In many Round Table associations, the spirit of fellowship extends beyond the enjoyment of camaraderie and communal activities; it reaches into the heart of what it means to care for one another as a family. One of the most profound expressions of this commitment is through the establishment of an Orphan or Bereavement Fund (sometimes called a “Widows Fund” or “Legacy Fund” or equivalent). Such funds uphold the promise that if a member tragically passes or becomes unable to provide for dependents, his family will not be left unsupported.
These funds serve as a financial safety net, a tangible manifestation of solidarity and responsibility among members. When our associations face the loss of a brother, the fund steps in to support his bereaved family.
Round Table Austria
In the unfortunate event that a Tabler passes away, the National Board allocates an immediate payment of €10,000. This amount is then shared equally among all currently active Tablers in Austria, ensuring collective support for the member’s family.
Round Table Belgium
In Belgium, a solidarity contribution is activated when a Tabler tragically passes away. In such a case, a fixed amount of €12.50 per active Tabler is collected to provide direct financial support to the family of the deceased member.
Round Table Denmark
In Denmark, when a Tabler or the spouse of a Tabler passes away, a standardized compassionate contribution is activated. Every active member contributes 150 DKK (approximately €20) to Round Table Denmark (RTDK). Thanks to the size of the association and strong financial reserves, RTDK is able to make the full payment to the surviving partner immediately, before contributions are collected.
The invoicing of each club, calculated as 150 DKK multiplied by its number of active members, occurs afterward to replenish the fund. With approximately 2,500 members, the total support provided typically amounts to around €50,000.
A key purpose of this system is to provide urgent financial relief. When a partner passes away, joint bank accounts may be temporarily frozen, leaving the surviving partner without access to essential funds for daily living expenses such as rent or home costs. This immediate support is therefore vital in helping the family stabilize and navigate the initial period of loss.
Round Table France
In France, a structured automatic support system is implemented to assist the family of a deceased Tabler. Upon the loss of a member, a fixed contribution of €3 per active Tabler is initiated at the national level. This contribution flows through the organisational structure: it is first collected locally at Table level, then transmitted through the Area, and finally consolidated by the National Association.
Round Table Norway
Main Article: Bereavement Fund (RTNO)
Round Table Norway operates a formal Bereavement Fund, established to provide rapid financial assistance to the family of a member in the event of death — whether it is the member, the partner (spouse or cohabitant), or a legal child. Payments are made promptly, typically within one week of confirmation, with standard amounts linked to Norway’s National Insurance base amount (0.5 G for a member or partner, and 0.3 G for a child). The RTNO Central Board administers the fund and determines the beneficiary.
In the Norwegian context, “G” refers to the basic amount in the national insurance scheme (in Norwegian: “Grunnbeløpet”). As of 1 May 2025, “1 G” is set at NOK 130,160.
The fund maintains a minimum balance of 1.2 G, and when payouts reduce it below that threshold, an equal contribution per member is collected and invoiced to clubs to restore the fund. Investment returns remain part of the fund, ensuring sustainable long-term support. This structure provides swift and reliable financial help to families while maintaining strong financial governance.
Round Table The Netherlands
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“Als een actief Tafelaar overlijdt, en je als kind/ kinderen achterblijft zonder vader, zorgt het wezenfonds ervoor dat 3000 Tafelaars zich om je bekommeren.”
“The loss of your father can’t be replaced, but 3000 Tablers take care about you”
Widow Fund
When a member passes away, all Tables receive a notification and a coordinated fundraising effort is launched, typically collecting between €20,000 and €30,000. The funds are placed into a bank account with an index investment fund to ensure long-term growth. Disbursements are made when the children of the late member reach the age of 21, or earlier if required to support educational expenses such as college or university.
Help Fund
A dedicated second team manages a Help Fund focused on providing direct and immediate assistance to families facing difficulties. Support may include essential groceries, a 0% interest loan, or practical advice and guidance from the Table community.
Round Table Suriname
Launched in 2025 and inspired by the Dutch initiative, with initial funding from RTNL, RTSF, RTDK and RTIS.
Round Table Iceland
In Iceland, the association maintains a bereavement support fund known as Minningarsjóður Tómasar Sigurðssonar, commonly referred to as Tómasarsjóður. The fund was established many years ago by the parents of a Tabler who passed away suddenly, in honour of his memory.
The Round Table Iceland (RTIS) Board administers the fund, which serves to provide financial assistance and support to the family of any member who dies.
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