Last year we spent almost £8.5M in caring for our beneficiaries. In the last 21 years our income  from Festival Appeals has amounted to about £52M, but over the same period we have spent over £155M. The reason we can do this is that we have income from investments laid down by previous generations of Freemasons. Despite a 100% increase in the number of beneficiaries we now assist compared to 20 years ago we are able to maintain our proud record of never having turned away an eligible child in need due to lack of funds.

In spring 2009 a complete review of our grant giving policy was undertaken and changes were introduced to ensure that our support not only remains appropriate but effectively targets child poverty and enables us to fulfil our mission. As a result we are now able to give more support to Masonic grandparents who through necessity are bringing up their grandchildren. We have also reintroduced the opportunity for some of our female beneficiaries to attend the Royal Masonic School for Girls for their 6th form education. We greatly value the Masonic ethos of the school and the special role which it plays in helping some of our most disadvantaged children.
Mike Woodcock, President

Extract from the Statement by the President 2009.
To read the full statement download the 2008/2009 annual review.