Provincial Grand Lodge of Londonderry and Donegal Council of Charity and Welfare

The Provincial Grand Lodge of Londonderry and Donegal Council of Charity and Welfare is a longstanding Masonic charitable funder, rooted in 19th-century traditions of fraternity and philanthropy, dedicated to relieving hardship, distress, and poverty among Freemasons, their widows, and dependents primarily in the counties of Londonderry (Northern Ireland) and Donegal (Republic of Ireland), with discretionary extension across the island. Guided by Masonic principles of charity, compassion, and moral integrity, it emphasizes immediate, personal support through Lodge Almoners for individual crises like illness, bereavement, or economic need, while also bolstering other Masonic charities and making targeted donations to local non-Masonic causes such as hospices, foodbanks (e.g., We Care), care homes, and child trauma projects like TLC Teddies for Loving Care.

It prioritizes small UK-registered charities and community groups delivering poverty relief, social welfare, healthcare, or support for the vulnerable in Londonderry and Donegal, favoring grassroots organizations with local impact over large nationals; no strict income thresholds apply, but modest-scale entities align best. No religious restrictions exist, though Masonic ties shape internal referrals.

Grants typically range from £500 to £3,000 for emergency aid, core costs, or project-specific needs, awarded on a rolling, discretionary basis via adhoc Council meetings—no fixed deadlines or open rounds. Unsolicited applications are not accepted; eligible groups must initiate via phone enquiry or direct contact with the Provincial Grand Secretary to discuss fit through established networks. Distinctively, it blends private Masonic welfare with broader public benefit, eschewing capital projects, national scope, or formal processes in favor of relationship-driven, hands-on responses to acute local distress.