Grant and Funding Programs Offered by The Masonic Foundation of Ontario (MFO)
Overview of Available Grants and Funding
The Masonic Foundation of Ontario (MFO) is a public charitable foundation created in 1964 by Ontario Freemasons to channel donations into grants, bursaries and major gifts across the province. It funds medical research, community college bursaries, youth groups, poverty relief and local community projects through partnerships, multi‑year commitments and district initiatives. View The Masonic Foundation of Ontario (MFO)'s website for more information.
Content last updated: March 9, 2026
About The Masonic Foundation of Ontario (MFO)
What is the mission of The Masonic Foundation of Ontario (MFO)?
The Masonic Foundation of Ontario exists to extend the charitable work of Ontario Freemasons by providing financial support for medical research, education, youth development and community services across the province. It aims to relieve poverty and advance education and other community‑benefit purposes through strategic grants, bursaries and partnerships.
What type of organization is The Masonic Foundation of Ontario (MFO)?
The Masonic Foundation of Ontario (MFO) is a Foundation.
When was The Masonic Foundation of Ontario (MFO) founded?
The Masonic Foundation of Ontario (MFO) was founded in 1964.
What is The Masonic Foundation of Ontario (MFO)'s official website?
The Masonic Foundation of Ontario (MFO)'s official website is https://themasonicfoundationofontario.ca/.
What else should I know about The Masonic Foundation of Ontario (MFO)?
The Masonic Foundation of Ontario (MFO) is a public foundation and registered charity established in 1964 to extend the benevolence of Ontario Freemasons to the wider community. From an initial endowment of $90,000, it has grown through donations, investments and bequests, enabling more than $20 million in funding to charities and projects across the province.
Role of the Masonic Foundation of Ontario in Ontario’s funding ecosystem
MFO channels individual and lodge donations into structured grants, bursaries and major gifts that advance education, healthcare and community well‑being. The Foundation supports medical research, poverty relief, and other purposes beneficial to the community, acting as a long‑term philanthropic partner for institutions and local organizations that serve Ontarians.
Main funding themes and programs
- Medical and health research: Multi‑year support for prostate cancer research at Western University, McMaster University and Queen’s University through their hospital and health sciences foundations, as well as past support for autism, children’s hearing and drug‑reduction initiatives.
- Education and bursaries: Significant annual funding to most Ontario community colleges, enabling bursaries across many programs, and additional bursary support for youth organizations such as Girl Guides.
- Major funding initiatives: Three‑year commitments of $150,000 to selected institutions, such as the Northern Ontario School of Medicine and the Perley Health Foundation, giving partners stable resources to develop and deliver services.
- District and local projects: Matching and enhancing funds raised by Masonic districts so that small and medium‑sized community charities can expand critical services directly in their own communities.
- Youth development and safety: Ongoing funding for 4‑H Ontario, DeMolay, Rainbow Girls and programs such as MasoniCh.I.P, which focus on leadership, personal development and child safety.
Beneficiaries and impact
Over the decades, MFO has supported dozens of charities and more than twenty major institutional partners in all regions of Ontario. Its grants help students remain in post‑secondary education, enable hospitals and universities to pursue cutting‑edge research, and strengthen grassroots organizations that address local needs such as food security, health, youth engagement and community services.
Governance and stewardship
The Foundation is overseen by a board drawn from the Masonic community, including officers responsible for benevolence and financial stewardship. As a registered charity, it emphasizes responsible management of donations and transparency about the areas it funds. Donors can give via e‑transfer, cheque or online platforms, with the assurance that contributions are restricted to charitable purposes within Ontario and aligned with the Foundation’s mandate of “For the Cause of Good.”