Bristol Masons' Charity

Bristol Masons' Charity (BMC), established in 1887 as The Bristol Masonic Benevolent Institution, channels bequests and donations from Bristol Freemasons to support members and their dependents facing hardship, while providing grants to registered charities in the Greater Bristol Area. Rooted in Masonic values of benevolence, charity, and community service, BMC emphasizes financial stewardship, local solidarity, and practical compassion, blending care for its members with broader societal impact through trustee-led, adaptive grant-making that preserves assets for future generations.

It funds diverse local interventions addressing young people's wellbeing, disability services, physical and mental health, homelessness, social exclusion, and material needs, supporting organisations like The Green House, ERIC, Empire Fighting Chance, Gympanzees, Bristol Autism Support, The Matthew Tree Project, Feed The Homeless, Caring In Bristol, and Roots Independent Street Team. Grants cover project funding, emergency relief, core costs, match-funding for Lodge/Chapter donations (up to £3,000 aggregate annually), and occasionally capital needs, focusing on outcomes like improved resilience, health, and opportunity for vulnerable Bristol communities.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities operating exclusively in the Greater Bristol Area, with a preference for small to medium-sized grassroots groups; there are no strict income thresholds, but no unsolicited applications—referrals must come via a Bristol Mason's Lodge or Chapter Charity Steward using a written letter. Typical grants range from £1,000 to £3,000, decided on a rolling basis by trustees with no fixed deadlines or published schedules.

BMC does not fund outside Greater Bristol, non-registered entities, or non-charitable purposes, distinguishing itself through its Masonic referral model, dual focus on member welfare and community aid, volunteer coordination, and responsive support for evolving local hardships without thematic rigidity.