The Masonic Charity Foundation of New Mexico will match charitable contributions made by a Blue Lodge (up to $10,000), a Widows Sons Chapter (up to $5,000), an Eastern Star Chapter (up to $5,000), or an Amaranth Court (up to $5,000) each year, from January 1 through November 30, in the following areas. Permissible requests include:
Individual & Family Relief
- Medical & Living Expenses: Assistance with medical bills, basic living expenses, or private family dwelling repairs and maintenance.
- Emergency Travel & Housing: Travel and housing costs associated with medical needs or family crises.
Community & Disaster Relief
- Community Nonprofits: Local organizations addressing community concerns (e.g., Red Cross, Salvation Army, food banks, volunteer fire departments, family/children’s services).
- Disaster Relief: Organizations responding to natural disasters like floods, tornadoes, or fires.
- Community Services: Programs sponsored by private, public, or government entities (e.g., senior centers, health or veterans’ organizations, dyslexic learning centers).
Youth Organizations
- Masonic & Community Youth Groups: Funding for programs such as Little League, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Boys & Girls Clubs.
Scholarships
- Scholarship Funding: Permitted only if the Lodge, Chapter, or Court keeps a formal, documented process on file with its Secretary.
- Required Documentation: The filed document must explain how notice is published, applicant requirements, selection criteria, and the review process.
Ineligible Uses & Restrictions
- Operations & Other Funds: General operating expenses or supplementing another organization’s charitable fund.
- Research & Religion: Research, planning, or sectarian (religious) organizations.
- Standard Travel & Meals: Travel, lodging, meals, or registration fees for individuals or groups.
- Travel Exception (Crises): Travel expenses qualify if they meet the requirements for emergency medical or family crisis relief.
- Travel Exception (Youth): Travel expenses for youth groups qualify if the organization raised a significant portion of the needed funds through its own fundraising efforts.