CARE, ADVICE & SUPPORT

Since day one, the Oddfellows has looked after its young members and members’ children who have lost one or both parents.

Over the years, it has formally developed into the Orphan Gift Fund*, which provides support to help them learn, achieve and thrive.

We’re currently helping around 55 children and young people by funding the cost of items such as school uniforms, travel cards, books, musical instruments and school trips, as well as providing regular financial support.

Our Orphan Gift Fund is made possible by donations from individuals and Branches and is open for children who have lost one or both parents through death or desertion. It is available right up until they finish full-time education, which includes further education and higher education, such as a first degree. It also supports young people with any items they may need to progress to an apprenticeship or first job.

To qualify, the child or one of the parents must have been a member at the time of loss or desertion, and it is a benefit of membership from day one. We define desertion as when the parent or parents cannot be traced and the whereabouts are unknown. And in certain cases, grandparents may be considered as eligible if they are members and guardians of the children.

How to make an Orphan Gift Fund claim
The first step is to speak with your or the member’s Branch Secretary, who will discuss available support and how to make an application. You can search for their details by using our Branch Finder.

Would you like to donate to the Orphan Gift Fund?
Thank you for any financial support you can give. Contributions can be made by cheque payable to ‘The Oddfellows’ and sent to The Orphan Gift Fund c/o The Oddfellows, Oddfellows House, 184-186 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3WB.

Not yet an Oddfellows member? Financial help during difficult times is just one of the many benefits of Oddfellows membership. Discover other ways in which we can help you get even more out of life.

*Terms and conditions apply to all financial benefits. All Oddfellows benefits are non-contractual and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Read the full list of member benefit terms and conditions.