Role of the Sault Shrine Club Benevolent Trust Fund in the funding ecosystem
The Sault Shrine Club Benevolent Trust Fund is a charitable fund linked to Mocha Shriners and the wider Shriners network. Its primary role is to receive donations and fundraising income from members, supporters and community events, and to channel these resources into direct assistance for people in need. In keeping with the Shriners tradition, priority is often given to children and families facing health-related or other serious hardship, complementing the broader work of Shriners’ hospitals and charities.
Rather than operating as a government-style program agency, the Trust Fund functions as a discretionary philanthropic fund. Its administrators review needs brought to their attention and can allocate financial support on a case‑by‑case basis. This may include helping cover specific costs, supporting related charitable initiatives, or contributing to activities that align with the Shrine’s benevolent objectives.
General orientation of support
The fund is designed to be flexible so it can respond quickly to local circumstances in the Sault Ste. Marie area and surrounding communities. Decisions are guided by the club’s charitable mission, the availability of resources, and the urgency or severity of the need. While detailed program grids or annual calls for proposals are not always published, the trust operates transparently within the governance of the Sault Shrine Club and Mocha Shriners, which oversee how donated funds are used.
Supported audiences and impact
Beneficiaries are typically individuals, families, or organizations that align with the core values of the Shrine movement: support for children, compassion in the face of illness or adversity, and community service. By pooling the fundraising efforts of members into a dedicated benevolent trust, the Sault Shrine Club is able to make targeted financial contributions that have a tangible impact in the local community while also reinforcing the broader Shriners charitable network.