The GCMA is committed to fostering a culture where member wellbeing is valued just as highly as professional development. As the demands of managing golf clubs continue to grow, so too does our responsibility to ensure that every member has access to meaningful support when they need it most.
This commitment has prompted us to take proactive steps to enhance the resources available to our community, beginning with a renewed focus on the Benevolent Fund and the vital role it can play in safeguarding members’ health and resilience.
These updates to the Benevolent Fund are one example of the wider measures the GCMA is putting in place to prioritise member wellbeing. Alongside our continued support framework available to all members through initiatives such as trained Mental Health First Aiders, access to a dedicated counselling helpline, and comprehensive legal expenses insurance. Together, these resources form a robust network of practical and emotional support, ensuring that members feel backed by their association in every aspect of their professional and personal lives.
At the GCMA AGM in April, changes were agreed to the constitution of the Benevolent Fund. Since then we have amended the constitution of our Benevolent Fund to reflect the evolving needs of our members. While the fund has always been a source of financial support during times of difficulty, we recognise that wellbeing is not solely about financial stability. The pressures of managing golf clubs can be significant, and stress and mental health challenges are realities that many of our members face.
With this in mind, the constitution has been updated to allow the provision of counselling and therapy services. This important change ensures that the Benevolent Fund can now directly support members in reducing stress, improving resilience, and safeguarding their mental wellbeing. By broadening the scope of the fund, we are reaffirming our commitment to caring for our community, supporting not just professional success, but personal health and happiness too.
Please note, you must be a member of the GCMA to make an application to the GCMA Benevolent Fund. Click here to join
The Purpose of the GCMA Benevolent Fund
The fund’s objective is the relief of hardship among distressed members of the Association and the dependents of deceased members of the Association. With this in mind below are the sort of applications that might be considered, but bear in mind that to fit the criteria you must:
a. Be unable to fully fund the request yourself.
b. Be applying for something that would not usually be funded by the state.
c. Have not received an award from us in the preceding 12 months.
d. Have not had more than three successful applications.
WHY JOIN THE GCMA?
Membership of the GCMA unlocks a network of like-minded professionals, provides you with support in your professional and personal development, and provides you with a multitude of benefits. Whether that’s the tools that will help you to excel in your profession, or a wide range of services to support your wellbeing, signing up to the GCMA is joining a community.
You can find more details about the fund and application details can be found via the link below.
We all know that one of the major benefits of being a member of a Members Association is the support you get from your fellow members and colleagues, however sometimes the assistance of a financial benefit can help you through troubled times; the benevolent fund is here to help.
This article is part of GCMA Insights – topical content for golf industry professionals, discussing the things that matter to those who work in golf clubs.
By Mark Shanley
