On the 1st July 2020 The Sussex Mark Benevolent Fund (SMBF) the registered charity (no. 1090369) which came into existence in 2001, was replaced by a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, Sussex Mark Benevolent Fund, CIO (SMBF,CIO) registered charity (no. 1189680). The overriding aim of the new CIO is to disburse aid to Sussex Mark Master Masons and their families swiftly and without the bureaucratic formalities of other Masonic charities, as well as supporting worthy causes, usually within the Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Sussex.
The new SMBF, CIO is administered by a Board of Trustees as detailed on The Charity Commission website. The Prov.G.Char.Stwd. is the Honorary Secretary and Treasurer. The Trustees Meetings are held on February, June and October however, urgent requests are considered by digital communications and are dealt with promptly. (He who gives promptly gives twice)
A request for assistance from a Sussex Mark Master Mason should be submitted via their Lodge Almoner or directly to the Provincial Grand Almoner, W.Bro. Michael Lycett.
Email: ProvGAlm@sussexmark.org.uk
Requests for the support of a worthy cause should be submitted to the Provincial Grand Charity Steward, W.Bro. Paul Norman.
Email: ProvGCharStwd@sussexmark.org.uk
Donations to the SMBF, CIO can be made by cheque, payee “Sussex Mark Benevolent Fund”, direct to the Prov.G.Char.Stwd., W.Bro. Paul E J Norman, 78 Annandale Avenue, Bognor Regis, West Sussex, PO21 2EX
Individual UK tax payers can opt to claim Gift Aid (at no cost to the donor) with the single or a regular donation form for the Provincial Relief Chest. This is well worth considering as contributions via the Provincial Relief Chest benefits the SMBF, CIO by an extra 25% from HMRC.