Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

1. What is the EKPCA?

A Charity established by Freemasons of East Kent as a vehicle to channel their Charitable activities. The EKPCA aims to fulfil the role of a `One Stop Shop` and should be viewed as the centre of focus in support of the Provincial Charity and Benevolence activities.

2. Who runs the EKPCA?

A Board of Trustees (the Management Committee) see Website or Provincial Year Book for Details.

3. Who benefits from EKPCA funds?

The funds are used for Charitable purposes, as designated by the Member.

4. Is the EKPCA a better place to invest Charity Funds than the Grand Charity Relief Chest?

Yes, implementation of payment and receipts is normally faster, you are dealing with Brethren who are familiar with the Province, its Lodges and Chapters. The rate of interest currently credited to Premium accounts is 5.5%.
 

5. Who decides where the funds are distributed?

You, the Member.

6. Wouldn’t it be better to just send the monies direct to a Charity?

No, because the donation made would not benefit from the enhanced interest rate enjoyed by EKPCA Members (including Gift Aid) also by using the EKPCA you can defer your decision as to which Charity is to be the beneficiary.

7. What sort of capital can the EKPCA call on?

The capital of the EKPCA is the total sum of the monies deposited (invested) by the Members. This, by the nature of the Charity, is a figure which constantly changes according to activity, eg A Festival but normally would be expected to be approximately £750,000.

8. Can I or my Lodge/Chapter ask the EKPCA to support a particular Charity?

Yes, you or your Lodge/Chapter can direct the EKPCA to make payment to a particular Charity.

9. Does the EKPCA have any overheads?

Yes, as does any organisation, these however are kept to an absolute minimum and no costs are incurred in respect of staffing and administration.

10. Can money be withdrawn from the EKPCA?

Yes, in two ways. The first is by declaration or direction by the Member for the EKPCA to make payment to a registered Charity. The second and this applies to Premium Members only, ie Lodges or Chapters, is by request from the acknowledged representatives for repayment of a sum to be used for Charitable/Benevolence purposes for the relief of a Member or their families. Criteria are required to be met but the Lodge/Chapter is the final arbiter.

11. Can funds be used for the relief of Members and/or their families?

Yes but only from the funds held within a Premium Member’s Account. See the answer to ten above.

12. Why should I or my Lodge/Chapter have an account with the EKPCA?

The EKPCA is a `One Stop Shop` and is the focus for all of your Charitable/Benevolence activities. It enables you to have the benefits of a `Bank` but with greater flexibility and financial advantages. All the administration is carried out on your behalf, including the Gift Aid Scheme. The total funds held on deposit with the EKPCA enable an enhanced rate of interest to be applied.

13. What is the Provincial Grand Master’s Charity?

It is a registered Charity whose Aims and Objects are to provide assistance to those with limited resources and in necessitous circumstances and to support and further such Charitable purposes as the Trustees shall, in their absolute discretion, determine. Should a serious disaster occur affecting the Province or Members of East Kent, then immediate relief may be granted, subject to the rules and regulations of the Charity.

14. What is the Provincial Grand Master’s Discretionary Fund?

This Fund is no longer in existence, having been incorporated into the Provincial Grand Master’s Charity. All Donations previously made to the Fund should now be directed to the Provincial Grand Master’s Charity.

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