The Otago Masonic Charitable Trust has shared up to $14,000 every year to community groups such as toy libraries, surf lifesaving sporting and theatrical societies.
"Masons raise money from within our society so we can apply our principle of ‘taking good men and making them better’ to the community around us ... by enabling its leaders to do good work with the money they need," Doug Keen, of Milton Lodge St John 461 said.
Applications for financial assistance are asked to supply annual, financial, and intentional reports, and the closing date to apply is March 31.
"We don’t get involved in politics or religion, our values and traditions are all about knowledge, loyalty and service to others, trust and improvement," a spokesman said.
"For me the craft is about proactively being part of that improvement, with camaraderie, improving my speaking and social skill-set and looking out for others."
To apply for a share of funding or inquire about joining the craft, call the secretary — ph 027 221 3526 — or email info.omct@xtra.co.nz
