In recent years major grants have been made to charities for medical equipment and research and the training of specialised nurses. Substantial donations have been given regularly to Red Cross emergency appeals following natural disasters. Since 1984 the Grand Charity has supported the hospice movement in England and Wales. During 1998 the trusts supported 2,033 girls and boys at schools, colleges and universities. In addition over 70 young people received grants from subsidiary funds and 11 non Masonic organisations benefited from donations.
Assistance is provided in every practicable way to relieve poverty and advance education.
As its Millennium project The Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys has launched the Lifelights Project setting aside 7.5M to provide computer equipment, video conferencing and internet facilities throughout the children's hospice movement. It will open a world to children whose life-threatening conditions would normally allow them to experience all too little of it. This project is being undertaken in conjunction with the Worshipful Company of Information Technologists, whose members are providing the technical expertise for the project. As a result of the Lifelights Project a system will be in place providing education and entertainment for the children in hospices, but more importantly an opportunity to interact within and between hospices via e-mail and the internet enabling children in hospices to keep in touch with their friends, make new friends and link up with fellow sufferers and children in other hospices. Two ancient traditions, Freemasonry and the City Livery, have combined to utilise the latest technology to provide a positive benefit within the community.