Charity and Impact Guided by Brotherhood, united in service
Committed to supporting those in need, fostering hope, and building a lasting legacy of care.
$500,000
Donated to various charitable causes in 2023.
100 Scholarships
Awarded to students pursuing higher education last year.
50+ Communities
Supported through disaster relief and local initiatives in 2023.
Charity
Benevolence Generosity in Action
We have Almoners and Charity Officers all over the country who are dedicated to providing relief to those in need and coordinating local charitable efforts. These efforts are deeply rooted in Freemasonry's centuries-old tradition of giving and community support
Grants Empowering Communities
Our Lodges have a long history of supporting the well-being of individuals and the community through relief of need and projects that support and enhance local communities. The Freemasons Charity supports Lodges and Districts to undertake projects in their local communities that meet the vision and outcomes of the charity.
Scholarships Investing in Education
We are one of New Zealand's largest private funders of university scholarships, providing the Freemasons University Scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students annually for over 45 years. The Freemasons Charity also administers five other scholarships including support for veterinary students, paramedicine students, family of Freemasons, and more.
How we use our resources
Supporting health
We fund health initiatives that make a real difference-whether it's purchasing essential medical equipment for individuals, supporting local health services, or contributing to projects that improve public health outcomes. Along with our dedicated members and volunteers, we provide Hospital Packs to accident and emergency units to provide some relief to those in their most vulnerable moments. We aim to ease suffering and promote wellness across all age groups.
supporting the elderly
We provide care and support to the elderly through assistance grants and our continued partnership with The Masonic Villages Trust. Our Almoners are also dedicated to staying in contact with widows of Freemasons to ensure continued support and aid if there is a need. Our support aims ensure older New Zealanders live with dignity, comfort, and connection to their communities.
Assistance for Families in Need
Through targeted grants and local Lodge initiatives, we help families facing financial hardship by providing emergency support for food and petrol and funding towards vital medical equipment. We also work with other charities to extend our reach and impact where it's needed most.
medical research funding
We support medical and scientific research through long term collaborations with some of New Zealand's leading providers of innovative medical research. The Freemasons Charity offers Child Health and Paediatrics Fellowships through the University of Otago, supporting students research programmes developing innovative studies in Paediatrics. We are also a long-standing supporter of the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, providing annual funding for their Car T-Cell Cancer Research programme.
Generosity in Action
Our members volunteer time, resources, and expertise to support disaster relief, community development, and charitable causes. Whether it's helping during emergencies or backing local projects, we're committed to making a positive impact wherever we can.
Youth development
The Potter Masonic Trust is our direct arm of charitable funding for youth development, granting over $1M annually to applicants and organisations benefitting youth in the upper North Island with a focus on opportunity for change, improving health, respite to family, access to support and demonstration of the values of Freemasonry.
Scholarships
Freemasons New Zealand offers scholarships to assist students who are actively involved in their community to complete their university education in their chosen field.
Freemasons University Scholarships applying for scholarships
These scholarships are open to students enrolled at participating universities, including Auckland, AUT, Waikato, Massey, Victoria, Canterbury, Lincoln, and Otago.
To qualify for a Freemasons New Zealand scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Excellence:Â Maintain a strong academic record.
- Citizenship:Â Be a New Zealand citizen or hold permanent New Zealand residency.
- Community Involvement:Â Demonstrate active participation in community activities.
- Leadership Potential:Â Show evidence of leadership abilities.
- Good Citizenship:Â Exhibit responsible and ethical behaviour.
Family association with Freemasonry is not a criterion for the award of a scholarship.
The scholarship has been pivotal
in my academic journey. It eased financial pressure and gave me more time to focus on my schoolwork and community involvement. This support motivates me to push harder and stay committed to my goals.
Finn Lawrence Otago Medical PhD student
Scholarship RECIPIENT
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