Freemasons Foundation Victoria: quietly strengthening Victorian communities

In a recent Southern FM interview, Freemasons Foundation Victoria (FFV) CEO Sandra Jacobs joined Beverley Pinder to share how one of Victoria’s oldest charitable organisations is quietly making a big impact.

Born from an 1889 benevolent fund created by Sir William Clarke, FFV has evolved into an independent charity that now operates across three levels: supporting individuals, local communities, and system‑wide initiatives. Since merging its two original funds, FFV has distributed over $25 million through around 1,500 grants.

“We’re in every corner, every town in Victoria has received some sort of benefit from the Freemasons Foundation,” Sandra explained.

Working closely with Masonic lodges, FFV backs grassroots projects such as school essentials, community welfare, and small local upgrades that make a big difference. At a broader level, it has contributed to major health initiatives including Monash Children’s Hospital, the Australian Prostate Centre, and Cancer Council Victoria’s cervical cancer work, as well as disaster relief following fires and floods.

Sandra also discussed FFV’s scholarships program, which operates in partnership with multiple Victorian universities as well as through FFV’s own secondary and tertiary scholarships.

“It’s more than just the money. It’s the recognition… For some of these young people, to be acknowledged and chosen—what it does for their self‑confidence is probably more valuable than the money.”

Looking ahead, FFV is focusing its Community and Strategic grants on men’s and boys’ wellbeing, reflecting Freemasonry’s long history as a men’s wellbeing and support network.

“What it also is, is one of the oldest men’s wellbeing organisations in the world,” Sandra noted. “Our philosophy is better men and boys’ wellbeing and stronger communities because of them. Where men and boys are supported, the rest of the community benefits too.”

You can listen to the full interview from 6 August 2026 via the audio clip embedded above.