For the Cause of Good

Statement of purpose

The Masonic Foundation of Ontario was formed in 1964 by a special Act of the Ontario Legislature to provide the means for using the Craft’s financial resources for the benefit of the community at large. It is a public Foundation and is registered with the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency.

The objectives of the Foundation set out clearly its charitable nature:

• To receive, maintain, manage, control and use donations exclusively for charitable purposes within the Province of Ontario;
• To use its donations for the relief of poverty, the advancement of education, and the advancement of other purposes beneficial to the community;
• To fund bursaries, hearing research, drug and substance abuse education in the school systems, and other specific and community projects that fall within its guidelines. Serving the Masons and People of Ontario For the Cause of Good

An introduction

In order to fulfill the Statement of Purpose, the Board of Directors and Executive Committee continue to monitor and review the programs that the Foundation supports and respond appropriately to new needs and requests, to ensure that the funds received are expended wisely, while maintaining a sound financial position.

As its primary source of funding is the Masons of Ontario, it is essential that they be kept informed of the work and needs of the Foundation and that the causes it supports warrant The Masonic Foundation of Ontario being a Mason’s "Charity of Choice." 

• Funding is provided primarily from three sources: investment income earned on the capital; contributions from Masons and friends of the Foundation; and bequests received from the estates of individuals who made provision in their estate planning for the Masonic Foundation of Ontario.
• Capital assets at March 31, 2009, totaled $10,636,675, the investment income from which will be employed to support programs in the 2010 fiscal year.
• During the 2009 fiscal year, the Foundation, in conjunction with various District projects, paid out bursaries and donations totaling $829,649.
• Administration costs in the 2009 fiscal year were 4% of total income revenue. In comparison with other charitable organizations, these administration costs are less than the norm.
• Directors, Officers and Committee members of the Foundation serve their respective offices without any financial remuneration. The Foundation is indebted to the dedicated Masons within this Grand Jurisdiction who serve as Directors and Committee Chairmen; they personify the true meaning of Masonic charity.
• The Masonic Foundation of Ontario qualifies as a charitable foundation under the terms of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and can issue tax receipts to anyone who makes a donation.