GENERAL

What is the role of the Relief Chest Representative?

The role of the Representative must be administered by only one officer. It is up to the Lodge/Chapter to decide who runs their Relief Chest. Usually it is the Charity Steward, Treasurer, etc. Please see section 2.4. on page.5 in the ‘Operating Manual and Rules' handbook.

The Representative is the only contact with the Relief Chest Office
He can request the balance of the chest at any time by email or telephone
The recipient of all correspondence
Authorized officer to change any details
One of the two authorized signatories to make a donation from the chest

In order to change the Representative for your Relief Chest, a 'Change of Relief Chest Representative form' must be completed and returned to us. You can download the form here: Change of Relief Chest Representative Form

Alternatively, please contact the relief Chest office directly on 020 7395 9309 if you would like us to provide you with a copy.

PAYMENTS IN (Donations)

What is Gift Aid?

Gift Aid is a Government scheme that enables charities to reclaim the tax that the individual has already paid on their donations.

For more information of Gift Aid please visit

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/individuals/giving/gift-aid.htm

How can the donor change the amount and/or term on a Regular Donation (Direct Debit)?

If your Regular Donation has already started, we would advise you cancel your Direct Debit with your Bank and complete a new Regular Donation form. However, if the first payment hasn't been collected then changes can be made. Please contact the Relief Chest Office on 020 7395 9246 to do this.

How can a donor amend their account details?

The donor will have to contact their bank or building society to change to these details and the bank will notify us.

When making a donation, who is the cheque made payable to?

All cheques must be made payable to The Freemasons' Grand Charity.

Why has Gift Aid not been reclaimed on a donation?

This is likely to be because the donor didn't complete a valid Gift Aid declaration which enables us to reclaim Tax.

PAYMENTS OUT

Who are the authorised signatories on the Voucher?

We require two signatures from two officers of the Lodge. One of these signatories must be the Relief Chest Representative.

Can a donation to a non registered or overseas charity be made from a Relief Chest?

Providing we have sufficient information on their charitable activities, The Relief Chest Scheme can only make donations to registered charities or organizations recognized by HMRC and the Charity Commission as ‘Charitable'. Please see section 5.1.1. on page.10 in the ‘Operating Manual and Rules' handbook.

Can a transfer be made to the Lodge's Benevolent Account/Association?

Donations can not be made back to any Chest holder even if their benevolent fund is a registered charity.

Which Voucher (Blue or Green)?

Once a donation to a Charity has been approved in open Lodge (or equivalent), the Relief Chest Representative must complete and submit an appropriate Voucher. These Vouchers are uniquely numbered and issued to each Relief Chest. Please see section 5.3.1. on page.12 in the ‘Operating Manual and Rules' handbook.

BLUE VOUCHER

This voucher is to be completed for donations to the Central Masonic charities, as listed on the voucher.

GREEN VOUCHER

This voucher is to be completed for donations to all non-Masonic charities and Masonic charities that are not listed on the blue voucher. They may also be used to transfer funds to a Festival with a Relief Chest

How do I find out about Honorifics?

Please contact the Provincial Office and/or Masonic Charity. The Relief Chest does not deal with Honorific's or Jewels.

I have received a letter stating that my Relief Chest has become Dormant. Why is this?

A dormant chest is one in which no payment has been made out of the Relief Chest for two years.

To meet the expectations of HM Revenue & Customs that a Relief Chest has been opened for collecting and donating money to charity, it is important that The Freemasons' Grand Charity can demonstrate activity. A two-year period during which no charitable donations have been made requires investigation to confirm that the Chest is being maintained according to the principles of the Relief Chest Scheme. For more information of Dormant Chests, Please see section 9. on page.17 in the ‘Operating Manual and Rules' handbook.