Freemasonry is second
only to the National lottery in the amount of its charitable donations. Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of children, those who are ill and the care of older people, from its earliest days. This work continues today amongst its own members and their dependents. More than 50% of the funds raised by Masons for charity are given to non-Masonic national and local charities in support of their work for the benefit of non-masons, local communities and society in general. This includes long term funding for medical research posts such as prostate cancer. Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of children, those who are ill and the care of older people, from its earliest days.