CHARITABLE ACTIVITY AND SERVICE
We are proud to makea positive differencein our communities
Making An Impact
Service has always been a core principle of Freemasonry, and we take pride in our 300-year history of supporting those in need in our communities.
Freemasonry stands out as one of the largest contributors to charitable causes in the country, with Cheshire Freemasons donating over £1 million each year.
Beyond monetary contributions, our members actively engage in volunteer work, including community fundraising and volunteering, as well as a varied programme of events where spouses, partners and families are welcome.
Making An Impact
Service has always been a core principle of Freemasonry,and we take pride in our 300-year history of supportingthose in need in our communities.
Freemasonry stands out as one of the largest contributors to charitable causes in the country, with Cheshire Freemasons donating over £1 million each year.
Beyond monetary contributions, our members actively engage in volunteer work, including community fundraising and volunteering, as well as a varied programme of events where spouses, partners and families are welcome.
Responding to need
Cheshire Freemasons Charity
Service is one of the founding principles of Freemasonry and CFC supports charitable causes throughout Cheshire in the name of its members.
The funds donated come only from the Freemasons of Cheshire as we do not raise money from the public in any way.
Each year CFC gives over £200,000 to local charities including hospices, youth and children organisations, mental health, foodbanks, medical research and care, and many other smaller causes where funds are short and problems constant. Freemasons give thousands of hours in physical support of charities and Lodges make direct donations as well, but CFC is the focus of charitable support.
Cheshire Freemasons raise funds by sponsored walks, sleepouts, climbing mountains, cycling Chester to London, round the world simulated walks and all the other ingenious ways they can conceive. They are tireless in their efforts and ceaseless in their generosity. CFC is supported by the Provincial Grand Master and the leadership team and is run and directed as an independent charity by a team of trustees elected each year at the AGM.
CFC is the charity which gives a voice to the Freemasons of Cheshire and a supporting hand to local charities of all kinds.
2027 is the conclusion of a massive fundraising effort in Cheshire for the Masonic Charitable Foundation and CFC supports that effort fully.
Before that however, in 2025, is the tercentenary of the Province of Cheshire – the oldest Province. This is a milestone to be celebrated and no better way for Freemasons to celebrate than by helping others. To mark this marvellous moment CFC will make 10 gifts of £30,000.
That is £300,000 to mark 300 years of Freemasons doing good in Cheshire.
Service, the heart of Freemasonry!
Responding to need
Cheshire Freemasons Charity
Service is one of the founding principles of Freemasonry and CFC supports charitable causes throughout Cheshire in the name of its members.
The funds donated come only from the Freemasons of Cheshire as we do not raise money from the public in any way.
Each year CFC gives over £200,000 to local charities including hospices, youth and children organisations, mental health, foodbanks, medical research and care, and many other smaller causes where funds are short and problems constant. Freemasons give thousands of hours in physical support of charities and Lodges make direct donations as well, but CFC is the focus of charitable support.
Cheshire Freemasons raise funds by sponsored walks, sleepouts, climbing mountains, cycling Chester to London, round the world simulated walks and all the other ingenious ways they can conceive. They are tireless in their efforts and ceaseless in their generosity. CFC is supported by the Provincial Grand Master and the leadership team and is run and directed as an independent charity by a team of trustees elected each year at the AGM.
CFC is the charity which gives a voice to the Freemasons of Cheshire and a supporting hand to local charities of all kinds.
2027 is the conclusion of a massive fundraising effort in Cheshire for the Masonic Charitable Foundation and CFC supports that effort fully.
Before that however, in 2025, is the tercentenary of the Province of Cheshire – the oldest Province. This is a milestone to be celebrated and no better way for Freemasons to celebrate than by helping others. To mark this marvellous moment CFC will make 10 gifts of £30,000.
That is £300,000 to mark 300 years of Freemasons doing good in Cheshire.
Service, the heart of Freemasonry!
Freemasons helping their communities
News, Events and Social Media
Grant Celebrations
Cheshire Freemasons donate circa £1mil to charities and good causes in 2023
On Monday 4th December a number of Cheshire’s leading Charities and members of the Cheshire Freemasons came together to hear more about how funds provided had been put to good use to positively improve the lives of so many. The stories were incredible.
Head of the Cheshire Freemasons, David Dyson, welcomed a number of local dignitaries and charity representatives and voluntary workers from an array of organisations, some household names, others less known, But all equally fabulous charities. During the evening, David confirmed his commitment on behalf of all Cheshire Freemasons, to continue to support Local and National good causes during these testing times and beyond and thanked the many charities in attendance for their time and commitment as they help so many people in Cheshire and further afield.
A number of the charities had provided videos of thanks which explained more about what they do and the Freemasons who attended, took the opportunity to meet the charity representatives to find out more about how they are using their share of the £1Million donated by Cheshire Freemasons to make a difference. The feedback was inspiring.
Grant Celebrations
Cheshire Freemasons donate circa £1mil to charities and good causes in 2023
On Monday 4th December a number of Cheshire’s leading Charities and members of the Cheshire Freemasons came together to hear more about how funds provided had been put to good use to positively improve the lives of so many. The stories were incredible.
Head of the Cheshire Freemasons, David Dyson, welcomed a number of local dignitaries and charity representatives and voluntary workers from an array of organisations, some household names, others less known, But all equally fabulous charities. During the evening, David confirmed his commitment on behalf of all Cheshire Freemasons, to continue to support Local and National good causes during these testing times and beyond and thanked the many charities in attendance for their time and commitment as they help so many people in Cheshire and further afield.
A number of the charities had provided videos of thanks which explained more about what they do and the Freemasons who attended, took the opportunity to meet the charity representatives to find out more about how they are using their share of the £1Million donated by Cheshire Freemasons to make a difference. The feedback was inspiring.
2027 Festival Appeal
A Festival Appeal usually lasts between five and six years, but can be slightly longer. It is a vital funding source and generates the majority of donations made to the MCF. We are incredibly grateful for the hard work and generosity of Freemasons who support their festival appeals.
Every eleven years, each province (or region) is invited to run a Festival Appeal to raise money for the Freemasons Charity. The last Festival Appeal in Cheshire ended in 2016 and raised just over £3ml from its members. Our new Festival Appeal ends in 2027 and has a target of £3.5m to support our national charity, The Masonic Charitable Foundation, better known as MCF.
We raise these funds internally from our members by running fundraising events, all of which are designed to be fun and inclusive. We have recently run a 24-hour underwater challenge, with another where 52 members took part in walking over 80 days, a Hypnotist evening, and events where spouses, partners, and friends attend a dining evening. The list is endless, with one purpose: to raise money for those needing much-needed help, support, and assistance in life.
Since 2016, when the MCF was formed by merging the previous four charities into one, MCF has provided support grants right in the heart of local communities, donations to worthy charities, and equipment such as blood bikes, an emergency helicopter, and direct local support to the tune of around £200ml.
The Province of Cheshire is proud to support our national charity, MCF, which also supports our local Cheshire Freemasons Charity, during the Festival Appeal period, which reaches right in the heart of Cheshire. It is anticipated that MCF, whilst we look to reach our target of £3.5m, Cheshire will receive back in local support and grants to the tune of over £6m.
MCF
Masonic Charitable Foundation
Funded entirely by Freemasons, the MCF builds better lives by encouraging opportunity, promoting independence and improving wellbeing. It offers a wide range of grants and support services for financial, health, family and care-related needs.
MCF
Masonic Charitable Foundation
Funded entirely by Freemasons, the MCF builds better lives by encouraging opportunity, promoting independence and improving wellbeing. It offers a wide range of grants and support services for financial, health, family and care-related needs.
TLC
Teddies for Loving Care
Teddies for Loving Care (TLC) provides cuddly bears to A&E departments for medical staff to give to young children. The bears are often used to calm children down, reward them for being brave, and demonstrate procedures.
TLC is locally managed by Freemasons who also volunteer their time to run the scheme. Since its inception in 2001, more than 3.5 million teddies have been donated to hospitals throughout England and Wales.
Teddies for Loving Care (TLC) provides cuddly bears to A&E departments for medical staff to give to young children. The bears are often used to calm children down, reward them for being brave, and demonstrate procedures.
TLC is locally managed by Freemasons who also volunteer their time to run the scheme. Since its inception in 2001, more than 3.5 million teddies have been donated to hospitals throughout England and Wales.