The funding will allow local organisations to provide immediate and long-term support to displaced individuals and communities.

Following a £500,000 donation from the Masonic Charitable Foundation, Community Foundations across the UK will be able to provide additional funding to charitable groups supporting Ukrainian Refugees in their local areas. In total, this will bring the amount given by the Freemasons towards assistance for Ukrainians to over £1 million since the onset of the Russian invasion.

The 10 Community Foundations that will each receive a grant of £50,000 are:

• Community Foundation Wales
• East End Community Foundation
• Essex Community Foundation
• Sussex Community Foundation
• Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation
• Heart of England Community Foundation
• Community Foundation for Surrey
• Kent Community Foundation
• Community Foundations for Lancashire and Merseyside
• Hertfordshire Community Foundation

Funding will be directed to local charities and community organisations that are actively providing immediate support for refugees arriving from Ukraine, as well as those which are developing longer-term support for the integration of Ukrainians who are already here.

Speaking on the donation, Rosemary Macdonald, CEO of UK Community Foundations, said:

“We’re very grateful to the Freemasons’ charity for their generous grant, which will provide a major boost to local charities who are doing so much to welcome Ukrainians into their communities. It’s the small, grassroots charities and groups that know their local areas who are best able to listen to new arrivals and help them find the resources and support they need.”

Groups should visit their local Community Foundation website for more information.