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.
Beginning in 2007 the base amount in each Lodge’s Community Matching Funds availability was increased from $7,500 to $10,000. During 2011, $1,586,971.69 in Matching Funds was distributed. When the Lodge contributions are added, this program alone was responsible for $3,173,943.38 in benefits to the people of Oklahoma.
In 2011 there were 220 Lodges that participated in the program. Beginning January 2002 an additional amount of $2,500 in “Promises Matter” Matching Funds was made available to each Lodge beyond their Community Matching Funds amount. This additional amount must be used exclusively for the eligible needs of a Master Mason or his wife, widow or mother. This now gives each Lodge a potential of $12,500 in Matching Funds for the year.
Two types of programs operate under Matching Funds:
- Lodge Fund Matching: 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.
- Joint Effort Fund Matching: 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 Matching Funds Report – 2011 (link at top of page), Matching Funds have made life better for many individuals and communities in 2011.