Benevolence and Charity are the fundamental principles of Freemasonry. Freemasons are one of the largest charitable givers donating £7 Million per annum including making major contributions to international disaster relief funds. All donations are funded exclusively by the Freemasons of the Province who as members of the Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons Charity (LRFC) donate a minimum of £3 per month or £36 per annum.
The LRFC encourages applications for grants from Local Charities and also seeks nominations from the Lodges and the Brethren throughout Leicestershire and Rutland. Sympathetic consideration is given by the Trustees to request from small local charities. The Lodges are actively involved in Charity, raising their own funds for chosen Charities, for the LRFC and the Masonic Charitable Foundation. To this end each Lodge has a Charity Steward to raise the monies and an Almoner who looks after the welfare of Lodge Brethren, their widows and their families. Via the TLC Appeal and the Province of Leicestershire & Rutland over 16,000 Teddies have been given to children who have attended the Accident and Emergency Unit at Leicester Royal Infirmary. These Teddies have been provided by the Freemasons' from the Province of Leicestershire and Rutland who over the last 8 years have donated funds for their purchase.