone of Freemasonry. While we are not solely a benevolent society, the active practice of charity and caring for those less fortunate is deeply ingrained in our principles. Our members are encouraged to support individuals in need within the wider community, both within and beyond our Masonic family.

Across our Lodges, members enthusiastically engage in a variety of fundraising events to support charitable causes. The funds raised are either directly channelled by the Lodges to charities of their choosing or entrusted to the District to be allocated to nominated organizations.

We are proud to support a wide spectrum of both Masonic and non-Masonic charities.

Supporting Our Own: Masonic Charities

Our charitable efforts to assist Freemasons and their families are primarily coordinated through the Transvaal Inter-Constitutional Masonic Charity (TIMC). This dedicated fund provides crucial relief to aged and financially vulnerable Freemasons, their widows, and families. Additionally, the TIMC offers educational bursaries to the children and grandchildren of Freemasons who demonstrate a genuine financial need.

The TIMC is a collaborative effort, supported by Lodges operating in the northern region of South Africa under the English, Scottish, Irish, and South African Grand Lodges.

The TIMC provides vital assistance to:

1. a) Aged and Indigent Freemasons and their Dependants:

In the financial year 2023/2024, we were able to provide a total of R 1,405,125 in individual grants to 46 deserving recipients.

1. b) Educational Bursaries for Children and Grandchildren of Freemasons:

We believe in investing in the future. Our bursaries primarily support studies at tertiary educational institutions across South Africa, including universities, business colleges, and technical institutions. We also consider requests for assistance with secondary education in certain circumstances. Tertiary level bursaries are renewable annually and can cover undergraduate studies as well as one year of postgraduate study. While academic merit is considered, our primary focus is on ensuring that support reaches families facing genuine financial hardship.

In 2023, the charity disbursed R599 082 to bursary recipients, followed by R547 037 in 2024.

Reaching Out: Non-Masonic Charities (#FreemasonryCares)

Over the past 30 years, the District of South Africa, North, and its Lodges have generously donated approximately R24 million to non-Masonic charities.

We recognize the increasing need for support within our broader community. Our District actively engages in assisting charitable organizations dedicated to helping those less fortunate in all aspects of society. Each year, the District of South Africa, North, makes significant donations to one or two non-Masonic organizations where a clear need has been identified and where our contribution can make a tangible difference.

A Note About Our Registration:

The District Grand Lodge of South Africa North is a registered BPO with the reference number: 18/11/14/403.

We invite you to learn more about our ongoing commitment to charity and the positive impact we strive to make in the lives of individuals and communities.