Masons are charitable due to the fact lodges are not organized for profit and no income benefits any one individual.  Masonry is committed to promoting the welfare and happiness of the human race.  It teaches unselfishness as a duty--not only is it more blessed to give than receive, but much more rewarding.

Charities provide an enormous contribution to society and have a tremendous impact on it.  Masons are encouraged to take part in all forms of benevolence for society, not just those charities in the headlines.  Masonic charity refers to giving a part of one's self and time, not only writing a check by itself.

Masons are encouraged to assume a greater role in their communities.  They are inspired to volunteer and become engaged in their neighborhoods, churches, and government.  Masonry's greatest achievements lie in the individual acts of kindness and generosity performed by its members.

Worldwide, Masons contribute $3 million a day to various charities.  $2 million of that is given in the United States alone. Lodges also donate countless hours of volunteer service in assistance to charities as well.

Masons provide retirement homes for their members and their wives/widows, daughters, grand-daughters, sisters, mothers, and grandmothers such as the Nebraska Masonic Home.  Nebraska Masons also operate the Masonic Eastern Star Home for Children for at-risk youth as well as support uncounted community service and charitable programs.  Each lodge decides which charities they wish to support.  Each year a newly elected Master of the Lodge may select specific charities of his choice for the lodge to support throughout his year-long tenure as the leader of Lancaster Lodge No. 54.

Whether taking an active role in improving the quality of life for an entire community or just one human being, Masons seek to encourage others to do the same.