Freemasonry teaches the belief that charity for all mankind is the most important step in our development as human beings. Each lodge and its members endeavor to act on this principle and perform charitable acts as they deem appropriate, both collectively and individually. It is reported that Masons in North America, alone, contribute between $1.5 and $2 million to charity every day.

At the state level, Masons support the Ohio Masonic Home which consists of three distinct living communities: home-based support, hospice, and research and related services. These are made available to Masons, wives, widows and the community at large. Masons are the single largest donor to Ohio Special Olympics with nearly $2.5 million contributed over the past 23 years. The 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children are well-known Masonic charities. There are many other charities supported by Freemasons.

A few examples of charity at the lodge level: Our lodge, Golden Gate #245, gives four 2-year scholarships to local deserving high school seniors. We financially support a softball league for the disadvantaged and the Chagrin Falls Little Theatre, perform a highway cleanup twice a year, sponsor a dinner for our widows and wives, and perform other charitable acts like creating and delivering holiday baskets for the elderly.