Fund Raising Committee - The East Lancashire Masonic Charity

‘There is FUN in FUNDRAISING when SUPPORTING the ELMC.’

The ELMC Fundraising Committee has been established to promote, encourage and support future giving and donations by the Lodges, Chapters and Brethren to our own Provincial Charity, the ELMC. The prime aim is to help provide funds to fulfil the objectives of the East Lancashire Masonic Charity.

The ELMC will care for and afford charitable assistance to needy Freemasons, their widows, or to any of their dependent relatives and reach out to others in our local communities, who are deserving of charitable support. Support for those less fortunate than ourselves has been a feature of our Masonic activity throughout the history of this Province and proudly continues to this day.

Communication ‘ is the key ‘ and as a Committee we believe it is now so important to increase awareness of the Charity amongst our Brethren and to remind them of their continuing commitment to contribute. In this context the District, Lodge and Chapter Charity Stewards will have a valued involvement and vital roles to play.

There are many ways and means of contributing to the ELMC, either as an individual Brother or via a Lodge / Chapter. Listed below are a number of suggestions and ideas which were developed by our Committee. We will most certainly welcome, encourage and communicate any others in the future.

1. Become a ‘ Friend of the ELMC ‘ with a minimum monthly donation of £5 / £60 per year. Gift Aided if willing (supporting Card and Badge provided).

2a. Suggested Lodge giving per year

£250 – Vice Patron, £500 – Patron, £1,000+ Grand Patron

2b. Suggested Chapter giving per year

£100 – Vice Patron, £200 – Patron, £400+ Grand Patron

3. Every Lodge to organise a fundraising event for the ELMC during the year.

4. Online Giving / Text Giving

5. Donations in Memory / Legacies

6. Support a Provincial / District fundraising event for the ELMC.

7. Casual Giving Boxes / Merchandise Sales

8. ‘ Friends‘ Periodic Prize Draw / 100 Clubs

The Fund-Raising Committee still includes the current Provincial Grand Charity Steward amongst its members and works with him, along with District, Lodge and Chapter Charity Stewards, valuing the vital roles they play in supporting ELMC.

ELMC Supporting the Festival

During the period from 2022 to 2026, whilst the Province of East Lancashire is “in Festival”, ELMC has fully committed to assist the Province in providing management, administration and accounting support for the 2026 Festival. We have also made the important pledge to turn all of our fund-raising efforts towards the Festival during its tenure.

Over the years, the ELMC has enjoyed a symbiotic relationship with the National Masonic Charities. A huge part of ELMC’s work has been administering grants to our beneficiaries and our local communities that have come from our National Charities.

Now that those Charities have consolidated into the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF), ELMC must give its support to them, so that they can continue to support to us in maintaining the high standard of care and community work for which East Lancashire is renowned.

There are many ways in which you can assist us by contributing to The Festival, either as an individual or as a Lodge or Chapter. The Fund-Raising Committee welcomes, encourages and, where appropriate, will assist with and advertise any of the following means of raising funds.