Charity Archives

The Grand Lodge of Illinois is MCSA's spotlight member of the month for May. Learn more about them and their charitable organizations!

The Grand Lodge of Illinois: Illinois Masonic Outreach Services (IMOS) Charity

Who is The Grand Lodge of IL?

Illinois Freemasonry consists of the fraternal operations of the most worshipful Grand Lodge of ancient free and accepted Masons of the state of Illinois and the charities operations of the Illinois Masonic Charities organizations.

The Grand Lodge of Illinois is the 4th largest Masonic grand jurisdiction in the United States based upon membership size and provides members with a valuable and quality masonic membership experience. Through that experience, they bring to life how Freemasons invest in self-improvement and being useful to others, which has continued to advance the cherished legacy of the ancient and honorable fraternity in Illinois since 1840.

Their charities operations provide valuable services to the fraternity members, families and other citizens of Illinois. These services are an outward expression of our Masonic values, duties and responsibilities. Fundamentally, they represent (along with the many local community service and charitable efforts of our Lodges) how Freemasons are useful and make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Want to Get Involved?

The Illinois Freemasonry Magazine is a quarterly publication that highlights several learning and service opportunities along with other activities that benefit our members and communities. Here is the link to access a digital version of their magazine if you’re interested in keeping up to date with their activities! If you would like to learn more about Illinois Freemasonry, then you can visit their website for more information on:

Their history
Leadership
Blogs
Member Resources
Contact Information

Illinois Masonic Outreach Services (IMOS) Charity

THEIR MISSION:

“To assist our members in fulfilling their Masonic Oath of coming to the aid of a Brother, their spouse, widow and orphans in times of necessity and to bridge the gap between community resources and our Member’s needs by promoting access to the services and resources they may need to resolve personal challenges and improve their quality of life.”

To learn more about the several ways that they bring their mission to life, visit their IMOS website!

Currently, they have more than 100 Master Masons, spouses, and widows in their monthly assistance program. They are also focusing on a new Career Development Program that will be rolling out very soon, so stay tuned!

Due to the most recent tornados, flooding, and storms, they have reached out to Illinois Master Masons and widows across the country. They’ve sent out more than 5,000 letters via regular mail and email to AL, AR, CA, IL, IN, MS, and TN to name a few states, just to let Illinois Freemasonry family members know that the Grand Lodge of Illinois is here for them should they need disaster relief.

For information on similar Grand Lodges, visit MCSA’s member directory!

The charitable programs of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, such as the IMCAP program, makes a difference in people's lives throughout Illinois.

Illinois Masonic Children’s Assistance Program (IMCAP) Charity

IMCAP and Lodges: Taking Care of the Next Generation in Your Community

The Illinois Masonic Children’s Assistance Program (IMCAP) started in 2018 to enhance the Illinois Masonic Lodges’ mission of acting with benevolence. Through IMCAP’s many programs, Lodges have a way to make a difference in their community and in the lives of children and young adults. One of IMCAP’s newest programs, the Vocational Training Grant, offers $1,000 in grant funds per Lodge per year to assist students that are attending a vocational or trade program.

This new grant is in addition to the Education Grant Partnership that offers grant funds for students attending college or vocational programs. With the help of Illinois Masonic Lodges, we are able to make an impact on the future for young adults throughout Illinois.

More information about the Vocational Training Grant can be found at https://imcap.org/vocational-training-grant.

To learn more about all of the programs that IMCAP offers, visit our website at https://imcap.org/.

Want other opportunities to learn and grow in the MCSA community? Check out our Events Page!

The 2023 Conference of Grand Masters and George Washington Masonic National Memorial Centennial

A Special Member Spotlight Edition

MCSA representatives attended the 2023 Conference of Grand Masters and George Washington Masonic National Memorial Centennial held in Arlington, Virginia, from February 17-21. MCSA served as a registered sponsor for the event, providing an excellent opportunity to create awareness with representatives from Grand Lodges across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and around the world.

With the wonderful turnout and in an exciting nod to the past GWMNM, the Grand Masters were able to recreate the LIFE magazine photo from 1956 – just look at how we’ve grown! We were also able to, in uniform, join the festivities with a few member jurisdictions from Ohio, Oregon, Washington, and Pennsylvania participating in the parade! If you’re interested in viewing the recordings of the parade and Cornerstone Rededication Ceremony at the GWMNM, click here!

1956 Grand Masters

2023 Grand Masters

MCSA’s Informational and Expansion Opportunities

In addition to hosting an evening reception – an event that we owe to the support of the Masonic Home of Missouri and the Grand Lodge of Missouri – MCSA had an informational table in the Masonic Marketplace exhibit hall to make our mark and take part with active participation that drew the attention of those in attendance. The event provided terrific opportunities to introduce and emphasize the benefits of a MCSA membership, speak with prospective members individually, and answer any questions that anyone might have had.

Barbara Ramsay Speaking at the 2023 Conference of Grand Masters and George Washington Masonic National Memorial Centennial

Barbara Ramsey, Executive Director of the Masonic Home of Missouri and Past Chair of MCSA, presented at a general session that was well-attended by many jurisdictions. In addition to sharing what MCSA is and what we do, she described how the Masonic Home of Missouri has transitioned from a “brick and mortar” community to an outreach-based organization, extending its mission in a practical, valuable way.

The MCSA board will meet for a strategic planning session later this month, during which we will continue developing a plan for the implantation of initiatives to grow our membership and add value to our current members. Look for updates soon!

What’s Next for MCSA?

To keep up to date with our upcoming events, stay tuned into our Events Page on our website! For now, we look forward to our annual MCSA conference taking place from June 11-13 in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Get ready to enjoy targeted education sessions, entertainment for all, and a tour of our host, Three Pillars’, beautiful community.

If you haven’t registered, do so today by clicking here!

2023 Conference of Grand Masters and George Washington Masonic National Memorial Centennial Photo Gallery

Parade at the 2023 Conference of Grand Masters and George Washington Masonic National Memorial Centennial

Staff photo by James Cullum: The City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums marches in the George Washington Birthday Parade in Old Town on Presidents Day Feb. 20, 2023

Learn more about the programs at the Masonic Home of Missouri!

Behind The Programs at the Masonic Home of Missouri!

Our member spotlight is one that prides themselves on the impact that they make on their communities. Learn more about the fundamental programs at the Masonic Home of Missouri!

Creating-A-Partnership (CAP)

Beyond helping Masonic individuals and families, the inception of the Creating-A-Partnership Program (CAP) 20 years ago allows the Masonic Home of Missouri to assist Missouri Masons and Order of the Eastern Star members make a positive impact for children in their own communities. The CAP Program has been a significant win for many communities throughout Missouri! It is not enough for communities to survive, it is necessary for them to thrive for generations to come, and the Missouri Lodges and Chapters are doing the work to ensure this happens. Last fiscal year (FY22), 34,662 children were helped through the program and 113 Lodges and Chapters provided over $777,500 for their communities.

This is a milestone to be truly celebrated! Follow our Facebook page for more success stories.

Veteran Flag Presentations

As we arrive into a new “normal” post pandemic, the public recognition of Veterans in Lodges and Chapters is revitalized. As a Fraternity, it has always recognized the importance of Veterans, and the programs at the Masonic Home of Missouri ensure this is upheld with a unique and personal Masonic Flag Presentation.

Presenting the Flag is an honored tradition and program at the Masonic Home of Missouri

Harry S. Truman reminds us that, “our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid.” The Masonic Home of Missouri is living by these words to repay this debt.

This meaningful ceremony brings in Masonic elements and provides a permanent reminder of that recognition in the presentation of a flag, pin and certificate. This past year there have been over 300 ceremonies across the state.

As 2023 gets underway, the core mission of the Masonic Home of Missouri resides in its ability, not only to serve those in need with a multitude of wrap around services, but to ensure the charity is protected for generations to come. Having a membership and communities who care, not only about today, but respect the past and are planning for the future ensures there will be a Masonic Home of Missouri (while not of brick and mortar) when needed most.

Learn more about the upcoming events on our page!

There’s No Place Like Home – We Are Where You Are!

The Masonic Home of Missouri has evolved beyond a physical home. The Masonic Home offers multiple programs to help Missouri Masons, their wives or widows, Eastern Star ladies, and children, wherever they live. Since 1991, the Masonic Home of Missouri’s shift into Programs has allowed the organization to grow beyond a building into an organization with unlimited potential. And this past year proves that!

This past fiscal year, (FY21-22) has been an exceptional year for the Masonic Home of Missouri. For the first time since the inception of the Outreach Programs, over $2 million of direct assistance was provided to clients. This does not include operational costs, meaning every donor dollar went directly to help someone in need. With an estimated 44,042 lives impacted in one year, these numbers are the highest since the Masonic Home came into existence, and far surpasses the number of people that could have been helped in a facility.

For more stories and information, visit our publications online, or our website.

The Programs categorize into three areas. Financial, Partnership, and Resource & Recognition Programs. With a total of 10 programs ranging from Long –Term to Short –Term Financial Assistance, Children’s Outreach, Creating-A-Partnership, Social Services, Widows and Veterans Recognition, Masonic Family Cares, Partnering to Honor, and Financial Education Programs. The Masonic Home of Missouri truly is where our members are, whenever they need us.

Click here to learn more, and access our directory here.

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