The Benevolence Program offers confidential financial support to Nova Scotia Master Masons in good standing and their immediate families. Assistance may also be available to widows through their husband’s Lodge. Funding is sourced from a long-standing internal portfolio built through Masonic contributions and careful investment. The goal is simple: to help, aid, and assist poor and distressed Master Masons and their families. There are two assistance paths: Individual Needs and the Assisted Home Program, both using the same application form and worksheet. Completed forms should be submitted to the Foundation Secretary, who will forward them directly to the Benevolence Committee. Individual applications do not require Lodge approval. Examples of support include: - Eyeglasses, hearing aids, or urgent utility bills - Travel costs for medical treatment - Home modifications for accessibility (e.g., ramps, bathroom adaptations) - Equipment not covered by insurance (e.g., walkers, wheelchairs) - Household help (up to 20 hours/week) for cooking, cleaning, and transport excluding professional nursing care Helpers must not be family members, and rates are based on Veterans Affairs standards. Grants may be approved swiftly for up to $500 in urgent cases. All requests are kept strictly confidential, respecting the privacy of those in need. Lodges may also submit applications and are encouraged to contribute financially where possible. The availability and amount of support depends on the resources of the Foundation and the approval of the Benevolence Committee.

The Goal of the Bursary Program is to assist graduating nova Scotia Senior High School Students financially with their education within the public education system (Atlantic Provinces) and/or Community Colleges, sponsored by the Provincial Governments throughout Atlantic Canada. Application Process ​The Students apply to a Lodge in their area, usually through the local High School Guidance Dept., and the Lodge’s Bursary Committee decides who will receive the award. ​The criteria for the Bursary is a good academic standing, community involvement, need, etc.. The Lodge provides one third of the funds and the Masonic Foundation provides two thirds of the amount of the Bursary up to a maximum of $1500 from the Masonic Foundation. No funds are dispersed until all paper work and the Lodge portion of the funding is received from the sponsoring Lodge and an invoice is received from the Institution the student is attending, to the Masonic Foundation of Nova Scotia. The student is presented with a letter which they present to the Registrar of the University at the time of Registration explaining the process to be followed for the university to receive the bursary funds.. The required REGISTRATION FORM comes in the Bursary Package the Student receives. The Masonic Foundation has been able to receive “matched” Bursary funding from St. Mary's University. If the Bursary recipient maintains their academic standing for the First Semester, the University may match the total Masonic Bursary awarded. This “matching” is not automatic or instant; all criteria as laid out by the university must be met by the Student Recipient. The Masonic Foundation is working toward increasing the number of Institutions willing to participate in the “matched funding” program. The Masonic Foundation of Nova Scotia is proud to be able to assist our youth in their educational endeavours. Attention Masonic Lodges: All the information required to begin the process for Bursary involvement is contained in the Masonic Foundation information packages sent to your Lodge Secretary each year.

This program helps Lodges and Districts support community needs by matching funds with financial assistance from the Foundation. To apply, Lodges or Districts identify a need, determine project costs, and submit a funding request. Priority is given to local registered charities. How It Works Lodges or Districts must raise at least 25% of the total cost The Foundation may cover up to 75%, to a maximum of $1,500 per Lodge, or $1,500 times the number of Lodges in a District Submit applications to the Foundation Secretary by April 30 Examples of Eligible Projects School programs, youth organizations, volunteer fire departments, medical facilities, equipment for individuals, and community-based athletics or camps Other Guidelines Goods in kind and national charities (unless serving a local need) aren't eligible Funds are allocated based on availability and may be prorated if requests exceed the budget Once approved, the Lodge or District contributes its portion, and the Foundation issues the full project amount Multiple payments can be arranged if needed

The Masonic Foundation of Nova Scotia is a registered charity that supports communities through various programs. While programs like Shared Funds and Bursaries require Lodges or Districts to contribute financially, the Administrative Funds Program is different. Purpose & Scope This program funds large-scale community projects across counties or the entire province, aligning with Masonic principles of charity. It supports registered charities in Nova Scotia that provide essential services where no Lodge or District financial contribution is required. How to Apply - Proposals may be submitted by a Master Mason, Lodge, or District Master Masons submit directly to the Foundation Secretary - Lodge and District proposals require internal approval and signatures from leadership - Charitable organizations may apply through a local Lodge or Mason Application Timeline Applications are accepted year-round but must be submitted by December 31 - Only registered charities with a CRA number are eligible: - Funding decisions are made at the May Board meeting Examples of Funded Projects - Eye care equipment for QEII clinic Repairs to Scout camp buildings - School mentoring programs - Hospice support - Long-term sponsorships like “The Learning Centre for Children”