20^th Masonic District
of the Grand Lodge F.&A.M. of Ohio

We, as Masons, find ourselves taking time and effort to raise funds for a variety of charities. We will do any number of things from spagetti dinners to Dinner theaters to raise funds for one purpose or another. Yet while doing this we often neglect ourselves and our Lodges may potentially find themselves destitute and unable to continue sponsoring events for other charities. So, I am curious to what you think.

Generally speaking, a Lodge should never have to put on fundraisers to pay for its annual operating expenses; operating expenses should all be paid for by dues or investments of one form or another.

I agree - for normal operating expenses. But I am talking about larger issues. I continually hear a number of lodges state that they are finding it more difficult to maintain the building where they meet. Some have considered selling their buildings where others already have. The main reason for selling - it seems - is because they cannot afford to keep up the structure. So, to repose the question, is it acceptable to raise funds for themselves for tasks such as keeping up their structures - or in extreme cases, to generate the funds to build a new meeting place?

We should be raising funds for worthy distressed brothers, their widows and orphans. Not for a building.

I find your response interesting.

I don't dispute our prerequisite to contribute to the relief of worthy distressed Masons, their widows and orphans. I am wondering why our efforts need to be limited to charitable causes. After all these efforts should be done so far as they can without material effect to ourselves.

This perspective makes me wonder how our current buildings and structures were obtained. I find it improbable that entire buildings were donated by an individual or that members were hit up for 1000's of $$ to obtain these structures.

I consider other non-profit organizations such as United Way that raise funds for other organizations. They rely on the contributions raised to help suppport themselves. I'm not stating that we should skim operating costs off the top of funds raised for other causes. I, personally, consider that type of activity less than honorable. However, if a person knows exactly where their contributions are going, be it a community playground or building for non-profit organization they still have the choice of giving.

I interpret your response above as saying it is ok to ask for the first but not the latter. I understand the idealism behind this but am having a difficult time understanding the differences. Can you expound on your response?

Here's my perspective... I think my dues should be used to pay the Grand lodge only! The care of the lodge hall and equipment as well as charitible giving should come from donations. DUES are just that, the amount required to be a member lodge of the Grand Lodge. The rest of the funds should be raised through donations of not only the brethren, but of the community our lodge is in. After all, we do a lot for our communities and the community should help us when we need them too. I know that this is not a realistic approach, but IF we were all true to our obligations it would not be an issue would it? The problem is that it would reveal all those who became a mason to wear the ring instead of being peoperly prepared in their heart before entering our fraternity. That being said, it would enhance our ability to raise funds from the community if the Grand Lodge would allow us to participate in some kind of raffle or other similar event. I hope my comments spur on the discussions, because without them our fraternity will fade!