The Masonic Higher Education Bursary Fund
Our one aim is to please each other and unite in the grand design of being happy and communicating happiness.
Please consider donating to the MHEBF.
MHEBF BURSARIES
The Masonic Higher Education Bursary Fund (MHEBF) supports and promotes education for the benefit of humanity.
Our bursaries are awarded to students at the post secondary level of education in Alberta and Northwest Territories with the exception of the Fred and Lilly North Masonic Bursary which accepts applications from specific locations within Alberta and Saskatchewan. Bursaries are awarded on a basis of need and proven scholastic ability. Applications are accepted December 1st annually and the application deadline is February 1st annually no later than 12:00pm.
Since its inception in 1959, over 4000 bursaries exceeding 6 Million dollars have been awarded to valued students.
The Masonic Higher Education Bursary
For students living in Alberta and N.W.T. Awarded students are able to use bursary funds in Alberta post secondary institutions. Bursary amounts based on fund financials - historically thirty (30) $6000.00 bursaries awarded annually
The Lauraine Douchet Masonic Bursary
For students enrolled in the Faculty of Pharmacy and/or Medicine. Awarded students are able to use bursary funds in Alberta post secondary institutions. Students must complete a 500 word essay. Bursary amounts based on fund financials - historically two (2) $7000.00 bursaries awarded annually
The Mathews Konschak Trust Masonic Bursary
For students living in the Peace River Regional District. Awarded students are able to use bursary funds in Alberta post secondary institutions. Bursary amounts based on fund financials - historically ten (10) $6000.00 bursaries awarded annually
The Fred & Lilly North Masonic Bursary
For students graduating grade 12 enrolled in Lloyminster Comprehensive High School and/or Kitscoty High School. Awarded students are able to use bursary funds in Alberta or Saskatchewan post secondary institutions. Students must complete a 500 word essay. Bursary amounts are two (2) $10,000.00 bursaries awarded annually
The Wendy & Chris Batty Masonic Bursary
For students enrolled in the Faculty of Engineering or Engineering Technology. Awarded students are able to use bursary funds in Alberta post secondary institutions. Bursary amounts are two (2) $6000.00 bursary awarded annually
Donate to the MHEBF
The MHEBF obtains its funding through donations from individual Freemasons, Masonic clubs and concordant bodies, the general public, memorial donations and bequests placed in wills. It is a Canadian registered charitable fund (10744 7153RR0001) and receipts for income tax purposes are issued. If you wish to donate to the MHEBF, please donate through our CanadaHelps portal, or if a memorial or bequest please contact the MHEBF.
Frequently Asked Questions
History
The MHEBF was instituted by the Freemasons of the Grand Lodge of Alberta, A.F. & A.M. in 1957 directed by MW Bro. Ross Sheppard. The goal was and is to provide financial assistance to students wishing to receive a higher education. To date, the MHEBF has provided over 4000 bursaries ($6+ Million) to students. In 2021, the MHEBF separated from the Grand Lodge of Alberta and operates on its own as a charity but keeps a fraternal friendship with Alberta Freemasons with active board members, interviewers and promoting the fund.
Donations
Donate today and support education! The MHEBF obtains its funding through donations from individual Freemasons, Masonic clubs and concordant bodies, the general public, memorial donations and bequests placed in wills. It is a Canadian registered charitable fund (10744 7153RR0001) and receipts for income tax purposes are issued. If you wish to donate to the MHEBF, please donate through our CanadaHelps portal - click here or if a memorial or bequest please contact the MHEBF - click here.
Equality
Our MHEBF Board believes equality is paramount, and, as the MHEBF is a registered charity, federal law requires no special consideration can be given to anyone.
Application Acceptance/Deadline
Applications are accepted December 1st annually (opening 6PM) and the application deadline is February 1st annually no later than 12:00pm. Late applications will be not be accepted and rejected.
Post Secondary
Post Secondary means acceptance into a Technical Institution, College, or University program offering a Certificate, Diploma, or Degree of not less that two years in the Province of Alberta. Institutions outside Alberta will only be considered if the course is not offered within the Province of Alberta. Note: The Fred and Lilly North Masonic Bursary awarded students may attend programs in either Alberta or Saskatchewan.
Basis of Need
A demonstrated need for financial assistance must be provided by students in order to be able to obtain a bursary. The relative nature of such financial need is to be determined by the student application using a computerized online database points system authorized by the Masonic Higher Education Bursary Fund Committee; which could be amended from time to time.
Citizen Status
Students applying for a bursary must be a Canadian citizen with home residence in Alberta or the N.W.T; unless subject to a varied home residence rule such as the Fred and Lilly North Masonic Bursary.
First Consideration
First consideration shall be given to applicants applying to attend the first (1st) year of any program with a secondary consideration being given to applicants in second (2nd) and succeeding years.
Interview
Coordinated by the MHEBF, a home interview and confirmation of family income by presenting the Canada Revenue Agency’s Notice of Assessment(s) for the last year or a copy of the current income tax and benefit return, specifically Line 23600 (Net Income), will be warranted.
Accessing Funds
Successful awarded MHEBF bursary students with be forwarded via mail a cheque issued by The MHEBF when confirmation of acceptance from the technical institution, college, or university has been uploaded to your online account upon request by the MHEBF.
Award Ceremony
From time to time Freemasonry Districts or Lodges in Alberta hold Masonic Higher Education Bursary award ceremony events. It is requested by the MHEBF Board that each recipient of a bursary, if requested to attend, make every effort to be in attendance.
Ross Sheppard Memorial Bursary
The Grand Lodge of Alberta holds its Annual Communication in June of each year, and it is customary that a selected student receive the Ross Sheppard Memorial Bursary award at the evening banquet. It is required for the successful recipient, on behalf of all the bursary recipients, to respond with a speech of appreciation. A $500.00+ honourarium is paid to the recipient for this event.
Confidential
All information provided to the Committee and interviewers will be kept confidential and destroyed after one year.
Decisions
All decisions by the Masonic Higher Education Bursary Fund Board will be considered final.
Contact us
The Masonic Higher Education Bursary Fund is operated by a volunteer Board; please allow 1-2 weeks for a reply. All inquiries are welcome.
Our Address
P.O. Box # 95104, Whyte PO Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6E-0E5
What is Freemasonry?
If you see a man who quietly and modestly moves in the sphere of his life; who, without blemish, fulfils his duty as a man, a subject, a husband and a father; who is pious without hypocrisy, benevolent without ostentation, and aids his fellow man wit
garment, and who does not favor vice though it be clad in purple; and who administers justice to merit whether dwelling in palaces or cottages; the man who, without courting applause, is loved by all noble-minded men, respected by his superiors and revered by his subordinates; the man who never proclaims what he has done, can do, or will do, but where need is will lay hold with dispassionate courage, circumspect resolution, indefatigable exertion and a rare power of mind, and who will not cease until he has accomplished his work, and then, without pretension, will retire into the multitude because he did the good act, not for himself, but for the cause of good! If you, my friend meet such a man, you will see the personification of brotherly love, relief and truth; and you will have found the ideal of a Freemason.
For information on Freemasonry in Alberta visit the Grand Lodge of Alberta website.
Copyright © 2026 The Masonic Higher Education Bursary Fund. Website by Digital Tea.