Masonic Education and Charity Trust

The Masonic Education and Charity Trust is a nonprofit organization dedicated to managing and distributing funds for Masonic entities in the United States. It is recognized as a 501(c)3 organization by the Internal Revenue Service, meaning that all donations to the Trust are tax-deductible. The Trust's primary role is to serve as the steward of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts' charitable funds, thereby enabling the Grand Lodge to fulfill its mission of providing relief and support for various charitable causes.

Mission

The Trust's mission is centered on managing investments and distributing income to affiliated Masonic organizations. This includes supporting charitable programs and initiatives that align with the core tenets of Freemasonry: brotherly love, relief, and truth. By doing so, the Trust enables these organizations to continue their work in enhancing individual character and contributing positively to their communities.

Programs and Activities

The Masonic Education and Charity Trust supports a range of programs and organizations, including:

• The Brotherhood Fund: This fund provides assistance to Master Masons and their families when needed, embodying the Masonic obligation to care for its members.
• Grand Lodge Scholarship Program: Offers scholarships to children and grandchildren of Massachusetts Freemasons who are attending an accredited educational institution as full-time undergraduate students.
• Masonic Medical Research Laboratory: An internationally recognized biomedical research institute, although it was established by the Grand Lodge of New York.
• DeMolay and Rainbow: Organizations focused on developing leadership skills in young men and women.
• Samuel Crocker Lawrence Library: Housing a comprehensive collection of Freemasonry-related literature.

Financial Overview

As of recent years, the Trust has reported significant financial assets and liabilities. The organization's revenue varies, with a notable portion coming from contributions and investment income. Expenses primarily include distributions to charitable organizations and other operational costs.

Governance

The Masonic Education and Charity Trust is governed by a board of eight trustees, each with backgrounds in finance, investments, or accounting. A new trustee is elected annually during the Grand Lodge's Annual Communication. The Grand Master serves as the President of the Trust.

Legacy and Impact

Through its financial support, the Trust plays a crucial role in enabling Masonic organizations to continue their charitable work. This includes providing essential services such as skilled nursing care, educational support, and community service initiatives, which contribute to the broader aim of Freemasonry to foster moral and intellectual growth among its members.