Masonic Charity
In the wide world of philanthropy Charity is one of the fundamental pillars of Freemasonry. The Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma had its roots started in 1899 with the Territorial Grand Lodges understanding the need for care for brethren, Masonic orphans, widows, and elderly. From our humble beginnings as a children’s and senior homes to our permanent establishment as a foundation in 1930, we have the honor of being one of the longest operating nonprofits in the state. It is our greatest honor to fund organizations that serve all Oklahomans. We are always striving to invest our funding in organizations we believe will demonstrate the greatest bang for their buck.
In 2021 our investment back into Oklahomans and our communities totaled over $6.4 million. “It is Action and the chief virtue and the first law of a Mason.” (18th Degree, A&ASR) It reminds us that in our search for the truth in our Masonic journey, and in our quest for Masonic knowledge and wisdom, we must all be men of action and not merely of words. MCFOK has a dedication to not only our state and
our Fraternity but also investing in organizations that provide services to all 77 counties of our state. We do not fund in isolation, rather to institutions that can have the greatest impact – from the metro areas to our furthest rural communities.
2021 and the pandemic did impact us on some of our programming and fundraising opportunities for the Lodges but it did not slow us down. Through the Masonic Principle of Relief, Freemasons are taught to practice charity, and to care, not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole, both by charitable giving, and by voluntary efforts and works as individuals.
We had the great honor to be the Journal Record’s 2020 Beacon Award winner for Nonprofits Helping Nonprofits, our fourth time to win this award. We strive for a statewide collective impact. We focus on areas we consider quality of life issues such as vision and hearing, education, veteran’s services, and senior assistance programs. A little over $3.7 million dollars in grants were issued to organizations across Oklahoma.
A few of the highlights of our year showcase the quiet yet far reach MCFOK and Freemasonry have in Oklahoma. In November 2021, MCFOK granted $800,000 to bolster support for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) project work within the Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development Program, as well as funding to enhance the annual State 4-H Roundup. That donation follows gifts of $100,000 in 2020 and $100,000 earlier this year that established the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma Endowment Fund within the 4-H Foundation. Earlier in 2021 the Charity Foundation also donated $25,000 to enhance the 4-H Innovate Leadership Summit, which introduces 4-H members to STEM-related fields, including computer science, robotics and hydroponics. Their total contribution to the endowment fund is $1 million.
Another novel, and new, foray for donation was our $156,000 grant to KOSU Radio’s Civic Information project. This endeavor strives to “connect the dots” for people on common issues in Oklahoma communities. According to their executive director, Rachel Hubbard, they received over 12,000 questions last year on topics ranging from quality to voting. Through this grant they seek to bring information and access to the rural areas of Oklahoma.
