The Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF)
Building Better Lives
The MCF aims to be a force for good by providing support, care and services to Freemasons and their families in need, and supporting other charities to help the most disadvantaged people in society.
Support and services
The MCF is here to support Freemasons and their families when life takes an unexpected turn for the worse. A wide range of help and support is available for daily living costs; health, care and wellbeing; and children, young people and education.
In addition to the support provided to Freemasons and their families, the MCF tackles some of the most significant challenges facing society, in particular, reducing isolation in later life and ensuring a positive future for young people.
Every year the MCF helps over 3,000 Freemasons and their families at a cost of £12m and gives £5.5m to local and national charities. Beyond monetary contributions, our members actively engage in volunteer work, making a significant impact in their communities.
Below are some of the Charitable Donations, made possible by the generosity of The Portsmouth Lodge No:487 members to charities within the local area.
The Friends of the Homeless - Fareham
February 2026 – Our Charity Steward Bro. Mike Crick attended the premises of The Friends of the homeless in Fareham and Gosport on the 6th February to hand over our Lodge donation of £200 to Phil Rutt one of the Trustees of the charity. They distribute over 3000 bags of food each year between the two sites. All clients are recommended by outside agencies. They only receive money via donations and partnerships with local supermarkets.
Solent Diabetes
November 2025 – Our Charity Steward Bro Mike Crick says “It was my great pleasure to present a cheque for £200 to the Solent Diabetes Association on behalf of the Brethren of The Portsmouth 487 Lodge. I handed over the cheque to Chris Edwards ( Chair of Trustees ) and Crisha Wright the Manager. They were very appreciative of the donation towards their Charity.” A thank you letter from SDA :-
Good afternoon Mike,
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to express my thanks to the brethren of 487 Masonic Lodge for the generous donation of £200, which I received from you this morning, for the SDA. Crisha, the shops’ manager and I enjoyed meeting with you, and talking about the work of our respective charities. The donation will be put towards our next project, which is funding an activity day for 36 children with Type 1 diabetes at Fairthorne Manor next year. May I wish you and your fellow brethren a happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year.
Yours sincerely,
Chris Edwards
Acting Chair, The Solent Diabetes Association
Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
September 2025 – Charity Steward Bro Mike Crick had great pleasure presenting a cheque for £1,400 on behalf of The Portsmouth 487 lodge to the Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association. W.Bro Gareth was also in attendance along with his sister Claire, as this was one of his main charities he supported over the past year and worked very hard to raise a fantastic amount for them. It was very enjoyable and a really lovely experience to meet all the people who work and attend the Association.
Moving On Project
July 2025 – Our Charity Steward Bro. Mike Crick (2nd from left) had the pleasure of attending an open day at the ‘Moving on Project’ in Fareham. It was very interesting seeing how the councillor’s work with young adults with issues aged 11-25 yrs old and the offices they have to work in. Our contribution was very much appreciated. The Mayor of Fareham along with members of Fareham Borough Council were also in attendance. Thank you all for your contributions.
Key to Joy
July 2025 – Charity Steward Bro. Mike Crick (7th from left) presented a cheque, from the Tom Langton Fund, to the Key to Joy Charity Manager (holding the cheque). Our Grand Officer W.Bro Steve Frost (4th from Left) grandson is a member.
Cheque Presentation
June 2025 – The Annual Cheque Presentation evening at Gosport Masonic Centre saw Lodges from the Fareham and Gosport area present cheques to their nominated charities totalling over £28,000. Also in attendance were the Fareham and Gosport Mayors.
Always a humbling event when the charities talk about what they do and the challenges they face.
The Portsmouth Lodge No:487 donated cheques to “The Elizabeth Foundation” and “The Moving On Project”
Portsmouth Hospitals
October 2024 – Charity Steward Elect Bro Mike Crick presenting a cheque to the Portsmouth Hospital Charity representative. The monies will go to “Macmillan Cancer Support” at QA Hospital.
This was a request from W.Bro John Walshaw who received lots of support from them during his own battle with Prostate Cancer. RIP John.
Portsmouth Hospitals
October 2024 – Charity Steward W.Bro Andy Brown presenting a cheque to two Consultants from the “Urology department” at QA Hospital.
Urology involves conditions affecting the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra and prostate.
