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'This page has been approved by the United Grand Lodge of England’
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ANNOUNCEMENT Future Financial Assistance Grants to Masons and their Dependants The Presidents of the Masonic Charities have been meeting under the chairmanship of the Deputy Grand Master, to seek ways to rationalize and harmonise the activities of the Charities and to make them more efficient and cost effective. For many years, both the Grand Charity and the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution have provided financial assistance to Masons and their dependants, who have insufficient financial resources to meet their needs. These grants have frequently addressed the same people. Following discussions between the two charities, it has been agreed that it would be more efficient for the administrative responsibilities to be undertaken by the Grand Charity, leaving the RMBI to concentrate on its primary objective of providing residential care for Masons and their dependants who are elderly or infirm. The RMBI Care Advice Visitor Service will continue to provide advice and support. Subject to all legal formalities being completed during the Spring of 2002, the responsibility for making payments to the current recipients of RMBI annuities will thereafter pass to the Grand Charity. These payments will continue to be made in their existing form; recipients will not be aware of any difference. It is the Grand Charity's intention that it will take over these payments at the end of June 2002. At that time, the RMBI will transfer the investments in its annuity fund to the Grand Charity. From the 1st of April 2002, the Grand Charity will take direct responsibility for all new applications for financial assistance. The former Petitions Committee grants and the relief formerly provided by RMBI annuities will thereafter be merged under a new Masonic Relief Grant. Applications for the new grants should be made in the same way as applications have previously been made for grants from the Grand Charity. Under this new system, the Grand Charity will review all applications, which previously would have been sent to the RMBI to be considered for an annuity. Financial assistance will be given to all applicants who are in need, according to guidelines for support agreed by the Council of the Grand Charity. Cases similar to those which previously received a grant from the Grand Charity, as well as a RMBI annuity, should expect a similar overall level of support from the Grand Charity. As currently Lodges will make applications on behalf of Masons and their dependants in need. A new application form will be sent to all Provinces, accompanied by detailed guidelines and instructions for the new Masonic Relief Grants. This form should be used for all future applications for financial assistance. The Grand Charity also plans to hold regional seminars for Provincial Almoners to explain the new procedures. These arrangements will simplify and expedite the application process. If you have any questions or need any additional information, please contact Laura Chapman, Chief Executive of the Grand Charity. March 2002
TELEPHONE 020 7395 9293 |
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H. L. Ratan for
the DGL - Madras |
