Northumberland Masonic Charity Association

The Northumberland Masonic Charity Association (NMCA), established in 2002, serves as the central fundraising body for Freemasons in the Masonic Province of Northumberland, coordinating large-scale Festival appeals to support national Masonic charities like the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution (RMBI) and Masonic Charitable Foundation. Rooted in English Freemasonry's values of integrity, charity, respect, friendship, and service, NMCA channels collective Masonic generosity into impactful philanthropy, primarily granting to charities and voluntary bodies rather than individuals, with a focus on community welfare in Northumberland and North Tyneside.

It funds projects addressing vulnerable groups, including children's early years and family services, special educational needs, anti-poverty and social mobility initiatives, dementia care, domestic abuse support, food banks, schools, youth clubs like Sea Scouts, and community relief efforts. Support emphasizes care, education, poverty alleviation, health, and wellbeing for Masonic and non-Masonic beneficiaries, often through multi-year campaigns and local lodge nominations.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, community groups, and academic institutions operating strictly in Northumberland or North Tyneside, with a preference for small to medium local organizations; there are no strict income limits. NMCA does not accept unsolicited applications—funding is trustee-determined via periodic meetings, festival cycles, and internal processes, with no open deadlines or application forms. Typical grants range from £400 to £5,000, occasionally higher for key initiatives.

Distinctively Masonic-linked, NMCA excludes individual aid, political/religious promotion, animal welfare, heritage, environmental projects, or unrestricted funding, prioritizing transparent, impact-driven support through national partnerships and local engagement for maximum community reach.