West Riding Masonic Charities Limited
West Riding Masonic Charities Limited is a Registered Charity which works independently from but in conjunction with the Masonic Province of Yorkshire West Riding.
The aim of the Charity is to support the needs of qualifying members and their dependents when difficulties arise and also non Masonic community charitable activities. This is done in a number of ways and includes:-
- Provision of a Welfare visitor to keep contact with all beneficiaries receiving Masonic charitable support who have a connection with the Province of Yorkshire West Riding.
- Development of schemes and services to support special needs, also the frail and vulnerable.
- Funding worthy causes which are brought to the attention of the charity.
- To work closely with the Provincial Grand Almoner in helping to identify how assistance may be given.
- To provide emergency grants to qualifying Freemasons and their dependants.
As a registered charity and company limited by guarantee West Riding Masonic Charities Limited retains a separate constitution and management structure, whilst Freemasons do form the governing body, great care is taken to ensure that the independent working of the charity is maintained, that potential conflicts of interest are managed in an open and appropriate way and that the Provincial management structure does not influence the integrity of independence. To this end it is felt inappropriate for active senior members of the Province to hold office in the charity.
At the annual meeting of the charity trustees are elected to serve a three year term of office.
Their function is to administer, control and distribute funds donated to the charity, including the safe management of investments and reclamation of tax through the Gift Aid Relief scheme.
To promote efficiency, work is undertaken by sub groups who when reporting make recommendations to the board of trustees for consideration:-
The Provincial Grand Masters Fund
Provides two types of grants both of which are for non Masonic causes, these are introduced for consideration through local Lodges or Royal Arch Chapters. All applications are examined by a small committee consisting of Trustees and non Trustees who also determine the financial value of each grant made.
Major Grants
These are looked at once a year in March. The aim of the grant is to make a significant difference to the organisation and project being considered. Whilst there is an opportunity to provide one grant of £100,000 each year, it is more usual to see the total sum being shared across a small group of applicants.
Minor Grants
These are applied for through Lodges and Royal Arch Chapters throughout the course of the year and are considered at one of the quarterly meetings.
Finance and Investment Committee
Composed of Trustees and Non Trustees, this committee works in conjunction with investment brokers, monitoring financial activity and investment policy. They are also responsible for recommending good practice procedures and to see statutory legal requirements are enacted.
Compliance Committee
Is charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the charity works within its constitutional remit, as well as any terms of reference such as service level agreements, statutory requirements etc.
Projects Committee
A newer group combining specialist skills required to move new projects and services forward and ensure viability.
Additional ongoing commitments
West Riding Masonic Charities Limited have the following additional ongoing commitments:
- To provide gifts to all beneficiaries on their birthday and also at Christmas.
- To provide grants to frail and elderly beneficiaries who do not qualify for National Masonic support.
- To provide grants to those who qualify for Respite relief.
- To support the raising awareness of the “Freemasonry Cares for You” project.
- To underwrite the cost of the Teddies for Loving Case scheme to £12,500 p/a until 2013.
- To investigate the opportunity of developing an Assisted Housing Facilities.
- To provide grants to qualifying service personal injured in conflicts of war towards their rehabilitation.
- To consider any qualifying application made to the charity for support.
- To liaise with the Provincial Grand Charity Steward and the Provincial Grand Almoner.
Contact Details
Enquiries can be made to West Riding Masonic Charities Limited
The Registered office of the Charity:-
The Masonic Hall,
Spring Bank Place,
Bradford
BD8 7BX
Tel. 01274 481242
E-Mail pgl@wrprovince.co.uk