INTERNATIONAL
A GLOBAL RELIEF ORGANIZATION
With more than 400,000 volunteers active in 153 countries, the Order of St John is one of the world’s largest humanitarian aid organisations. In many countries, the Order operates ambulance services, provides first aid training, and runs nursing homes and hospitals – including the renowned Eye Hospital in East Jerusalem.
AN ALLIANCE
The Johanniter Alliance is composed of four independent Protestant Orders of St John: Der Johanniter Order in Germany, together with affiliated Orders in Finland, France, Switzerland and Hungary; the Most Venerable Order of St John in Great Britain, active throughout the British Commonwealth and the United States; as well as the Johanniter Order in the Netherlands and the Johanniter Order in Sweden.
THE CATHOLIC BRANCH
The Sovereign Order of Malta is the Catholic branch of the Order of St John. The Pope has formally recognized both the Sovereign Order of Malta and the Johanniter Alliance as legitimate Orders of Chivalry.
The Swedish Order of St John works ecumenically in cooperation on some projects with the Scandinavian association of the Sovereign Order of Malta.
THE GRANT ACTIVITY
Grant-making is a central part of the Order’s work in Sweden.
Each year, financial grants are awarded to approximately 500 individuals and around 60 organisations. Support is primarily directed towards the elderly and the sick, and to a lesser extent towards children and families with children living in difficult circumstances. Particular priority is given to essential needs such as dental care, visual aids and hearing aids.
Alongside its grant activities, the Order is engaged in a broad range of charitable and humanitarian initiatives aimed at supporting people who are lonely, vulnerable or in poor health. Through its combined efforts, the Order seeks to be a dependable and recognizable helping force within civil society — acting where needs are greatest and where additional support is required.