Background
The Kansas Masonic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established for the purpose of expanding Masonic Philanthropy in the fields of charitable, educational, and scientific programs. The Foundation is totally funded by voluntary gifts and endowments from Kansas Masons, their families, and friends. No portion of the dues of any Masonic body goes to the Foundation.
The Foundation was initiated in March of 1966 at the 110th annual communication of the Grand Lodge when M\W\ Richard L. Becker, under the Grand Mastership of M\W\ Owen E. Hodgson, made a motion to allow the Grand Lodge to form a Masonic Foundation. The motion was passed without opposition. The Kansas Masonic Foundation became a reality with its chartering and incorporation on July 15, 1966 under the direction of M\W\ William E. Montgomery. Since that time the Kansas Masonic fraternity’s Foundation has grown in great proportions.
Kansas Masons, through the Kansas Masonic Foundation, have supported many worthwhile charitable endeavors over the years. Currently, the Foundation is focused on three main program areas; support of cancer research and education programs at the Kansas Masonic Cancer Research Institute at the KU Cancer Center; support of educational loans and scholarships to Kansas college students; and support of the Kansas Masonic All-State High School Marching Band Camp.
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The Fight Against Cancer
The relationship between the Kansas Masonic Foundation and the cancer programs of the KU Cancer Center at KU Medical Center began in 1974. That year the Foundation made its first grant of $32,000. At the time, it was thought that it would likely be the largest grant ever made by the Foundation. However, the Kansas Masonic Foundation continued to grow in assets, especially from estate gifts from generous Masons who wished to leave a lasting legacy. By 2003, more than $5 million in support of cancer research, prevention and treatment programs had been donated to the KU Cancer Center.
In November, 2003, the Kansas Masonic Foundation pledged an additional $15 million to cancer research to assist the KU Cancer Center in its goal of achieving designation as a National Cancer Institute designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. In recognition of this pledge, and to honor the 30 consecutive years of support from the Kansas Masonic Foundation, KU renamed the Kansas Cancer Institute (its research center), as the Kansas Masonic Cancer Research Institute. This is only the second time that a Masonic organization in this country has been honored with the naming of a cancer organization, with the Masonic Cancer Clinic at the University of Minnesota being the first. All Kansas Masons should take great pride in this outward, visible recognition of the good works and generosity of our fraternity.
In conjunction with the pledge, the Kansas Masonic Foundation launched its most ambitious fund raising effort to date, the Partnership for Life Campaign. To date, the Foundation is more than half way towards that $15 million dollar goal. With the successful completion of this campaign, the giving of Kansas Masons in the fight against cancer will total more than $20 million dollars.
The goal is to help support research for improved treatments and cures for cancer right here in our home state of Kansas. The Foundation is committed to helping the Kansas Masonic Cancer Research Institute and the KU Cancer Center advance towards its ultimate goal of achieving National Cancer Institute designation – a designation that will not only benefit Kansans but everyone in the region. With this designation, Kansas City, Kansas will join approximately 40 other U.S. cities, such as M.D. Anderson in Houston, as home to an elite comprehensive cancer research and treatment center. Moreover, through a state-wide network currently being initiated by the KU Cancer Center, the latest in therapies and treatments will be delivered in communities across the entire state.
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Student Loan Program
The Kansas Masonic Foundation began its student loan program in 1970. The program provides low-interest loans and scholarships to many young and bright college students to aid them in achieving a higher education. The loans are available each year to Kansas residents attending a Kansas institution of higher learning. Approximately $2 million have been loaned out to Kansas residents since the program’s inception. Click here for more information.
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Kansas Masonic Band Camp
Annually the Kansas Masonic Foundation sponsors the Kansas Masonic All-State High School Marching Band Camp. Kansas’ best high school musicians are showcased at the halftime performance of the Kansas East-West All-Star Shrine Bowl football game which is held each year at one of the several Kansas Universities. This program is made possible through the support of Masonic Lodges as well as many other Masonic affiliated organizations across the state of Kansas that sponsor individual students to attend this band camp. All net proceeds after expenses from this camp are designated for cancer research at the Kansas Masonic Cancer Research Institute. For more information, click here.
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Donor Recognition Programs
The Kansas Masonic Foundation is proud to honor its supporters through two distinct donor recognition programs.
The Heritage Club recognizes those individuals who have named the Kansas Masonic Foundation in their will or trust, have established a gift annuity, or have completed other qualifying planned gifts. The Foundation invites all Masons to thoughtfully consider remembering the Foundation in their estate planning. Estate gifts can be undesignated or can be restricted to form permanent named endow funds that can benefit specific areas of cancer research. A Member receives recognition by way of a plaque which can be displayed in their home or office. The donor also receives a lapel pin.
The "C-Club" was established in the fall of 1981 as the annual fund raising program of the Foundation. Undesignated gifts currently provide annual support to the Kansas Masonic Cancer Research Institute but all gifts, regardless of restriction, are counted towards cumulative C-Club giving levels. Plaques, which are updated annually, are located in each Masonic Lodge and recognize all C-Club levels. Additionally C-Club Members at the Platinum Level and above are also recognized with signage on the Donor Wall at the Grand Lodge Building in Topeka. C-Club members are currently recognized on 6 different levels as follows.
- Members: Cumulative gifts of $25.00-$99.00
- Gold: Cumulative gifts of $100.00-$499.00
- Ruby: Cumulative gifts of $500.00-$999.00
- Diamond: Cumulative gifts of $1,000.00-$4,999.00
- Platinum: Cumulative gifts of $5,000.00-$9,999.00
- Philanthropy: Cumulative gifts $10,000.00 and over
Gold, Ruby, Diamond, Platinum & Philanthropy Donors are recognized with a pin. Diamond, Platinum and Philanthropy donors are also presented with an individual plaque for their home.
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Governance
The Foundation is governed by a board of twenty-nine Trustees. Twenty-five Trustees are appointed by the Board of Directors for staggered five-year terms. Also, by virtue of their office, the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, both serve as Directors and the Grand Senior and Junior Wardens serve as Trustees during their year in office. The Trustees meet, as required by the Foundation's constitution, The Annual Meeting is held in March. The Annual Meetings are held each March prior to the upcoming Grand Lodge session. From among themselves they elect eleven Directors for staggered two-year terms. The Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master, by virtue of their office, also serve on the Board of Directors. From its members, the Board of Directors elects a president, executive vice-president, vice-president and secretary/treasurer for one year terms. The president also appoints trustees to serve on Executive, Finance & Investment, Long Range Planning, Educational, Human Resources, Nominating, Foundation Liaison and Planned Giving Committees as well as Special Committees.
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Founding Members of the Foundation Board
James D. Dye Oscar S. Stauffer Robert E. Ferguson
Leigh Warner G. Murray Ross Henry S. Buzick
Richard L. Becker William Chapman John Montgomery
Owen E. Hodgson Henri A. Robbins William H. Patrick
Marcellus M. Murdock Charles S. McGinness W. Dale Critser
President Emeritus Members
HENRY A. BUBB 1907-1989
JERRY W. COLE 1933-2004
HAROLD FATZER 1910-1989
OWEN E. HODGSON 1896-1991
DON HORTTOR
CLAUDE W. NORRIS
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