Charity

How does Masonry promote charity and brotherhood?

Financial relief is organized through systematic benevolent funds, per capita taxes on membership, initiation fees, and voluntary contributions administered by lodges, Grand Lodges, and joint local boards. Boards of Relief and dedicated Relief Lodges consult to distinguish legitimate needs from improper applications, distributing assistance to needy brethren, widows, and orphans. Jurisdictions and grand bodies have also created specialized institutions, such as Masonic homes or cooperative health organizations like the National Masonic Tuberculosis Sanatoria Association, to afford hospitalization, medical relief, and employment assistance.

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