How to make your contribution
The most popular method is to use a Regular Payment Gift Aided Direct Debit Form. A contribution each month (typically ranging from £5 to £10), each quarter or each year, will secure a very valuable addition to the fund. If your contribution qualifies you, then as soon as you sign the Direct Debit form you will be eligible to wear the Festival Jewel to visibly demonstrate your support of the RMBI and to help promote the Festival throughout the Province. (£4 per month for 5 years, Gift Aided, will qualify for Steward and £8 per month for 5 years, Gift Aided, will qualify for Patron.)
If a Direct Debit payment is not convenient then contributions can be made as a single payment, again using a Gift Aid form to claim the extra 28%. Some may prefer to make their contributions in several smaller amounts using this system over the five year period. Although interest payments are not great, every little helps, so the earlier you make your contribution the more interest it will accrue.
Gift Aid Envelopes are available from EVERY Lodge Charity Steward at every meeting - ask yours for one and get involved now. Use them as Donation envelopes at the Festive Board.
Gift Aid
The Gift Aid Scheme currently adds 28% to the contribution made if the individual is a UK Tax Payer who pays an amount of Tax at least as much as that being claimed. This Tax can be Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Tax paid on interest earned on investments in the UK or Tax on UK dividends. Lodges, use Gift Aid Envelopes for all Lodge collections in aid of the Festival Fund and claim the extra 28% wherever possible. |
very Masonic Province hosts a Festival once every eleven years for one of the four main Masonic Charities. Dorset's turn comes in 2014 when we aim to present a cheque for at least one million pounds to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution (RMBI). Progress of the fund to date is shown on the Target Pyramid where green illustrates 'money in the bank' and amber shows the level of contributions pledged via Regular Payment Promises and Gift Aid to be recovered. To meet our target every Brother needs to be contributing so if you haven't yet decided how, see below for ways in which you can push the green and amber sections higher.
The Festival Jewel is now available to all Brethren who have contributed £300 or more. It shows the Province of Dorset (not the County) with a clear indication that we are supporting the RMBI. This temporary jewel can be worn now and until the end of our period of Festival; that is until another Province hosts the Festival for the RMBI that follows ours. Jewels can be ordered from your Lodge Charity Steward.
