THE MAG FOUNDATION
History.
Many years ago, turning MAG
into a charitable organisation was deemed to be a good idea.
The new laws governing Charities gave tax revenue advantages along with savings
on expenditure.
However, due to MAG's political activities it was found to be impossible and
the idea was dropped.
In 2002 the Idea was revisited
by Henry Marks, with the possibility of setting up a charitable arm or
foundation, separate from MAG but connected with it. Other political bodies had
done this, notably "Green Peace" and so plans were made.
It was decided at the beginning that absolute secrecy was needed as we did not
want word getting out that we were applying.
In strictest confidence a poll
was taken in selected groups of ordinary members and then run by the NC.
Patrons were approached, and the feed back was very positive.
All being in favour of the move, the plan was implemented and
on
We were plagued with hold-ups,
the Charities Commission closing down one of their major offices did not
help, but finally we are on the verge of receiving our Charter.
Structure
MAG
Membership monies will continue to fund the now mean lean fighting
machine.
The MAG FOUNDATION will be funded by donations, covenants, corporate
sponsors and the inland revenue.
The purpose of the foundation is to undertake research into safety, security
and education pertaining to PTW use.
The publication and perhaps sale of this research will be of interest to many
sectors, including government and can be used by MAG
Patrons and Trustees
The Patrons of a charity are
"high profile personalities" who support the charity by lending their
name only.
We are Lucky and privileged to have Chief Superintendent David Short, and Head
of Road Safety for Cheshire County Council, John Moss, as our patrons.
The trustees of the charity
see that the charity is run according to its aims, and are held legally
responsible for this.
They are the board of directors of the MAG FOUNDATION Ltd. and are responsible
and accountable to the NC of MAG
Benefits.
Apart from the financial
benefits already mentioned, there are many others.
Any group organising a fund raising event, can now say that it is for charity,
and thereby save substantial costs.
Obtaining licences, insurance, venues etc. will all be easier and cheaper.
Any member who pays income tax and who makes regular donations to the
Foundation can sign a form, and the Inland Revenue will
automatically pay the Foundation the tax back.
Companies can do the same and get tax relief.
Members money will go further i.e "they will get a bigger bang for the
buck".
Most important of all. The work that the Foundation
will be doing may save the life of a biker one day!
Thank you for taking the time
to read this, I hope you now understand where we were coming from and where we
are going with this.
Ian Moore
Vice Chair MAG
Chairman MAG FOUNDATION.