EMPORIA, Kan. (August 21, 2026)—The Kansas Masonic Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to benefiting Kansas communities, has partnered with Emporia Lodge No. 12 to donate $1,200 to Imaginarium, an organization dedicated to bringing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education to area youth.
Founded in 1864, Emporia Lodge No. 12 is a Kansas Masonic lodge dedicated to Freemasonry, the oldest surviving fraternal organization in the world. The lodge’s 166 active members regularly support charitable initiatives throughout the local community.
Notable contributions include awarding more than $100,000 in scholarships to area students, contributing $30,000 to the Emporia High School Marching Band, funding more than 50 students’ trips to the Kansas Masonic All-State High School Marching Band Camp, purchasing a thermal imaging camera for the Emporia Fire Department, pledging $125,000 to the Kansas Masonic Foundation, and sponsoring the 2021 No Coast Film Festival. The Brothers of Emporia Lodge No. 12 have also contributed to the Building Kansas Campaign, supporting literacy initiatives, cancer patients, veterans, and community PRIDE programs.
“We voted to support Imaginarium because we believe investing in the education and development of our community’s youth is one of the most meaningful ways we can serve, something that has been a theme for our lodge in 2026,” said Emporia Lodge No. 12 Secretary Dave Hendricks. “We believe in supporting education, encouraging lifelong learning, and helping young people reach their full potential, and Imaginarium provides a unique opportunity to put those values into action right here in our community. By supporting Imaginarium, we are not simply making a donation; we are investing in the future of Emporia and the young people who will shape it.”
Continuing its commitment to local education, Emporia Lodge No. 12 partnered with the Kansas Masonic Foundation to make its first donation to Imaginarium. The lodge contributed $600, which was matched by the Kansas Masonic Foundation for a total donation of $1,200.
The funds will sponsor 16 local children to attend Imaginarium’s summer STEM camp. With camp registration costing $75 per student, the donation will help ensure families facing financial barriers can still provide their children with access to hands-on STEM education and learning opportunities. A formal donation announcement will take place in the coming weeks.
About the Kansas Masonic Foundation: As the philanthropic arm of Kansas Masons, the Kansas Masonic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to benefiting Kansas communities and supporting fellow Masons and their families. Since its inception, the foundation has invested more than $50 million in Kansas communities and individuals through funding academic, scientific, and charitable endeavors. For additional information about the Kansas Masonic Foundation and to get involved, please click here.
About the Grand Lodge of Kansas: The Grand Lodge of Kansas is the governing body of Freemasonry in Kansas, established on March 17, 1856, five years prior to Kansas’ statehood. Freemasonry is the oldest, largest, and most widely recognized fraternal organization in the world. Freemasons are men, aged 18 and over, of good character who strive to improve themselves and make the world a better place. Kansas Freemasonry encompasses nearly 11,000 Kansas Masons and 170 Lodges across the state. For more information, please visit kansasmason.org.
Help to expand Masonic philanthropy within our state by donating to the Kansas Masonic Foundation.
