DISTRICT OFFICERS' RITUAL AND REFERENCE
WHAT IS ?
Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, GBU Life (GBU) is a member-owned, fraternal benefit society founded by German immigrants to help them secure their futures, build their legacies and impact their communities. Today, our members come from all different backgrounds but share the same goals— protection and giving back to people and causes that matter most to them.
GBU offers a variety of life and annuity products as well as member benefits, which can help satisfy members' needs from birth throughout their entire lives. We promote community and patriotic involvement as well as charitable, recreational and social activities for the entire family.
Learn more about what GBU has to offer at gbu.org.
HOME OFFICE DIRECTORY
gbu.org
DEPARTMENT
CUSTOMER SERVICE service@gbu.org
UNDERWRITING newbusiness@gbu.org
SALES sales@gbu.org
CLAIMS claims@gbu.org
COMMUNICATIONS communications@gbu.org
This department is responsible for communication and coordination with GBU members and/or their beneficiaries with regard to life insurance policies and annuity contracts.
This department is responsible for processing submitted life insurance and annuity applications.
This department is responsible for the sale of GBU life insurance and annuity products.
This department is responsible for opening and administering life insurance and annuity claims.
This department is responsible for generating and approving GBU advertisements, marketing materials, social media posts and press releases.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DEPARTMENT
This department is responsible for the community projects, sponsorships and member benefits offered by GBU. This department also communicates and coordinates with GBU districts.
800-765-4428, option 1 and then option 3
memberbenefits@gbu.org
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT/CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER
Lesley Mann
412-884-9854
lesley.mann@gbu.org
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Jennifer Stockdale
412-884-9813
DISTRICT TEAM LEADER
Mary Koczan
412-668-3222
jennifer.stockdale@gbu.org
mary.koczan@gbu.org
DISTRICT ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST-GREAT LAKES REGION
Laqueeta Coleman
412-336-3245
DISTRICT COORDINATOR
Karen Ferguson
412-822-9865
MEMBER ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST
Anna Meek
412-884-9814
laqueeta.coleman@gbu.org
karen.ferguson@gbu.org
anna.meek@gbu.org
CHARITABLE GIVING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST
Kenneth Elliott
412-336-3246
kenneth.elliott@gbu.org
DISTRICT OPERATIONS OVERVIEW
PURPOSE OF GBU DISTRICTS
A district’s purpose is to foster voluntary activities for aiding lawful social, intellectual, educational, charitable, fraternal or patriotic endeavors, so that its members may take part in the activities of the society and participate in the governance of the society. All property of the district shall be devoted exclusively to these purposes and shall benefit any individual member(s).
Districts are largely self-governing organizations but shall comply with the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of GBU, the Rules of Procedure for Districts and all other requirements adopted by the Board of Directors.
DISTRICT CATEGORIES
GBU DISTRICT
Insured members and social members can be organized into districts. A district is made up of 20 or more members who come together to engage with each other and the community under GBU's Community Engagement Pillars.
GBU SUPER DISTRICT
A super district is defined as a district that is created as a result of a fraternal merger/acquisition/other transaction or a regional district approved by the GBU Board. A super district may impose additional requirements for membership and may submit approval to GBU additions to the District Bylaws to serve its unique requirements as long as they are not in conflict with the Bylaws of GBU, the Rules of Procedure for Districts and all or any other requirements adopted by the Board of Directors.
MEETING GUIDE
The following pages are intended to help district officers conduct a viable district meeting or special meeting. Because these guidelines have been taken from Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, the meeting guide can be used for any other business meeting by just substituting the acronym “GBU,” "district", etc. with the appropriate counterparts of another group.
For an individual to feel comfortable while conducting a meeting, a change here and there in the text provided may be helpful. The user should make these changes, but try to stay within the context of the guidelines. The idea is to cover all aspects of the meeting in an orderly fashion.
In calling for a voice vote, the chair may use a number of forms, the most popular being as follows: All those in favor, say “aye,” and, after a pause, All those opposed, say “nay.”
GENERAL PLAN FOR CONDUCTING DISTRICT MEETINGS
1. Roll Call of Officers
Opening Call to Order and Welcoming of Guests
2. Reading of Minutes
3. Report on New Members
4. Reports of Committees
5. Secretary’s Report
6. Treasurer’s Financial Report
7. New Business
9.
8. Conclude Meeting
1. OPENING CALL TO ORDER AND WELCOMING OF GUESTS
At their discretion, each district may open a meeting with a prayer and/or the Pledge of Allegiance. Open by calling the meeting to order and welcoming members and guests. Remind those present that only adult members of the district may vote.
2. ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS
The secretary will note absentees.
3. READING OF MINUTES
The secretary will read the minutes of the previous meeting. The president will ask for any corrections or additions, which the secretary will note. If there are no changes, the minutes are approved as read.
4. REPORT ON NEW MEMBERS
The secretary will read the names of the new members. (If no new members, proceed to No. 5.)
5. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES Committees read reports, etc.
6. SECRETARY’S REPORT
Reports on district dues and subsidies received from the Home Office. Presentation of latest fraternal news and general information as it affects fraternal activities within the district and the community.
7. TREASURER’S FINANCIAL REPORT
Statement of district fund balance, income and expenses, etc.
8. NEW BUSINESS
Discuss new activities and initiatives for the district.
9. CONCLUDE MEETING
Close the meeting by thanking those in attendance. Be sure to collect any paperwork, updated member information, etc. before members leave.
INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS
President: It gives me great pleasure to welcome (name and title of installing officer) for the purpose of installing the elected officers of this district. If a member of GBU's management or a GBU board member is visiting a district, or a member of the clergy or any elected public official is present, he/she may also be allowed to do the installation.
Installing Officer: Mr./Ms. President, officers, members and guests of District # _____:
It is a pleasure to be with you to install your officers for 20_____. At this time, I ask the Secretary to read the names of the newly elected officers.
Officers, you have been elected by a majority of the members present and voting in District # _____ of GBU to fill the respective offices in your district. As such, you will be required to work together as a team in managing the affairs of your district. It is expected that you will do everything in your power to promote the fraternal benefit system in the best interests of your district and GBU.
You will be required to attend all the meetings called by your president and to perform the duties of your office as outlined in the rules of the district and the bylaws of GBU.
I now ask you, DO YOU WILLINGLY ASSUME THE RESPONSIBILITY OF YOUR OFFICE? If so, answer, "I DO." I will now charge you with your obligation.
OBLIGATION
As an elected officer of District # _____ of GBU, you solemnly pledge to perform properly the duties of the office to which you have been elected . . .
You further pledge to uphold the rules of District #_____, the bylaws of GBU, the District Bylaws and the District Officers' Ritual and Reference Guide. You also promise to promote to the best of your ability the aims and objectives of GBU and your local district. If so, then repeat after me:
I pledge my fraternal word of honor to fulfill these obligations to the best of my ability.
Installing Officer
And now, by virtue of the power vested in me, I declare the officers of District # _____of GBU duly installed and qualified to enter upon discharge of their respective duties and to serve until the end of the present term or until their successors are elected and installed.
Members, let us all give the officers for 20_____ a big round of applause.
Fellow members, this is a good time for you to make a silent pledge that you will give these officers your full cooperation. THEY have pledged to do their best as they manage and guide your district affairs, but you all know that they cannot do a good job ALONE! They need your support not only today, but for the entire year. So, attend your district meetings, take part in the social affairs and fraternal activities that are planned and, above all, tell your friends and relatives about the fraternal benefits that GBU can provide.
The new officers may now be seated.
And now, Mr./Ms. President, I turn over to you the emblem of your authority. Assume your place and let it be your constant aim to govern this GBU district with dignity, forbearance and strict impartiality toward every member. If you do this, you will merit the wholehearted support and goodwill of your members who have elevated you to this important position.
IN MEMORIAM
For use if officiating at a funeral or other official memorial service for a deceased member.
Dear Members and Guests:
We are assembled here today to say FAREWELL to our departed member (Member 's name) . With deep sorrow in our hearts, we pay our last tribute and respect to this fellow member of District # of GBU.
The departed member has shown through his/her affiliation with our fraternal society that he/she was a firm believer in fraternalism, supporting his/her community, which is proclaimed by his/her community work with GBU. In this sad hour of death, we, as fellow fraternal members of the departed, want to express our heartfelt sympathy to the immediate family and relatives.
The saddening departure of our members, who have traveled with us for a little while in this world, should be a forceful reminder to us that we should make every effort to love, honor and respect our fellow members while they are with us.
(Member 's name) : Your body is forever laid to rest, but we will always remember you. Your name shall not be forgotten! With sorrow in our hearts, we salute you and say, “Farewell and rest in peace! Amen.”
DISTRICT OFFICERS' OVERVIEW
OFFICERS
The elected officers of the district can be made up of as many of the below positions that a district can support, provided that it has at least three district officers:
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
The district has the option to elect or appoint additional officer positions and auditors to suit its needs. Contracted GBU agents may hold an elected office within a district.
Nomination and election of district officers shall be held annually. However, in the event of a vacancy, nominations and elections may be held at any district meeting.
Adult members are eligible to nominate, vote, or be elected or appointed to an office within their assigned district.
All district members should be notified of the time, date and location of the nomination and election of officers.
OFFICERS' DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES
All officers are expected to attend all meetings or functions held by the district and work together to promote activity and growth.
PRESIDENT
Conduct all meetings in accordance with the bylaws of the district and of GBU.
Appoint any committees.
Sign all orders of the treasurer for monies to be paid out of the district funds. Perform such other duties as the district board or GBU may direct.
VICE PRESIDENT
Preside over the district meeting in the absence of the president. Perform other duties as the president, district board or GBU may direct.
SECRETARY
Notify the members of the time and place of district meetings. Furnish all required reports to the Home Office.
Conduct the correspondence of the district.
Maintain the district’s membership status reports.
Submit funding requests and subsidies and remit the same to the treasurer. Record all minutes of the district meetings and maintain same.
Coordinate articles for submission to the official publication.
Perform such other duties as the president or district board shall direct.
At the expiration of the term of the secretary’s office, all the monies, books, documents, papers and other property of the district in his/her possession shall be delivered without delay to the district.
Receive all monies, make deposits and furnish a receipt for same. Pay all invoices authorized by the district. Keep a true and correct account of all monies received and disbursed. Report the financial condition of the district at every district meeting. Perform such other duties as the president or district board shall direct.
At the expiration of the term of the treasurer's office, all monies, books, documents, papers and other property of the district in his/her possession shall be delivered without delay to the district.
Duties such as preparing for the meeting, checking-in of members and guests and meeting arrangements, set-up and clean-up shall be assigned by the president to officers or members of their choosing.
The auditors or the district officers can audit the books of the district at any time.
No officer can authorize and/or write a check to him/herself, and a minimum of three officers must be authorized signers to the district’s bank account.
HOME OFFICE RESOURCES
Visit the District Officers’ Page on inside.gbu.org/district-officers to submit reports, download forms, view events and access general information.
TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
GBU is a tax-exempt, nonprofit fraternal benefit society. The GBU Home Office is required to reestablish this status periodically and takes precautions to ensure that GBU districts remain tax exempt.
Federal law requires that subordinate units, such as GBU districts, supply a tax identification number to those financial institutions (banks, savings and loans) from which districts receive dividends, interest or other payments. Each new GBU district must supply its own tax identification number number, which the Home Office will then add to our list of subordinate units under GBU Life. For more information on how to apply for an EIN number, visit the IRS website.
If you do not know your district EIN number or need to request a copy of GBU's exemption and subordinate confirmation letter, contact Mary Koczan at the Home Office.
A state sales tax exemption number is also useful at times. You must contact your state's Sales and Use Tax Office for an application, as requirements differ from state to state.
DISTRICT BANK ACCOUNT SIGNATURE VERIFICATION
As a GBU district, you will receive funds to support engagement in your area. When establishing a bank account on behalf of the district, two signatures are required to start the account. These individuals are authorized to withdraw and deposit funds on behalf of the district. Typically, the secretary and the treasurer are listed on the account.
When it is time to submit your district's annual report for the year, the Home Office requires a copy of the end-ofyear bank statement and the authorized officers listed on the district bank account. This is a security measure in case an officer passes away or if a district closes
EFT DIRECT DEPOSIT FORM
Receive funds in a timely manner with electronic funds transfer (EFT) for all payments. The fillable form is available for download when you visit the District Officers’ page.
ESCROW ACCOUNT FORMS
All forms associated with district escrow accounts (deposit/withdrawal, resolution and signature verification) are available for download on the District Officers’ page.
GBU BRANDING GUIDELINES
GBU LOGO
The GBU logo consists of the GBU marketing name (GBU Life) and the GBU bridge icon.
The GBU logo can be displayed with Blue text and bridge with gold gradient Black and white when the design requires it to be printed in black and white
STACKED LOGO
The stacked GBU logo is used when there is a space constraint in a design. Some examples include a newspaper ad or a digital banner.
GBU LIFE LOGO WITH TAGLINE
GBU currently has two approved taglines: Securing Futures, Giving Back Growing Forward, Giving Back
Connect with the Home Office for event flyers, ads and promotional items not featured on the GBU Storefront. Marketing materials and advertisements must be approved by the Home Office before distribution.
DISTRICT FUNDING
GBU DISTRICTS
ACTIVITY-BASED FUNDING MODEL
Individual GBU districts will receive funds to support planned events and activities each quarter. District activity plans must be submitted to the Home Office for approval before funds are issued. Districts are encouraged to invite/include all GBU members (not district specific) and members of the community for maximum engagement.
DISTRICT ACTIVITY PLANS
District activity plans are submitted online. You will need to submit details for each activity planned for the upcoming quarter. District activity plans for the upcoming quarter are due by the same date as the previous quarter’s report. Example: The second-quarter report and third-quarter activity plan are due by July 31.
During the submission process, select the activity for which you are requesting funds (ex: Event, Sponsorship or Donation), choose the pillar the activity supports (Wellness, Education, Charitable Giving, Hometown Hero Support or Social Engagement) and provide an estimate of attendees, expenses, etc. You can also select what communication and marketing materials the district will need to support the activity.
After the request is reviewed and approved, funds will be sent via direct deposit to the district’s bank account to support planned activity for the upcoming quarter. Funds will be withheld, however, if the Home Office has not received the Annual Financial Report or the previous quarter’s report verifying activity.
Please note that receipts or invoices need to be submitted for ALL approved expenses with the corresponding Quarterly Report. For guidelines, refer to the District Activity Plan Snapshot and District Activity Plan Tips document.
SUPER DISTRICTS
DISTRICT DUES PROCEDURE
Each super district will receive $4.00 from the GBU Home Office for each member in their respective district as of December 31 of the previous year. This funding is to be divided into quarterly payments, and each payment is to be divided as shown below between the district and its Secretary.
District dues will be paid to each active super district. The district dues will be sent via direct deposit to the district’s bank account in the months of January, April, July and October. District dues will be withheld, however, if the Home Office has not received a district’s current Annual Financial Report and current Quarterly Report.
A district Membership Report, verifying the membership as of December 31 of the previous year, will be sent to each district with the first dues check of the year.
SHARING FUNDS REIMBURSEMENT
GBU encourages super districts to support local and national community projects and offers sharing funds for community-related activities. For example:
Sports Team Sponsorship
Soccer
Baseball/Softball
Youth Football
Participating in Community Affairs
Park clean-up
Blood bank sponsorship
Sponsor a parade
Participate in a parade
Support for Ethnic or Cultural Events
Ethnic fairs
Dance groups
Singing groups and bands
Contributions to Nonprofit Service Organizations & Other Worthy Causes
Giving to human assistance centers (homeless shelters or food banks)
Shriners’ Hospital, Salvation Army
Schools for children who require additional assistance
Events or activities held in the name of GBU that will bring good community relations, recognition to the district and involvement of its members follow the principles of fraternalism. GBU will reimburse the district for half of the expenses it incurs for sharing funds projects up to $4,000 annually.
To receive sharing funds, the request form must be completed and sent to the Home Office with copies of receipts and canceled checks showing the cost to the district. For example, to sponsor a soccer team, the expenses may look like this:
Uniforms (15)
League Fees
Equipment
Referee
Total cost to district
Upon approval of this request, the district would be reimbursed for half, or $540. Request forms should be sent immediately following the completion of the event, and all requests must be received by December 20 in order to process forms against the current calendar year’s allocation. A district may apply as often as it wants. However, the total amount of sharing funds granted shall not exceed $4,000 a year.
ADVERTISING REIMBURSEMENT
GBU super districts can use advertising to spread the word about upcoming fundraisers or community events. Every time your district is involved in a community event or activity, newspaper and radio coverage is possible. Some common events that newspapers will cover include charitable contributions, a volunteer event at a nonprofit organization, participation in community-sponsored events like a holiday parade or a presentation of scholarship recipients from your district.
The Home Office is available to assist you in developing ads for the publication. GBU will reimburse the district for half of the expenses it accrues for advertising up to $2,000. Requests must be received by December 20 in order to process forms against the current calendar year’s allocation.
What Qualifies for Reimbursement
Radio, television, magazines, programs, posters, newspapers, billboards, flyers and/or calendar of events mailed to entire membership, postage of such mailings
Promotional items, with Home Office approving GBU name and/or logo
Eligibility
District advertisements may include the names of the district president and secretary.
District advertisements that include the names of general agents, agents or agencies must receive approval by the Home Office.
If you did not work with the Community Engagement Department to create the ad, the ad must receive approval by the Home Office before submission.
Advertising Approval
Effective November 25, 1995, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania requires that any newspaper, magazine, periodical, circular, letter, pamphlet publisher, radio or television broadcasting company that publishes or broadcasts advertisements for insurance companies, associations, exchanges or persons must have in its possession a Certificate of Authority from the Insurance Department certifying that the entity named in the advertisement is authorized to do business in this Commonwealth.
Advertisements or promotional items are not to be released without prior approval by the Home Office because strict guidelines are required by the various states’ insurance departments. GBU is held solely responsible for adherence to such guidelines.
Planned advertisements and promotional items requests should be emailed to the Home Office for approval before the advertisement or promotional item is released.
Advertisements or promotional items released without prior Home Office approval shall not be eligible for reimbursement.
DISTRICT REPORTING
Visit the District Officers’ Page at inside.gbu.org/district-officers to submit reports, download forms and access general information.
DISTRICT QUARTERLY REPORTS
Quarterly reports must be submitted to the GBU Home Office, or funds will be withheld until the report is received. These reports are critically necessary in identifying fraternal and community activities that GBU is required to report to the American Fraternal Alliance.
The district secretary will receive $100 for each complete quarterly report received by the deadline date at the Home Office.
DATES TO REMEMBER:
First-quarter report is due by April 30
Second-quarter report is due by July 31
Third-quarter report is due by October 31
Fourth-quarter report is due by January 31 of the following year
DISTRICT OFFICERS' LISTING
Immediately after the election of officers in October or November, secretaries are to submit names, addresses, phone numbers and emails of the newly-elected officers for the following year to the Home Office.
The information on this form is very important in keeping officers updated with Home Office news and happenings. Even if there are no changes from the previous year’s slate of officers, confirmation of the officers must be sent in.
ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT
An annual financial report stating district income, expenses and account balances as of December 31 must be completed and submitted to the Home Office by April 15 of the following year.
The Home Office will send out the annual financial report paperwork to the president and secretary in the first quarter of the following year. It is recommended that an officers' meeting be held in March or April to perform an audit and use that information for the annual report. The district will need to submit an end -of-year bank statement along with the report. The district will not receive activity funds for the upcoming quarter until this report is submitted.
DISTRICT PASSPORT PROGRAM
Host or sponsor an activity in each of our Community Pillars to receive a stamp. Complete the passport by the end of the year and your district will be entered into a drawing to win "GBU District of the Year!”, be featured in The Reporter magazine and receive a $500 donation from the Home Office to a 501(c)(3) organization of the district’s choice.
DISTRICT RESOURCES
Visit the District Officers’ Page at inside.gbu.org/district-officers to submit reports, download forms and access general information.
FORMS AND RESOURCES
District forms like the District Officers’ Listing, Code of Conduct, Francis B. Madison Award Nomination Form, Direct Deposit Form and more can be found on the aforementioned webpage.
DISTRICT COMMUNICATIONS
The District Digest is a monthly newsletter that serves as a direct link to the district officers from the GBU Home Office. Content may include information on GBU programs, important events, updates on benefits and suggested district activities. The newsletter is sent via email to the district’s list of officers.
GBU STOREFRONT
The GBU Storefront offers quality pens, hats, puzzles and more to hand out at events and sponsorships. You can request promotional items via the district activity plan or contact your district point person.
DISTRICT EVENTS
Districts can notify members and friends of meetings and activities for the upcoming quarter. Districts can request email and paper flyers to be mailed to members in the area for a specific event. Districts can report event information in The Reporter. If dates have been changed or events have been canceled, please contact the Home Office.
The district can request an events calendar mailing to members in the area, that list the entire year’s activities. Event calendar information is due to the Home Office by February 1. The calendar form is available for download on the District Officers page.
Districts can request to post the event on the GBU Events page (inside.gbu.org/events) or on the GBU District page (inside.gbu.org/gbu-life-districts). Please contact your district point person to post the event details.
RECOGNITION PROGRAMS
FRANCIS B. MADISON FRATERNAL AWARD
Districts are encouraged to nominate individuals who are active and leaders in district functions and/or projects. The district-nominated member’s information must be submitted to the GBU Home Office by the district Secretary or President. Applications for this award are accepted on a continual basis.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD
GBU recognizes an individual within the society who, through example and accomplishment, provided outstanding volunteer service to his or her community during the past year.
MEMBER BENEFITS
Discover member benefits, find common forms and view events on the GBU Member Community page at inside.gbu.org/member-community.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS*
*Please read eligibility guidelines for each program for further details.
GIVE BACK GROUPS
GBU offers matching funds and project start-up funds for members looking to make a difference in their communities. Eligible membership: Insured, Social
BIRTHDAY MATCH
GBU will match any donation you make to an approved 501(c)(3) organization during your birthday month up to $100. Eligible membership: Insured, Social
When you support the organizations you care about through volunteering, GBU supports them, too! GBU will donate $15 per hour for every hour a member volunteers for an approved 501(c)(3) organization, up to $150. Eligible membership: Insured, Social MAKING A DIFFERENCE: ONE HOUR AT A TIME
EDUCATION ASSISTANCE
HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMAN GRANT PROGRAM*
This program is designed to assist eighth-grade GBU members with associated costs in their transition into the high school curriculum. High School Freshman Grants of $250 are to be used for expenses necessary for the student’s educational needs. Applicants must be an insured or annuitant GBU member and enrolled in eighth grade.
Eligible membership: Insured *Visit inside.gbu.org/benefits to complete the application.
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
Apply for GBU Foundation scholarships online at gbufoundation.awardspring.com. Deadlines are May 31, 2024, for Undergraduate and Graduate scholarships and June 30, 2024, for Four-Year and Two-Year scholarships. Those eligible to apply for scholarships must meet the following criteria: Be a GBU member with an active GBU life insurance policy or annuity in force in the year applying Have a GPA of 2.75 or above or the equivalent Plan to be enrolled as a full-time student (or at least a part-time student for graduate recipients) for the fall 2024 term.
Eligible membership: Insured
GBU FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS
Four-Year Scholarships (4 years)
For students entering four-year programs leading to a bachelor’s degree.
$1,500 per year, renewable for up to three years.
Bert Waltenberger Memorial Scholarship. Applicant must be involved in German-related programs and sports activities to be eligible to receive this award.
$1,500 per year, renewable for up to three years.
Clarence O. Affelt Architecture/Fine Art Memorial Scholarship. Applicant must have a declared major in architecture or a fine arts field to be considered for this award.
$1,000 first year with $500/year renewal for up to three additional years.
Two-Year Scholarships (2 years)
For students entering or currently in degree or certificate programs of up to two years in duration offered by vocational/technical schools, nursing schools, community colleges and similar institutions.
$1,000 per year, renewable for up to one additional year.
Undergraduate Scholarships (3 years)
For students already in college programs leading to a bachelor’s degree.
$1,000 per year, renewable for up to two years.
Graduate Scholarships (2 years)
For students in college graduate degree programs leading to advanced degrees.
$1,000 per year, renewable for up to one additional year.
GBU FOUNDATION GRANT AWARDS
All eligible applicants who did not receive a GBU Foundation scholarship are entered in a random drawing in which a predetermined number of one-time, $500–$750 GBU Foundation grants are given.
DISTRICT-SPONSORED SCHOLARSHIPS
Many GBU districts offer scholarships for eligible members. Requirements vary by district.
FRATERNAL ALLIANCE SCHOLARSHIPS
Fraternal alliance organizations associated with GBU Life offer scholarships for eligible members. Requirements vary by state.
Eligible membership: Insured
SAGE SCHOLARS TUITION REWARDS® PROGRAM
The SAGE Scholars Tuition Rewards® program, offered through GBU Life, reduces financial stress and provides a simple and effective way for your family to send a child or loved one to college.
GBU members can enroll in this program and earn SAGE Scholars Tuition Rewards Points to help offset the financial burdens of a four-year undergraduate degree at SAGE Scholars network colleges and universities. Visit inside.gbu.org/SAGE for program guidelines and to sign up!
Eligible membership: Insured
YOUTH BENEFITS
TEAM TO TEAM
The Team to Team program is designed to help youth members offset costs associated with school and recreation clubs. Qualifying group types include academic, athletic, art, musical, recreational and youth groups. Visit inside.gbu.org/team-to-team for details.
Individual Sponsorship
GBU youth members can apply for an individual Team to Team sponsorship of up to $250. In return, they must acknowledge the sponsorship in some way, such as a program ad, t-shirt, field sign, etc.
Group Sponsorship
If a team contains five or more GBU members, they can apply for a Group Team to Team sponsorship of up to $5,000. In return, the team must acknowledge the GBU Sponsorship and complete a community service project. Eligible membership: Insured
GIVE BACK UNIVERSITY
Give Back University is a part of GBU’s commitment to our youth and their education. The best way to help the communities we care about is to help foster a sense of community in our youth. GBU youth members in second through twelfth grade are encouraged to participate. Learn more about this program and sign up today at inside.gbu.org/give-back-u.
Eligible membership: Insured
VALUE ENHANCEMENT SERVICES
LAW ASSURE
Law Assure is an easy-to-use online service that uses smart technology to help you prepare essential legal documents. With Law Assure, you can create a customized will or access important legal documents that allow you to assign power of attorney or establish healthcare directives—all from the comfort of your own home. Visit inside.gbu.org/LAW-ASSURE for more information and to sign up.
Eligible membership: Insured
EMPATHY
GBU has partnered with Empathy, a comprehensive support system for loss, to provide personalized care for your family. Empathy is here for you and your family for everything from settling the estate to dealing with grief. GBU Life provides members and their beneficiaries full, free access to Empathy. Visit inside.gbu.org/empathy for details and to sign up.
Eligible membership: Insured
DISCOUNT PROGRAMS
SCRIPTSAVE® PRESCRIPTION SAVINGS CARD
Accepted at more than 65,000 pharmacies, the ScriptSave® WellRx Prescription Savings card or app can save you an average of 60% on both brand-name and generic prescriptions.
Eligible membership: Insured, Social
VIP PERKS! BY ENTERTAINMENT®
Enjoy local and national discounts on dining, entertainment and services. You can print coupons from home or simply redeem them from the mobile app!
Eligible membership: Insured, Social
OPTIMITY
This wellness app encourages members to live healthier, wealthier and longer lives. Optimity, an app-based platform, rewards you for taking care of yourself and others. From stretching, to drinking water, to planting flowers in your local park, Optimity helps motivate different activities, earning you gift cards to your favorite retailers. Visit inside.gbu.org/optimity.
Eligible membership: Insured, Social
START HEARING
For anyone seeking to improve, protect or enhance their hearing, GBU has partnered with Start Hearing to help people of all backgrounds begin to experience sound in richer, healthier ways.
Eligible membership: Insured, Social
REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAMS
DRIVER'S SAFETY
For Seniors
This program is typically offered through AARP® and AAA® and is designed to meet the specific needs of older drivers (55+). It covers age-related physical changes, declining perceptual skills, rules of the road, local driving problems and license requirements.
For Teens
These online courses teach teens safe driving skills and the rules of the road while building confidence. Visit driversed.com to find a course specific to your state.
Eligible membership: Insured, Social
LANGUAGE LEARNING
GBU will reimburse 50% of the cost of any language course or program that you use to learn another language, up to $250 annually! This includes language apps such as Duolingo or Babbel.
Eligible membership: Insured, Social
LIFE LINE SCREENING REIMBURSEMENT
GBU offers a $10 reimbursement for members for a Life Line Screening. Life Line Screening is a preventative health screening test that checks the vascular wellness of an individual using non-invasive ultrasound technology.
Eligible membership: Insured, Social
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
NEWBORN CHILD LIFE COVERAGE
GBU parents receive a $1,000 death benefit covering their newborn child effective from days 15–60 following birth.
Eligible membership: Insured
ORPHAN BENEFIT
This benefit provides financial support to junior members who have lost both of their legal parents.
Eligible membership: Insured
MISCELLANEOUS PERKS
GBU MEMBER EVENTS
As a GBU Life member, you have access to exclusive community and virtual events. We offer deep discounts for these events as a way to express our appreciation for your loyalty and dedication. Visit inside.gbu.org/events to view our upcoming events.
Eligible membership: Insured, Social
THE REPORTER
GBU’s quarterly magazine is available to members digitally and in print. It features company news, lifestyle articles, kid-friendly content and updates from our GBU districts. Visit reporter.gbu.org for details.
Eligible membership: Insured, Social
MEMBER CONTESTS
Members of all ages are invited to participate in fun contests that are available in The Reporter and through digital newsletters.
Eligible membership: Insured, Social
GBU FOUNDATION
The GBU Foundation, established by GBU Life in 1962 and incorporated in 1963, supports charitable and educational programs. Initially focused on scholarships to help members further their education, the foundation expanded to include a community grant program in 2023.
Vision
To grow the foundation through diversified fundraising and expand impact to members’ communities through the awarding of grants and scholarships.
Mission
To help Foundation donors achieve their philanthropic goals and potential.
How the GBU Foundation can support district philanthropic goals:
Scholarships: Define the education level, target student types, and whether recipients should be members or non-members, local or nationwide.
Charitable Grants: Decide if they should be local or nationwide, awarded case-by-case, support specific organizations, or support organizations within GBU’s four Community Pillars, or a cause group such as cultural heritage, animal welfare, arts, community improvement, conservation, education, wellness, human needs or faith.
Award Frequency (one-time or perpetual): Determine whether the district wants to fund on a perpetual basis or on a one-time basis.
Naming Options: Name the grant or scholarship after the district, in honor of someone or just have a generic GBU Foundation name.
Other Opportunities: Unrestricted Funds to support scholarships, community organizations, or other programs as directed by the GBU Foundation Board or Operating Funds support to sustain the Foundation’s Operations and Growth.
Visit gbu.org/foundation/ to learn more. Contact Ken Elliott, Charitable Giving and PR Specialist, for further discussion around how the district can continue its legacy with the help of the GBU Foundation.