This year the Somerset Freemasons celebrate 15 years of working together with Somerset Community Foundation (SCF). The Somerset Masonic Fund has supported almost 100 vital small charities and community groups across the county since its launch and around £65,000 has been awarded through grants of between £500 and £1,500.
“Kindness and charitable giving are deeply ingrained within the principles of Freemasonry,” said Graham Puddy from Somerset Freemasons.
“Our organisation provides the structure for members to make positive contributions to their communities and various causes.” 
Back in 2009 the fund was set up with donations from Somerset Freemasons – benefiting from a Government-matched funding scheme. The fund is managed by Somerset Community Foundation and has a broad strategy which allows it to support a wide range of local charities and respond to emerging needs.
Fiona Foster, Senior Programmes Manager at Somerset Community Foundation, said: “We’re really proud to be working with Somerset Freemasons. They’ve been a long-term supporter of SCF, having set up their fund 15 years ago.
“The flexible nature of their giving means they have supported a wide range of small, local charities, as well as help us respond to emerging needs or crises, including historic floods, the recent pandemic and the current cost-of-living crisis.
“We’re delighted that in the 15th year of the Fund, we’re able to recognise the invaluable work of Somerset Freemasonry and the significant difference that the generosity of their members continues to make to a diverse range of causes across the county.”
Charities the Somerset Masonic Fund has helped support through grant funding this year include:
Any community group or charitable organisation wishing to apply for funding should visit the SCF website where they can find guidance on how to make an application: www.somersetcf.org.uk/apply
Somerset Community Foundation is a grant-making charity that helps passionate people in Somerset change the world on their doorstep by funding local charities and inspiring local giving and philanthropy. They aim to build stronger communities in Somerset where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Through their grant-making they provide rewarding and impactful ways for donors to give through them, to the causes and places they care about most. Together, they fund amazing organisations and the passionate people that change lives every day.
Since SCF were founded in 2002, it has awarded over £25 million in funding, changing thousands of lives across Somerset.
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