Opening a Relief Chest

Who can open a Relief Chest?

Help charities and individuals

The Freemasons’ Grand Charity will open a Relief Chest to receive funds intended for charitable distribution for any: 

• Craft Lodge
• Provincial Grand Lodge
• Other Masonic organisations recognised by the United Grand Lodge of England (e.g. Royal Arch Chapter, Rose Croix Chapter, Mark Lodge)

How to open the Relief Chest 

• The Lodge is the ‘Relief Chest Holder’
• A resolution must be passed in open Lodge. Subject to the by-laws and practice of each Lodge, prior notice of motion is not required
• An application form must be completed and signed by the Secretary, Scribe E, Trustee, or other officer of the organisation. Applications by Provincial Grand Lodges must be signed by the Provincial Grand Secretary
• The Relief Chest Application Form is available to download or can be obtained by contacting the Relief Chest Office on 020 7395 9246
• An application can be submitted at any time
• The Relief Chest will become active of the first day of the month following the receipt of the application

Make donations quickly and easily

Operation of the Chest

The Relief Chest is usually operated by the Charity Steward or Treasurer. This role is known as the “Relief Chest Representative”. The Representative is appointed by the Lodge and is responsible for contact between the Relief Chest office and the Lodge/other Masonic organisation. If the Representative is unobtainable, The Freemasons’ Grand Charity will write to the Lodge Secretary or equivalent.   For full details on operating a Relief Chest, please download the Relief Chest Scheme Operating Manual.

Further information 

For more information about opening a Relief Chest or the Relief Chest Scheme, please contact the Relief Chest Office on 020 7395 9245 / 9246 / 9361  or download the Relief Chest Scheme Operating Manual and Rules