Building Kansas, Facing Challenges, and Enriching Lives

• Local community grants are awarded at levels of $5,000 and $10,000.
• Eligible nonprofit organizations must operate on the local level (or be an affiliate/chapter of a larger organization that operates locally). ALL grant funds must directly benefit the geographical area of the Masonic Lodge from which they request funding.
• All Community Grant applications must be submitted online after first contacting a local lodge to support your request. Locate a lodge near you.
• Grant applications for each calendar year will be accepted from April 1 until July 15 of each year.
• Organizations may only submit one application within the current funding cycle.
• Organizations may submit in future funding years; however, each year will be considered separately.

To receive funding from the Kansas Masons Local Community Grants Program, your organization must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• An organization holding a current tax-exempt status as a charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, listed on the IRS Master File and conducting activities within Kansas, classified as a public charity under Section 509(a) (1) (2) or (3) (Types 1 or II).
• A recognized government entity, state, county, or city agency, including law enforcement or fire departments, that is requesting funds exclusively for public service purposes.
• A K-12 public or nonprofit private school, charter school, community/junior college, state/private college, or university, or a church or other faith-based organization with a proposed project that benefits the community at large, such as a food pantry, soup kitchens, and clothing/lending closets.
• NOTE: Non-charities, including organizations recognized as 501(c)(4)s, (c)(6)s, and (c)(19)s, such as civic leagues or volunteer fire companies, will be considered based on their proposed funding benefits for the community at large.

There are six funding areas for which an organization can apply. Any requests outside the following areas must be approved in advance by the local Masonic Lodge and the Kansas Masonic Foundation.

• Community and Economic Development: Improving local communities to benefit individuals and families in the local service area.
• Education: Supporting local schools, adult education, public education, retraining programs, or providing after-school enrichment in the local service area.
• Public Safety: Supporting public safety programs through training or equipment in the local service area.
• Quality of Life: Improving access to recreation, arts, or cultural experiences for individuals and families in the local service area.
• Health and Human Services: Providing medical screenings, treatment, and social services for individuals and families in the local service area.
• Hunger Relief: Providing charitable meals/snacks for individuals and families in the local service area.

• The local Masonic Lodge and Kansas Masonic Foundation will review the application and make initial funding recommendations based on submitted requests. Requests for additional information or clarification may also be made.
• The organization agrees that the grantor reserves the right to adjust the amount awarded without prior notice.
• Organizations will be notified of any decision via their local Masonic Lodge. All funding decisions are final.
• If an organization is approved, grant checks will be delivered by the local Masonic Lodge on/or before September 30 of the program year. The organization will be responsible for coordinating a formal recognition ceremony that includes local media, organizations, individuals involved with the program, and local government officials.
• Upon receiving a grant, organizations will be required to submit a report to the local Masonic Lodge detailing how the grant funds were used and the resulting benefit to the community. The report is due no later than January 31 of the year following the grant award.