2010 grand charity annual review
DESCRIPTION
Yearly review of the work of the Grand CharityTRANSCRIPT
Annual Review – 2010T H E F R E E M A S O N S ’ G R A N D C H A R I T Y
www.grandcharity.org
A6418 annual review 3/6/11 18:15 Page 1
Welcome to the 2010 Review ofThe Freemasons’ Grand Charity.It is fortunate that The Freemasons’ Grand Charity has beenable to respond swiftly and compassionately to the higherthan usual levels of distress among members and theirdependants in the wake of the continuing global economiccrisis. Recent grants have tended to be larger than in previousyears to meet the financial needs of younger Freemasons, orwhere the main earner has been made redundant or abusiness has gone bankrupt. As a result, total expenditure onMasonic Relief Grants last year was the greatest that theCharity has ever made, reaching nearly £5 million.
The help and assistance the Charity is able to give is onlypossible thanks to the generous contributions made byFreemasons and their families. The annual Festival is one ofthe biggest sources of the Charity’s income and the Charityhad the good fortune to be supported in 2010 by anexcellent Festival held by the Provincial Grand Lodge ofSouth Wales, whose members raised over £4 million. To theProvincial Grand Master, Captain Sir Norman Lloyd-Edwards,and all the members of his Province, we extend our mostgrateful thanks. The total amount was announced at theFestival dinner, held on 25th May 2010 at the CardiffInternational Arena, where the guest of honour was theDeputy Grand Master, Jonathan Spence.
I hope that you will agree upon reading this review, that whilst2010 brought much cause for concern, the Grand Charityfaced the challenge with optimism. The positive impactcreated through the funding of over £7 million in grants, bothMasonic and non-Masonic, cannot be underestimated. It isthis impact that would not be possible if it were not for thegenerous donations given to the Charity by the Masoniccommunity.
Grahame N Elliott, CBEPresident of the Grand Charity
GRAND CHARITY ANNUAL REVIEW 2010
2
CONTENTS:Welcome 2
About Us 3
Masonic Relief Grants 4
Grants to Charities 10
Relief Chest Scheme 18
Financial Summary 20
Closing Statement 21
Grants List 22
A6418 annual review 3/6/11 18:15 Page 2
About UsThe Grand Charity is continuing a commitment to charitable support that began nearly300 years ago in the earliest days of organised Freemasonry.
The Charity was established in 1980, taking over the activities of the Board ofBenevolence. Since then, it has supported more than 40,000 Freemasons and theirdependants, plus hundreds of non-Masonic charities, with grants totalling over £100million. The Grand Charity is funded by Freemasons and their families, mainly throughfundraising Festivals held each year in one of the Provinces and by donations, legaciesand annual contributions from Freemasons (via Lodges).
The Freemasons’ Grand Charity has two primary activities:
1. Making financial grants for charitable purposes in support of:
• Freemasons and their dependants who are in financial need
• Other Masonic charities
• Non-Masonic charities (national charities serving England and Wales and for emergencyrelief work worldwide)
2. Managing the Relief Chest Scheme
The Relief Chest Scheme was set up to help the Craft, and other recognised Masonicorganisations, collect money to donate to charity easily and tax-effectively.
GRAND CHARITY ANNUAL REVIEW 2010
3
A6418 annual review 3/6/11 18:15 Page 3
4
GRAND CHARITY ANNUAL REVIEW 2010
Masonic Relief GrantsOne of the primary aims of the Grand Charity is to provide assistance for Freemasonsand their dependants who are experiencing financial hardship or need. In the currenteconomic climate the importance of the support that the Charity provides for peopleliving in difficult circumstances cannot be underestimated. The work of the GrandCharity is also greatly complemented by the efforts of local and Provincial Grand LodgeAlmoners, who dedicate many hours in caring for the members of their community whorequire assistance.
Grants are made towards:
• Essential daily living costs
• Unexpected needs (e.g. funeral bills,
minor repairs, or hardship faced
following an accident, redundancy,
or other personal crisis)
Can we help you?
Individuals who feel that they may beeligible should contact their LodgeAlmoner, the Provincial Grand Almoner orThe Freemasons’ Grand Charity office forfurther assistance. On receipt, applicationsare assessed against guidelines that takeinto account the income, expenditure andsavings of the applicant. Every case isconsidered on its individual merits.
A6418 annual review 3/6/11 18:16 Page 4
5
GRAND CHARITY ANNUAL REVIEW 2010
Jack’s Story
I joined Freemasonry in my mid-twenties; afriend had introduced me and it quicklybecame an important part of my life. Ibecame an active member for a number ofreasons – not just for the social life! But if Iam honest, I never really gave the MasonicCharities much thought. Two years ago Icould not even have told you what theGrand Charity did.
However, last year my life took a differentturn when my carpentry business began tostruggle. I’d worked for twenty years tobuild myself a prosperous company, andthen the recession hit. I lost a few majorcustomers in quick succession and foundmyself falling behind with payments,eventually leading me to declarebankruptcy. My wife does work, but hersalary doesn’t stretch to covering ourmonthly bills. I didn’t want to frighten heror my two sons, but we were facing a grimreality - losing our home and ending up onthe street.
I called in to see a friend at my Lodge andtold him I was considering leavingFreemasonry temporarily, explaining that Iwas facing financial difficulties. He advisedme to speak with our Lodge Almoner asthe Charities might be able to help. Wellthis was news to me! I spoke to myAlmoner and later that week an emergencygrant from the Grand Charity wasapproved, enabling me to pay for ourimmediate living costs.
Since then I have managed to find steadyemployment which has allowed me tocontinue providing for my family. We havebeen able to stay in our home and myboys haven’t had too much disruption,which my wife and I are so grateful for. Ireally am overwhelmed by the extent ofsupport the Charity provides. My advicefor other people in a similar situation isdon’t be afraid to ask for help – the GrandCharity is here to support members of theCraft.
Please note, some details have been changed to protect the privacy of the applicant
A6418 annual review 3/6/11 18:16 Page 5
GRAND CHARITY ANNUAL REVIEW 2010
Masonic Relief GrantsThe year 2010 witnessed the highestever level of expenditure on MasonicRelief Grants, nearly £5 million. TheCharity responded to unprecedentedlevels of distress among members andtheir dependants in the wake of theglobal economic crisis. With therecession, many working families wereaffected by redundancies and the forcedclosure of the businesses of the selfemployed. In these cases, the familieshave much higher income needs to meetthe expenditure requirements of a youngfamily. This resulted in generally largergrants being made in 2010, although aslightly smaller number were made, whichwas due to the fact that assistance formobility equipment is now dealt with bythe Masonic Samaritan Fund.
Speaking about the reasons for thisincrease in expenditure, Roger Freeman,Head of Masonic Relief Grants, explains:
“Over the past year the Grand Charityhas dealt with far more cases of youngerMasons who require our assistance, dueto problems such as redundancy andunemployment. It used to be the casethat the majority of people we assistedwere elderly widows, but this is swiftlychanging. The Grand Charity deals withevery case sympathetically and I wouldencourage Freemasons to take heed andremember the Masonic Charities. Wewelcome enquiries and are here to help”.
6
Nationwide in 2010, £4,956,200 million was distributed to help 1,885 Freemasonsand their dependants in financial need.
A6418 annual review 3/6/11 18:16 Page 6
GRAND CHARITY ANNUAL REVIEW 2010
Anna’s Story
Two years ago I came home to find myhusband, Derek, sitting in the living roomwhen he should normally have been atwork, from that moment everythingchanged. Derek had been diagnosed withprostate cancer. We visited the hospitalseveral times for tests and discovered theworst, it was already fairly advanced andthere would be no hopeful outcome.Derek passed away last year. We tried tomake the most of our time togethertowards the end, but it was difficult for anumber of reasons. Derek had to stopworking and I had to put in extra shifts tomake sure we still had money coming in. Inthe last weeks of his life I stopped workingcompletely, we wanted to spend as muchtime together as we possibly could, he, Iand the boys. All of this has hit them veryhard.
Once Derek had passed on, reality hithome. I began to worry about our financialsituation, I had debts piling up from thefuneral and the mortgage was in arrears.
My Mum moved in to help me look afterthe boys, so that I could work more hours,but still it has been hard to make endsmeet. I didn’t give the Freemasons amoment’s thought to be honest, whilsteverything was falling apart. But severalweeks after the funeral I had a telephonecall from a lovely man who said he waspart of Derek’s Lodge and was calling tosee if we needed any help.
Within a short space of time I had receiveda grant to pay off all the bills stilloutstanding from the funeral, plus I havebeen receiving help to pay my bills eachmonth. I am so grateful - I feel as thoughDerek is looking out for us, even now. Itmakes me laugh to think how little I knewabout the charitable help available from theGrand Charity. To be honest, I don’t thinkDerek himself even knew. One thing I knowfor certain though is how happy he wouldbe to know that people he considered hisfriends are helping and providing for hisfamily when he no longer can.
Please note, some details have been changed to protect the privacy of the applicant
7
A6418 annual review 3/6/11 18:16 Page 7
8
GRAND CHARITY ANNUAL REVIEW 2010
Masonic Relief GrantsMobility equipment moves to theMasonic Samaritan Fund
For over 10 years, The Freemasons’ Grand Charityfunded the supply and maintenance of mobilityequipment. On 1 December 2009, the Council of theGrand Charity transferred responsibility for this areato the Masonic Samaritan Fund, which providesother support for the medical and health care needsof Freemasons and their dependants. The MasonicSamaritan Fund has also assumed responsibility forthe maintenance and provision of insurance for allmobility equipment previously loaned to eligiblebeneficiaries by the Grand Charity.
Transferred Beneficiaries Fund
Since 2002, the Grand Charity has managed the Transferred Beneficiaries Fund, whichmakes quarterly payments to former beneficiaries of the RMBI Annuity Fund. Althoughthe Fund is now closed to new applicants, it continues to help a considerable number ofpeople with small financial grants. At the end of 2010, there were 618 active beneficiariesand in 2009/2010 payments from the Fund totalled £641,400. Since 2002, all those whowould previously have qualified for assistance from the RMBI have been assisted byadditional funding from the Grand Charity.
Special Fuel Payment
The winter of 2009/2010 saw a sharp rise in heating costs for many people due to anexceptionally cold winter. In the light of this, a one-off special fuel payment of £125 wasgiven to everyone who received a Masonic Relief Grant during the period April 2009 toMarch 2010. Many of those who qualified for the additional payment were oldermembers of the community who are particularly vulnerable to the cold. In total £215,750was spent assisting approximately 1,700 people.
“I cannot tell you what a big difference it makes to someone in my position and state ofhealth, who has to watch every penny, especially when it comes to keeping warm”
“It brings a warm feeling to my wife and me to think someone cares”
“The help of the Charity is greatly appreciated and it makes a great deal of difference toour lives”
Extracts from letters received in response to the special fuel payment.
A6418 annual review 3/6/11 18:16 Page 8
GRAND CHARITY ANNUAL REVIEW 2010
Brian’s Story
I was a sports fanatic when I was younger,playing football, rugby and cricket for myschool. Sports have always been a big partof my life, both playing and watching. Evenwhen I was a lot older and working as aSales Manager I continued to play rugby atmy local club every week, I enjoyed thebanter and it kept me fit. But a few yearsago I started in a game that ended inhospital, I had broken my back in twoplaces and have been unable to walk since.
Immediately after the accident I struggledto cope with the enormity of the situationand I shut down completely. My wife,Rachel, found it very difficult. It was not agood time in our lives. I was unable to workand unable to do so much of what I hadenjoyed before. Not being able to workreally put a lot of strain on our family. Webarely had enough to keep our bills paidand Rachel was working longer and longerhours trying to make ends meet.
Luckily, friends from my Lodge kept in touchthroughout. They were concerned about usand got in touch with the Provincial GrandLodge. Our local Lodge Almoner came andmet with us and since then we havereceived financial support from the MasonicCharities. I don’t know if I will ever be ableto work again, certainly not full time. Butour Grand Charity grants help us to get byand the support has meant we can spendmore time together as a family. I still havedifficult days but most of the time I feelgood about life. The assistance we havebeen given by all the Masonic Charities hasbeen so helpful, it is difficult to express howRachel and I feel about it. Thank you.
Please note, some details have been changed to protect the privacy of the applicant
The Freemasons’ Grand Charity is committed to supporting Freemasons and theirdependants who are in genuine need of help. Please contact the Grand Charity officeif you have any questions about eligibility, the Charity will ensure discretion in everycase: 020 7395 9293 / 9391.
9
A6418 annual review 3/6/11 18:16 Page 9
10
GRAND CHARITY ANNUAL REVIEW 2010
Grants to Charities
Music in Hospitals
Issues of interest, concern and relevance to Masons and their families have been supportedthrough the non-Masonic grants programme since the Charity was registered in 1981. In2010, The Freemasons’ Grand Charity gave over £2.5 million to support national charitiesacross England and Wales.
Currently, grants are made to support:• Medical Research• Opportunities for disadvantaged young people (aged between 11–25)• Support for vulnerable people
Applications are considered at regular intervals throughout the year under two mainheadings:• Major grant: More than £5,000 for a specific project or activity of a larger, national charity• Minor grant: Up to £5,000 for the general funding of a small, national charity
The case studies that appear over the next few pages are just a few examples of how grantsare supporting the work of charities throughout England and Wales. If you would likefurther information regarding non-Masonic grants please visit www.grandcharity.org ortelephone 020 7395 9314.
A6418 annual review 3/6/11 18:16 Page 10
11
The late Duchess of Wellington, who was Vice President of SSAFA Forces Help, with Grahame Elliott,President of the Grand Charity; and Sir Kevin O’Donoghue, Chairman of SSAFA Forces Help.
SSAFA Forces Help: £250,000
The Grand Charity has been funding SSAFA ForcesHelp since 1981, and in 2008 the Charity donated£100,000 towards the building of two SSAFA NortonHomes in Birmingham and Surrey. These buildingsprovide accommodation for the families of injuredpersonnel whilst they are recuperating in hospital.
A new annual grant initiative began in 2010– £250,000 to a major national charity. Thegrant was divided equally among theProvinces and Metropolitan Grand Lodge,designed to benefit local branches ofSSAFA.
The Council of the Grand Charity selectedSoldiers, Sailors, Airmen and FamiliesAssociation (SSAFA) Forces Help as the firstrecipient of this new grant, to support theirexcellent work in helping current andformer members of the Armed Forces andtheir families.
“SSAFA Forces Help is immensely gratefulfor the Grand Charity’s one off super grantof £250,000. It has allowed us to provideadditional support to our branches inEngland and Wales, who operate at a local,grass roots level. Many branches have beenable to increase their casework load, whileothers have concentrated on raisingawareness within the community. Ourbranches help over 50,000 people eachyear, this grant has meant that they cancontinue helping thousands more, forwhich I am extremely thankful.”
Sir Kevin O’Donoghue,Chairman of SSAFA Forces Help
GRAND CHARITY ANNUAL REVIEW 2010
A6418 annual review 14/6/11 06:49 Page 11
MEDICAL RESEARCHSince 1981, the Grand Charity has donated over £8 million to fund medicalresearch projects.
“We are delighted to receive such amassive boost to our research,which is getting very close torepairing damaged spinal cord –something long thought impossible.”
Liz Sutton,Trusts Manager
Northwick Park: £100,000
£100,000 was granted to Northwick Park Institute for Medical Research to fundcolonoscopy training and research at the Wolfson Unit for Endoscopy at St Mark'sHospital, Middlesex, a specialist colorectal postgraduate teaching hospital. The grant willfund the development of a colonoscopy simulator which will be introduced to otherhospitals and training centres across the UK and will provide much needed specialisttraining for clinicians.
Cambridge Foundation: £100,000 over two years
The grant is helping to fund research into the side effects of a drug called alemtuzumab,which is used to treat Multiple Sclerosis, one of the most common neurological conditionsamong young adults. Effects include episodes of disturbed sight, walking and thinking,which progress to more severe physical and mental disabilities. The results showalemtuzumab may repair damaged brain tissue, enabling the recovery of neurologicalfunctions.
This grant is helping to fund research at Cambridge University, on chondroitinase toenable nerve regrowth. The Grand Charity made a previous grant of £20,000 in 2007,towards an earlier stage of this research, the results of which were positive. There is nowan urgent need to develop this specialised form of chondroitinase so that it is ready totrial with paralysed people. Chondroitinase has immense potential; not only does itremove scar tissue, one of the biggest barriers to nerve regrowth, it also encouragesnerves to repair and make new connections.
International Spinal Research Trust: £25,000
12
GRAND CHARITY ANNUAL REVIEW 2010
Grants to Charities
A6418 annual review 3/6/11 18:16 Page 12
GRAND CHARITY ANNUAL REVIEW 2010
13
Grants to Charities
Since 1981, the Grand Charity has givenover £19 million to fund projects thatsupport vulnerable people of all ages.This category encompasses nationalorganisations that deal with a wide varietyof problems including: disability, care forthe seriously ill, care for ex-members of thearmed services, deprivation, homelessnessand poverty, to name but a few.
SUPPORTING VULNERABLE PEOPLE
Beating Bowel Cancer: £50,000
In 2010, the Grand Charity donated £50,000to help fund the vital work undertaken byBeating Bowel Cancer’s patient servicesdepartment, including its nurse advisoryservice. “This very generous grant will helpensure we continue to provide all thoseaffected by bowel cancer with the bestpossible information and support.”Mark Flannagan, Chief Executiveof Beating Bowel Cancer
Vitalise: £20,000
A grant to subsidise respiteholidays for people withAlzheimer's Disease and theircarers, at a residential centre inEssex. The whole centre isreserved for the specialistweeks and the carers are ableto socialise and go on outingswhile knowing that their lovedones are being properly cared for.“It’s good for the carer to becared for, for a change. When weare there we feel almost like anordinary couple again - all thestresses and strains are brieflyremoved.”Beryl Bennett, Carer
Dogs for the Disabled: £25,000
Dogs for the Disabled is a charity that trainsassistance dogs to help improve the lives ofadults and children with physical disabilities.This grant is helping to fund a new and uniqueprogramme highlighting the benefits of atrained pet dog for families with a child withautism, aiming to help over 300 families in itsfirst three years.
A6418 annual review 3/6/11 18:16 Page 13
GRAND CHARITY ANNUAL REVIEW 2010
14
ENABLING YOUTH OPPORTUNITIESThe Freemasons’ Grand Charity has donated over £4 million since 1980 to fundprojects that provide opportunities for young people across the UK. The GrandCharity aims to help young people achieve a better life and realise their potential.
Volunteer Reading Help: £15,000
This grant helped fund a project to enable children in care to improve their reading,through the use of volunteer reading helpers. “Sadly, children in care are amongst themost disadvantaged and vulnerable people in society and they face particular difficultiesin learning to read and in education. This money will make a wonderful improvement tothe lives of these children, supporting them to learn to read, this basic life-skill essentialto learning and well-being.”Sue Porto, CEO, Volunteer Reading Help
Clubs for Young People: £83,000
This grant is helping to fund a new activitiesprogramme called ‘Do Something: Out ofSchool’. The project will provide aprogramme of community based activitiesincluding cricket, dance, film-making etc to2,000 smaller voluntary youth clubs. Since1993, the Grand Charity has been a valuedsupporter of Clubs for Young People,having provided over £200,000 in total.
SkillForce: £50,000
SkillForce is a dynamic education charitythat delivers inspiring programmes forat risk youth, increasing the number ofyoung people entering education,employment and training. Instruction andmentoring is provided mainly by ex-Servicepersonnel. In 2010, £50,000 was donatedtowards a new SkillForce teamin Hampshire, aiming to work with370–500 young people over a three yearperiod.
Grants to Charities
A6418 annual review 3/6/11 18:16 Page 14
GRAND CHARITY ANNUAL REVIEW 2010
15
Grants to CharitiesGrants from The Freemasons’ Grand Charity often complement support given by localLodges and Provinces. For example, the grants given by the Charity to hospices and airambulances reflect the fact that these services operate at numerous locations acrossEngland and Wales and enjoy strong support from Freemasons in their region.
Air Ambulances
Since 2007, nearly £800,000 has beendonated to air ambulance services. In2010, each Provincial Grand Lodge wasgiven £4,000 to fund an air ambulanceor similar rescue service in its region,with a total of £192,000 distributed.
Hospices
Each year, grants are available for all hospice services in England and Wales that receiveless than 60% of their income from the National Health Service. Hospice grants are awardedfor running costs only. In 2010, a further £600,000 was distributed amongst 226 hospiceservices, bringing the total given to £8.7 million since 1984.
Matched Funding
Each year, selected Provincial and Metropolitan Grand Lodges are invited to nominatenational charities to which they would like to make a donation. These donations are thenmatched by the Grand Charity, up to a total of £5,000 per Province. Last year, twelveProvinces were asked to participate, resulting in forty-two charities receiving funding.
A6418 annual review 3/6/11 18:16 Page 15
Disaster Relief
GRAND CHARITY ANNUAL REVIEW 2010
16
Disaster Relief grants aremade in times of emergencyfollowing a natural disaster,both in the UK and overseas.These grants are made at thediscretion of the President ofthe Grand Charity, to ensurerapid response by the Charityand are normally madethrough the British Red Crossor other major internationalrelief organisation. Somegrants are made in conjunctionwith the appropriate District orProvincial Grand Lodge.Over £2 million has beengiven to support reliefefforts for victims ofdisasters worldwidesince 1980.
Emergency grants made in 2010: £136,500
HAITI EARTHQUAKE£20,000 Red Cross & £10,000 PlanInternational
Following a devastating earthquake inHaiti in January 2010, which killed anestimated 230,000 people, an emergencygrant of £20,000 was awarded to theBritish Red Cross to help deal withimmediate needs. £10,000 was alsoawarded to Plan International whosepriorities were assisting children andtheir families.
CHILE EARTHQUAKE£20,000 British Red Cross
In March 2010, an earthquake struck Chileaffecting over 2 million people. The GrandCharity awarded £20,000 to assist withrelief efforts.
FLOODING IN PAKISTAN£50,000 British Red Cross
Over the summer, flooding in Pakistankilled thousands of people and destroyedmillions of homes. The Grand Charityissued an immediate £25,000, providinghygiene kits and sanitation facilities andsafe drinking water. As the severity of theflooding became clear, a further £25,000was donated to the British Red Cross.
A6418 annual review 3/6/11 18:16 Page 16
GRAND CHARITY ANNUAL REVIEW 2010
17
Rebuilding a school in Haiti
In late January 2010, in responseto requests from members ofthe Craft and as the extent ofthe devastation caused by theearthquake in Haiti became clearer,the Council of the Grand Charityopened a dedicated Relief Chest.£93,000 was raised during 2010,thanks purely to the generosityof Freemasons and their families.This money is to be used to fundthe rebuilding of a communityschool in the city of Léogâne,which was at the epicentre ofthe earthquake. The donationwill enable 400 children to attendschool each year, as well as payfor eight new teachers to beproperly trained. The project isbeing delivered in partnershipwith the aid organisation Savethe Children.
NEW ZEALAND EARTHQUAKE£10,000 District Grand Lodge ofSouth Island, New Zealand
An earthquake struck Christchurch, NewZealand in September 2010, destroyingover 100,000 buildings. £10,000 wasdonated to help the wider communitywith their immediate needs.
HAITI CHOLERA EPIDEMIC£25,000 British Red Cross
In late October 2010, an outbreak ofcholera began in Northern Haiti. TheGrand Charity donated £25,000 tothe Red Cross, providing hygiene andsanitation packs, aiming to help stopthe spread of the disease.
HAITI EARTHQUAKE£1,500 Disasters Relief Chest
Additional funds required for schoolrebuilding project, with Save the Children.
A6418 annual review 3/6/11 18:16 Page 17
Relief Chest Scheme
The Relief Chest Scheme was introducedin 1986 to enable Masonic organisationsto manage their charitable donations moreefficiently. The Scheme offers individualRelief Chests, which can be used toaccumulate funds for charitable purposesby Lodges, Chapters, Provinces, otherMasonic orders and similarly recognisedorganisations. A donation can be madefrom a Relief Chest to a registered charity
or organisation recognised as charitable,for an individual in distress, or a ProvincialRelief Chest (as part of a fundraisingcampaign, e.g. Festival) only on theinstructions of the Relief Chest holder. Inaddition, The Freemasons’ Grand Charityreclaims eligible tax relief under Gift Aidand invests funds at a favourable rate ofinterest, all to the benefit of Relief Chestholders.
Twenty-five years of the Relief Chest Scheme
GRAND CHARITY ANNUAL REVIEW 2010
18
The Scheme has grown from strength to strength since its creation 25 years ago andhas enabled Relief Chest holders to donate millions of pounds to charitable causes inan efficient and tax effective way.
Relief Chest Scheme in 2010:
• In 2010, the Scheme helped to donate more than £14 million to charitable causes
• There are over 4,300 Chest holders and this number is steadily growing all the time
• Every month around 350 charities and individuals benefit from donations made througha Relief Chest, on the instructions of the Chest holder
• The Relief Chest Scheme claimed over £720,000 in Gift Aid in 2010, every penny ofwhich the Chest holders can use to support the charities and people they care about
• During 2010, a review of key elements of the IT systems was undertaken to assessperformance, robustness and reliability issues. As a result, specific enhancements weremade to the system improving the overall efficiency of the business process
A6418 annual review 3/6/11 18:16 Page 18
In the year ended 30 November 2010, activity in the Relief Chest Scheme included:
2010 2009
Number of Relief Chests 4,338 4,161
Average number of monthly donationsinto the Scheme 21,750 21,178
Average number of monthly tax reclaims 19,003 18,251
Average number of monthly paymentsfrom the Scheme 350 325
Number of new Relief Chests openedduring the year 201 161
Widening available support from the Scheme
The concept of ‘continuous giving’ is beingpiloted in some Provinces, the objective ofwhich is to encourage members to committo an on-going regular charitablecontribution, with the administrationprovided by the Relief Chest Scheme. TheProvince is then able to direct the donationto its current priority. During 2010, the
Scheme provided free administration,compliance and fundraising supportservices to over 100 Provincial funds,including Provincial Festival Chests andthose Chests operated by other Masonicorders, e.g. the Supreme Grand Chapter(The Royal Arch Masons 2013 BicentenaryAppeal) and Supreme Council 33°.
Further information about the Relief Chest Scheme and its many benefitscan be found at www.grandcharity.org or by contacting the Relief Chestteam on 020 7395 9246.
GRAND CHARITY ANNUAL REVIEW 2010
19
A6418 annual review 3/6/11 18:16 Page 19
16000
14000
12000
10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0General Fund Relief Chest Transferred
Beneficiaries
£000
Annual Contributions
Income
General Fund Donations/Festival/Legacy
General Fund Investment
Relief Chest Donations
Relief Chest Investment
Transferred BeneficiariesFund Investment
20
GRAND CHARITY ANNUAL REVIEW 2010
Financial SummaryINCOME 2010
Income for 2010 shows a significant increase, primarily as a consequence of the decisionby the Council of the Charity to change the way in which Festival donation receipts areaccounted for and to bring it into line with that of the other central Masonic Charities.Accordingly, the Festival income for this year includes donations received from futureFestivals, thereby creating a one-off increase (£5,252,650) in the income for the year.
EXPENDITURE 2010
The financial information in this Annual Review is based on the audited annual accounts for the financial year ending 30 November 2010 andsummarises the key sources of the Charity’s income and how the Charity has used its resources in the year.
16000
14000
12000
10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0
£000
Expenditure
General Fund Masonic Grants
Expenditure
General Fund Non MasonicGrants
Expenditure of Relief Chestpayments
Transferred Beneficiaries Fund
Total Support Costs
GeneralFund
ReliefChest
TransferredBeneficiaries
Costs
A6418 annual review 3/6/11 18:16 Page 20
21
GRAND CHARITY ANNUAL REVIEW 2010
Statement from the Chief ExecutiveI hope that in the 2010 Annual Review,the Grand Charity’s continued dedicationand support for people in need is dulydemonstrated. The year was exceptionallybusy, with nearly £5 million given to assistFreemasons and their dependants in need.
The Grand Charity also continued toprovide financial assistance for charitableprojects and services that support the widercommunity, and which are of importanceto Freemasons and their families. SSAFAForces Help was the first recipient of theCharity’s new national grant initiative,£250,000 which was divided equallyamongst the Provinces. The grant was metwith much enthusiasm and I believe thatthe new initiative further exemplifies theGrand Charity’s aim to support the wishesof the Brethren.
The Charity continues to try and publicisethe good work that it carries out, so thatmore people have a better understandingof our grant-making programmes and areaware of the help they might receive.In 2010, this included launching a newwebsite and entering the age of socialmedia with a Facebook page. Such moderndigital communications help broadcast toa wider public our commitment to servingthe interests of both the Masoniccommunity and beyond.
I thank you all for your continued support.
Laura ChapmanChief Executive ofThe Freemasons’ Grand Charity
© Image credits (Top to bottom, Left to right)
Front cover: 1) Fotolia,2) Sussex Air Ambulance,3) iStockphoto,4) Fotolia,5) Red Cross,6–8) Fotolia
Page 2: Colin Crisford
Page 3–9: Fotolia
Page 10: Music in Hospitals
Page 11: SSAFA Forces Help
Page 12: International Spinal Research Trust
Page 13: Vitalise, Dogs for the Disabled
Page 14: SkillForce, Clubs for Young People
Page 15: Wales Air Ambulance, Fotolia
Page 16: Red Cross
Page 17: Save the Children, Red Cross
Page 18: Shutterstock
Page 21: Colin Crisford
A6418 annual review 3/6/11 18:16 Page 21
SUPPORTING VULNERABLE PEOPLETOTAL: £900,000
Beating Bowel Cancer £50,000 To fund aspecialist nurse advisor and head of patientservices.
Breast Cancer Haven £15,000 To fund aclinical nurse specialist in Hereford.
British Red Cross £50,000 To fund a firstaid vehicle for Cambridgeshire.
Cardiac Risk in the Young £15,000 Tofund a new vehicle for equipment to detectheart defects in the young.
MEDICAL RESEARCH TOTAL: £285,000
Action Medical Research £20,000 To fundresearch into infant medulloblastoma at theNorthern Institute for Cancer Research.
Association for Spina BifidaHydrocephalus £40,000 To fund researchinto use of in utero MRI.
The Cambridge Foundation £100,000 Tofund research into the use of alemtuzumabin treating multiple sclerosis.
International Spinal Research Trust£25,000 To fund research onchondroitinase to enable nerve regrowth.
Northwick Park Institute for MedicalResearch £100,000 To fund colonoscopytraining and research in Middlesex.
MASONIC GRANTS
£4,956,200 (net of refunds)
NON-MASONIC GRANTS
£2,521,200
Challenging Behaviour Foundation£20,000 To fund a family support officer.
Connect £30,000 To fund a quarterlynewsletter for people with aphasiafollowing a stroke.
Counsel and Care £35,000 To support theadvice service and a fundraiser.
Crisis £50,000 To fund the development ofa centre for homeless people in Oxford.
Dogs for the Disabled £25,000 Tosupport a project to show how a traineddog can help autistic children.
Down Syndrome Education International£30,000 To fund the See and Learneducational programme.
Friends of the Elderly £80,000 To fund anew dementia unit in Malvern.
Music in Hospitals £35,000 To fundMaking Musical Memories, providingconcerts for older people.
PHAB £10,000 To fund respite breaks fordisabled people at outdoor activity centres.
Pilotlight Cymru £10,000 To fund anadministrator for a capacity buildingcharity.
Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution£50,000 To contribute to the welfare fundprogramme.
St John Cymru £44,000 To fund a newlifeboat in West Wales.
Severn Area Rescue Association £21,000To contribute to the expansion of theChepstow Station.
2010 Grants List
GRAND CHARITY ANNUAL REVIEW 2010
22
A6418 annual review 3/6/11 18:16 Page 22
Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and FamiliesAssociation (SSAFA) Forces Help£250,000 To be divided equally anddistributed to each of the Provinces forpresentation locally.
Special Boat Service Association £15,000To support children of SBSA members.
Victim Support £20,000 To fund trainingof volunteers in the south west insupporting victims of serious crimes.
Vitalise £20,000 To fund respite holidaysfor people with Alzheimer’s disease andtheir carers.
Winston’s Wish £25,000 To fund a seniorcounsellor for bereaved children.
YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES TOTAL:£253,000
Addaction £20,000 To fund the YoungAddaction Aspire project with youngpeople in Lancashire.
Centrepoint £50,000 To fund the furtherroll-out of the partnering project with localyouth homelessness charities.
Childhood First £20,000 To fund a familyplacement and support scheme in Norfolk.
Clubs for Young People £83,000 To fundthe Do Something Out of School project.
Kidscape £15,000 To fund workshops forchildren at risk of becoming bullies.
SkillForce £50,000 To fund expansion ofthe schools programme in Hampshire.
Volunteer Reading Help £15,000 To fundreading support for children in care.
OTHER GRANTS TOTAL: £961,800
Air Ambulance £192,000 Grants to 22 airambulance and rescue charities throughoutEngland and Wales.
Hospice Services £600,000 Grants to 226hospices throughout England and Wales.
Matched Funding* £61,900 42 charitiesreceived funding.
Minor Grants £107,900 Grants of £5,000or less to 38 smaller charities.
EMERGENCY GRANTS FOR DISASTERRELIEF TOTAL: £136,500
Chile Earthquake £20,000 British RedCross.
Haiti Earthquake £20,000 British RedCross & £10,000 Plan International.
Haiti Earthquake £1,500 Save theChildren.
Haiti Cholera Epidemic £25,000 BritishRed Cross.
Pakistan Flooding £50,000 British RedCross.
New Zealand Earthquake £10,000 DistrictGrand Lodge South Island of New Zealand.
Total: £7,477,400
GRAND CHARITY ANNUAL REVIEW 2010
23
*Matched Funding is net of previous year’sunutilised grants of £15,100.
For further information aboutThe Freemasons’ Grand Charitygrants programme please visitwww.grandcharity.org
A6418 annual review 8/6/11 08:38 Page 23
The Freemasons' Grand Charity60 Great Queen StreetLondon WC2B 5AZ
T: 020 7395 9261F: 020 7395 9295E: [email protected]
Registered charity no. 281942
Find us on Facebook
A6418 annual review 3/6/11 18:16 Page 24