Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Masonic Foundation of Alberta (MFA)

The Masonic Foundation of Alberta (MFA) is a registered charitable foundation, authorized by resolution of the Grand Lodge of Alberta and incorporated in 1991. It operates as an independent philanthropic vehicle for Alberta’s Freemasons, helping Lodges channel and leverage their charitable giving. The Foundation focuses particularly on youth-serving organizations and community groups that protect and assist at‑risk youth, while also supporting a broad range of health, social service, education and community initiatives.

The MFA does not accept unsolicited applications directly from charities. Instead, funding flows through Masonic Lodges: a Lodge identifies a registered charity it wishes to support, carries out its own fundraising, and then submits a funding assistance request to the Foundation. Once approved, the Foundation issues a cheque to the selected charity that combines the Lodge’s original donation with an additional contribution from the Foundation, effectively enhancing the impact of local fundraising.

The Foundation’s public list of supported charities illustrates wide‑ranging priorities. Recipients include youth emergency shelters, food banks, women’s and family violence shelters, health charities such as cancer, heart and stroke and multiple sclerosis organizations, therapeutic riding programs, hospital and hospice foundations, seniors’ care, immigration and settlement services, and youth development programs like Scouts, Guides and Boys and Girls Clubs. This portfolio underlines the MFA’s emphasis on vulnerable populations, especially children and youth, and on critical community supports across Alberta and occasionally neighbouring regions.

Lodges requesting assistance must use the official MFA Funding Application Form, available on the Foundation’s website. Key conditions outlined on the Request Assistance page include that funds raised by the Lodge must be remitted to the Foundation, which then disburses the combined amount to the charity; the Foundation will not match donations sent directly from Lodges to charities. The Foundation also insists that beneficiaries be qualified donees under Canada Revenue Agency rules, encouraging Lodges to verify charitable status and to favour organizations with relatively low overhead so that most resources reach intended beneficiaries.

While the Foundation maintains a close relationship with the Grand Lodge of Alberta and the wider Masonic community, it is explicitly described as independent of the Grand Lodge. Donor information, request procedures, and the public listing of supported charities together demonstrate a commitment to transparent and accountable grant‑making. MFA District Representatives liaise with Lodges across the province, helping explain the Foundation’s programs and encouraging effective use of its matching‑style funding to maximize community impact.