Masonic Charities in Hong Kong
Masonic Charities in Hong Kong
The Masonic charitable organisations in Hong Kong provide support to Freemasons and their families in times of need, assist local charities and help fund the education of children facing financial hardship. Through charitable grants, annual fundraising appeals, scholarships and emergency assistance, these organisations make a valuable contribution to the welfare of the Masonic community and the wider public.
The Hong Kong and Far East Masonic Benevolence Fund
The Hong Kong and Far East Masonic Benevolence Fund Corporation, commonly known as the Ben Fund, was established by Government Ordinance in 1893. Its stated object is:
"To provide assistance to Freemasons in distressed circumstances or to the immediate relatives of deceased Freemasons."
The Fund also makes annual donations to worthy non-Masonic charities in Hong Kong that support disadvantaged individuals, children and families, or people with disabilities.
Eligible charities must be registered organisations with a proven track record and audited annual accounts, or another recognised system of financial accountability.
The Hong Kong Freemasons Annual Appeal
Each year, a single charity is selected as the focus of the Hong Kong Freemasons Annual Appeal. Responsibility for organising the appeal rotates between the three Constitutions: English, Irish and Scottish. Freemasons from all three Constitutions work together to raise funds for the chosen cause.
By concentrating fundraising efforts on a single charity each year, the Appeal raises the profile of the chosen charity and enables a substantial donation to be made. Historically, annual donations have exceeded HK$1 million.
The Chater Masonic Scholarship Fund
The Chater Masonic Scholarship Fund Trust (CMSFT) supports the education of children of Freemasons whose families require financial assistance. More broadly, the Trust advances and promotes education through scholarships, bursaries, grants, loans and other forms of educational assistance in Hong Kong and further afield.
The Trust also makes donations to schools, universities and other educational institutions, and supports charitable projects that contribute to the education and development of children and young people, helping them to develop their physical, mental and spiritual capacities and grow to full maturity as individuals and members of society.
The Trust was established in 1929 in honour of Sir Paul Chater, who served as District Grand Master of the English Constitution in Hong Kong from 1881 to 1908.
The District Grand Master's Discretionary Fund
The District Grand Master's Discretionary Fund enables the District Grand Master of Hong Kong and the Far East under the English Constitution to respond quickly to emergencies and urgent charitable needs without having to wait for the next quarterly meeting of the Hong Kong and Far East Masonic Benevolence Fund.
The Fund may provide assistance following natural disasters such as typhoons, floods and earthquakes, or provide emergency support to Freemasons and their families facing exceptional hardship. The Fund has also supported wider humanitarian causes, including a donation in 2025 of HK$500,000 to assist victims of the tragic fire in Tai Po.
Further Information and Donations
The Masonic charitable organisations in Hong Kong rely on the generosity of Freemasons, their families and friends to continue their work supporting those in need, advancing education and assisting local charities.
If you would like further information about any of the charities described above, or if you wish to make a donation, please contact the General Manager of Zetland Hall at info@zetlandhall.com, who will be pleased to direct your enquiry to the appropriate organisation.
All enquiries and offers of support will be warmly welcomed.