Charity Steward 

 

The Charity Steward should be familiar with and encourage the use of the Relief Chest Scheme administered by the Grand Charity. There is no charge for using the scheme. The Lodge account is credited with any Income Tax refunded by HM Revenue & Customs through the Gift Aid scheme.  

The Lodge may decide for itself which causes it wishes to support. However, under the Rules of the Grand Charity payments from the Lodge’s Relief Chest account may only be made to Registered Charities.  

The Charity Steward needs to make himself aware of the roles of the Masonic Charitable Foundation and the Berkshire Masonic Charity, as well as his own Lodge’s Benevolent and other charity funds. It is advisable, in conjunction with the Treasurer and the MCF, to maintain appropriate records of member’s charitable donations, tax relief, disbursements etc.  

The Charity Steward needs to have the skills to encourage Brethren to contribute what they can, with the empathy and sensitivity to know when there might be embarrassment caused. Separate communications will be available when a Province is “in Festival” which happens once in about every eleven years.  

The Charity Steward should ensure that his Lodge fully supports Festival efforts with donations from individuals, from alms collections and raffle proceeds as well as any special events the Lodge or the Province may arrange.