The Masonic Charity Foundation of New Mexico exists to improve the lives of New Mexico communities and families through charitable partnerships with Masonic Lodges throughout the state. Guided by Freemasonry’s enduring principle that charity is a cornerstone of its mission, the Foundation provides financial support for community initiatives, disaster relief, youth and educational programs, and assistance to individuals in need. Supported entirely by private donations, bequests, trusts, and investment income, the Foundation extends the charitable reach of New Mexico Masons without relying on government funding.
The Foundation’s origins trace back to the formation of the Grand Lodge of New Mexico in 1877, when local lodges began serving their communities through scholarships, medical assistance, disaster relief, veteran support, and aid to families in need. As Masonry expanded across the state, the Grand Lodge created a Charity, Relief, and Education Committee to coordinate these efforts. Recognizing that many communities without Masonic Lodges also needed assistance, the Masonic Charity Foundation of New Mexico was incorporated as a nonprofit in 1976 and received 501(c)(3) status, allowing it to broaden charitable work across the state through partnerships with local organizations and community programs.
Today, the Foundation focuses on strengthening local charitable efforts by providing dollar-for-dollar matching grants to Masonic Lodges and affiliated organizations, while also offering direct assistance for natural disasters, emerging community needs, and statewide charitable initiatives. This collaborative approach empowers local Masons to identify and address needs within their own communities while extending support to underserved areas across New Mexico. Since restructuring its grant program in 2012, the Foundation and its partners have distributed more than $2.57 million in charitable assistance, continuing a legacy of service that reflects Freemasonry’s commitment to improving the well-being of others.
Read our full history of service to New Mexico since 1877.
Financial Overview
Most recent available data: FY2025
| Total Assets | $4,683,809 |
| Net Assets | $4,325,090 |
| Total Revenue | $436,291 |
| Total Expenses | $255,310 |
Funds Distributed Since 2012
| MCF and Matching Fund Partners (Lodge funds + MCF matching) | $2,464,048 |
| MCF Unmatched Funds | $113,499 |
| Grand Total (2012–2025) | $2,577,547 |
Revenue sources: asset sales (58.3%), investment income (25.0%), program services and contributions (balance).
Full financial data is available to the public via IRS Form 990 on ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer.
Governing Board
Gary L. Scott
Chief Executive Officer
Sirius Lodge No. 83, Alto, NM
A. Dominic Longoria
Secretary
Eddy Lodge No. 21, Carlsbad, NM
Paul A. Smith (Term 1 of 2)
District 1 Director 2024–2027
Animas No.15, Chama No.17, San Juan No.25, Four Corners Daylight No.80
Michael J. Freitas (Term 2 of 2)
Chairman, District 2 Director 2024–2027
Montezuma No.1, Cerrillos No.19, Bent No.42, Pajarito No.66, Valley No.69
Vern Newlin (Term 1 of 2)
District 3 Director 2026–2029
Chapman No.2, Union No.4, Portales No.26, Tucumcari No.27, Clovis No.40
James R. Overfelt (Term 2 of 2)
Vice Chair, District 4 Director 2026–2029
Temple No.6, Hiram No.13, Albuquerque No.60, Mesa No.68, Sandia Mountain No.72, Sandoval No.76, Zia Daylight No.77
David Tennis (Term 1 of 2)
District 5 Director 2026–2029
Socorro No.9, Estancia No.33, Liberty No.51, Mount Moriah No.54, Bethlehem No.56, Edgewood No.82
Gene Berry (Term 1 of 2)
District 6 Director 2026–2029
Aztec No.3, Silver City No.8, Mimbres No.10, Deming No.12, Jornada No.70, Dona Ana Daylight No.78
Las Cruces, NM
Charles Ford (Term 1 of 2)
District 7 Director 2025–2028
Kingston No.16, Sacramento No.24, Carrizozo No.41, Tularosa No.49, Bethesda No.64, Ruidoso No.73
Glenn Connely (Term 1 of 2)
Treasurer, District 8 Director 2026–2029
Roswell No.18, Eddy No.21, Lovington No.46, Hobbs No.63, Eunice No.67, Sirius No.83