About Freemasonry

Taste The Adventure was sponsored by The Freemasons’ Grand Charity

Here’s what you need to know.

The Freemasons' Grand Charity

Why were we sponsored?

In 2008, the Grand Charity donated £500,000 to The Scout Association with the aim of helping to encourage more young people to join the movement. Given over a five-year period, the donation would provide young people with opportunities for personal development and the chance to get involved with many exciting activities, as well as forging closer links between lodges and Scout Groups.

Since 2008, the grant has been used to support local Scouting, providing areas with start-up and activity grants, as well as much-needed equipment such as books and games. It is estimated that the Grand Charity’s grant has so far enabled 500,000 young people to receive new materials and equipment.

There are certain regions where young people want to join Scouting Groups, but insufficient resources and adult provision means that they have been unable to take part. However, thanks to the Grand Charity’s start-up grants, funding has been allocated to expand 250 new Scouting Groups each year and so far more than 3,500 young people have been able to join.

East Lancashire received a share of the Freemasons’ grant, which we are using to fund the taste the adventure initiative.

What is Freemasonry and the Grand Charity?

Freemasonry is the largest secular, fraternal and charitable organisation in the United Kingdom. It teaches self-knowledge through participation in a progression of ceremonies. Members are expected to be of high moral standing and are encouraged to speak openly about Freemasonry.

The Freemasons’ Grand Charity is funded by Freemasons and their families and is continuing a commitment to charitable support that began nearly 300 years ago in the earliest days of organised Freemasonry. Since 1980, they have donated over £100 million in grants.

The grants fall into three main categories:

  • Masonic Relief grants: financial assistance for Freemasons and their families who are experiencing hardship
  • Grants to Charities: Support for the important work of national charities of all sizes, in medical research; support for vulnerable people; youth opportunities (That’s Us!); hospice services; air ambulance services and disaster relief worldwide. Other Masonic charities: When justifiable needs arise, we will support the work of the other Masonic charities.
  • We also operate The Freemasons’ Grand Charity Relief Chest Scheme, which helps Lodges and other Masonic organisations to maximise the value of the funds they collect for charitable activities.

How are Scouting and Freemasonry similar?

  • Both organisations have HRH The Duke of Kent at the head.
  • Both are worldwide organisations.
  • Both have few paid members – mainly HQ administration.
  • Each organisation has a district level of support.
  • Members have a dress code, banners/flags, an honours system.
  • Both have national gatherings/rallies
  • Both have similar values:
    • Brotherly Love – tolerance and respect for others.
    • Relief – charitable, donating support/giving
    • Truth – moral aims and standards.

Baden Powell, the Founder of Scouting and first Chief Scout, was aware of the values of Freemasonry, but not a member himself. Rudyard Kipling who’s Jungle Book was a great inspiration to BP, was a Freemason. There are a number of Scouting Lodges in the UK (The Lancashire Scouting Lodge of Allegiance meets in Darwen). Many current and past members of the Scout Movement are Freemasons.

Where can I find out more?

Find out more by visiting the following links: