The Freemasons of Ireland are celebrating a historic milestone — 300 years in Ireland — with a renewed commitment to charitable giving, marked by a £100,000 donation to seven vital charities across Northern Ireland.
The announcement was celebrated at a prestigious Gala Dinner in Belfast City Hall, attended by the Lord Mayor of Belfast, charity representatives, and community leaders.
This year’s donations built on the success of 2024’s inaugural funding round, which saw £75,000 shared among six charities. With increased support in 2025, the Freemasons are now providing £100,000 to organisations delivering essential services across health, wellbeing, and community life.
Speaking at the Gala, Leslie Nixon, Assistant Grand Master of the Freemasons of Ireland, said:
“Marking 300 years of Freemasonry in Ireland is an historic moment, but it also gives us the opportunity to look forward. Our guiding principle of ‘Always Caring, Always Sharing’ is at the heart of what we do, and we are proud to extend our reach once again to charities delivering such vital work in Northern Ireland. This increased £100,000 donation not only celebrates our heritage but also demonstrates our continuing commitment to supporting those most in need in our communities.”
Among this year’s beneficiaries is Nexus NI, which provides specialist support to victims and survivors of sexual abuse. Joanne from Nexus said:
“We are very grateful to the Grand Lodge of Ireland for their donation to Nexus. As a charity we ensure that all donations go directly towards supporting victims and survivors impacted by sexual abuse and abusive relationships in Northern Ireland. This contribution will help us to continue to provide vital services, create safe spaces, empower those we support to recover and thrive — and break the cycle of abuse.”
The impact of the Freemasons’ support also extends to health charities, including Prostate Cancer UK, which received £10,000 to support ground breaking research and local projects. Bryan Meldrum, representative of Prostate Cancer UK in Northern Ireland, said:
“On behalf of everyone at Prostate Cancer UK, I want to thank The Freemasons of Ireland Victoria Jubilee Benevolent & Welfare Fund for your charitable donation to support prostate cancer research at Queen’s University Belfast. One in eight men will get prostate cancer, and whilst it’s the most common cancer in men, it’s curable if found early. Prostate Cancer UK is the biggest public funder of prostate cancer research, working to build a world where no man dies from this disease. Generous donations like this drive us forward on our journey, enabling us to support groundbreaking projects which can revolutionise testing, treatment, and care for thousands of men in Northern Ireland and beyond. Thank you for your support, and we wish you a wonderful evening.”
The Freemasons’ funding also helps tackle loneliness among older people. Engage with Age, one of two new charities supported this year, received £10,000 to continue its work connecting older people across Belfast. Michelle Bolton said:
“Engage with Age is deeply grateful to the Freemasons Fund for their generous donation. This valued support will help us continue our vital work tackling social isolation and loneliness among older people across Belfast. Your contribution enables us to provide meaningful activities, friendship and practical support to the many older people who rely on our services. Thank you for helping us make a lasting difference in their lives.”
For Listening Books NI, which provides audiobooks to people unable to read printed material due to illness or disability, the funding represents a lifeline. Louise Barling explained:
“We’re absolutely delighted to receive generous support from the Freemasons of Ireland Victoria Jubilee Benevolent & Welfare Fund. This funding is enabling Listening Books to provide our excellent audiobook lending service to people throughout Northern Ireland… For many of our older members, the service can also provide welcome companionship and relief from isolation. Thank you for helping us to spread the joy of reading throughout Northern Ireland!”
Councillor Tracy Kelly, Lord Mayor of Belfast, who attended the Gala at City Hall, also praised the Freemasons’ commitment:
“It is a privilege to host this celebration marking 300 years of the Freemasons in Ireland. Their continued commitment to charitable giving demonstrates the very best of civic spirit and community values, and the £100,000 being distributed will make a tangible difference to people’s lives right across Northern Ireland.”
This year’s full list of supported charities includes:
- Teenage Cancer Trust – £20,000
- Prostate Cancer UK – £10,000
- Assistance Dogs NI – £20,000
- Listening Books NI – £10,000
- Newlife Foundation – £20,000
- Engage with Age – £10,000
- Nexus NI – £10,000
The growing programme of support for current issues reflects a determination make a lasting impact for generations to come. The Freemasons in Ireland are looking forward to a very bright and generous future indeed.
For further information on this project or to find out more about what it means to be a freemason today please visit www.freemasons.ie