The start of the new Masonic Season brought a fresh wave of interest in the use of the Gift Aid Envelope Scheme and it is timely to remind Brethren of the benefits of using the envelopes for alms collections in Lodges, and the rules which govern their use.

The basis for the scheme is, that for every £1 donated to a charity under Gift Aid, that charity can claim an additional 28% (£5 = £6-40p) from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) which is a valuable increase in the amount available to the charity. Many Brethren take advantage of the Gift Aid scheme by making regular donations, by Standing Order, to the East Kent Provincial Charities Association (EKPCA), but it is also possible to use the Envelope Scheme to add 28% to the value of the alms collection in the Lodge.

The rules governing the use of Gift Aid are laid down by HMRC and they are:-
* The donor must be a tax payer
* The donation can only be made to a registered charity
* HMRC must be able to trace the donation back to the donor
The Gift Aid Envelope Scheme introduced in the Province of East Kent
follows the rules set out above.
* The envelopes require the donor to be identified on the outside,
some Lodges do this by name and post code, and others have a personal ID number.
* The Charity Steward has to prepare a list of the donations made, showing the amount
given by each Brother.
* The list, and a cheque for the total donated, has to be sent to the EKPCA.
* The EKPCA sends the list to HMRC and claims the additional 28%, which will be
credited, along with the original donation, to the Lodge account.

The most frequent concern expressed to the EKPCA has been that the Envelope Scheme lacks confidentiality. In reality there is no loss of confidentiality as a result of its introduction.

The Charity Steward is charged with producing the list of donations to be sent to the EKPCA. The Charity Steward has always been aware of the charity donations made by Members of the Lodge and confidentiality has never been a problem in the past. The EKPCA already holds personal records of donations received directly from Brethren and, here again, confidentiality has never been a problem in the past. Furthermore, Data Protection legislation severely restricts the use and disclosure of data held by the EKPCA.

Finally, any Brother who continues to be concerned about confidentiality does not have to use the Envelope Scheme and can continue to donate alms in the traditional way by placing cash in the collection plate. More information, and a supply of envelopes for the Gift Aid Envelope Scheme, can be obtained from the EKPCA office at the Maidstone Masonic Centre. (01622 766212)

WBro Patrick J Thomas PAGDC. APGM
Chairman, East Kent Provincial Charities Association

Ed45, p6