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Matching Funds
 The
Matching Funds program is easily one of the most
popular programs of the Foundation. Of all the
programs of the Masonic Charity Foundation of
Oklahoma, the Matching Fund most quickly
responds to "new occasions." The whole purpose
of the program is to allow a Lodge to meet local
needs, whether it's a matter of helping a family
who just lost their home in a fire or a child
who must have expensive surgery to have a chance
for life. For the year 2006 each Oklahoma Lodge
had $7,500 in Matching Funds available for these
purposes. During 2006, $990,973.88 in Matching
Funds was distributed. When the Lodge
contributions are added, this program alone was
responsible for $1,981,947.76 in benefit to the
people of Oklahoma. In 2006 there were 229
Lodges that participated in the program.
Beginning January 2002 in addition to the $7,500
an additional amount of $2,500 in “Promises
Matter” Matching Funds was made available to
each Lodge and must be used exclusively for the
eligible needs of a Master Mason or his wife,
widow or mother. Beginning in 2007 the base
amount was increased from $7,500 to $10,000.
This now gives each Lodge a potential of $12,500
in Matching Funds for the year.
Matching Funds Application
Matching Funds Completion Form
 There
are two types of programs which operate under
Matching Funds.
In the first, a
Lodge simply raises money for some qualifying
cause. Lodge members may pass the hat, vote the
funds from the Lodge treasury, or hold a
fund-raiser of some sort. The Lodge then reports
the event, tells how much they have raised, and
requests a matching amount. When the check from
the Foundation is received, the Lodge deposits
the money and writes one check for the entire
amount.
  But
new opportunities arose--new occasions--and a
new program was developed to let a Lodge
participate in a partnership with other local
organizations. Suppose the Lions Club became
aware of a need for a new park for the town's
children and asked the Lodge to help with the
project. The two organizations might hold a
series of fund-raisers together. As long as it
is a true partnership--that is, as long as the
Lodge is truly and substantially involved--the
funds raised by the joint effort can be matched.
It has helped local Lodges be "players" in many
important projects.
As you can see from
the following list, Matching Funds have made
life better for many individuals and communities
in 2006.
Matching Funds
Report - 2006
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