A Legacy of Care

R.W.B. Richard D. Varner, Senior Grand Warden

Masons have always taken care of the families of their brethren in need. Almost 75 years ago, the Grand Lodge of Oregon created the Educational Assistance program and started an endowment to fund the effort.

Over time, the Grand Lodge has amassed a significant endowment and the earnings on that endowment are available annually to assist families of Oregon Masons who have children or grandchildren in public schools. For the 2024-25 academic year, nearly $160,000 is available to be disbursed.

Financial assistance is granted to help children be successful in school. Funds can be used for school supplies, extracurricular activities, or everyday living expenses.

It is the duty of the Worshipful Master of each Lodge (Section 217-14) to report on the need for Educational Assistance. If any member of a Lodge becomes aware of a family that may need assistance, please work through your Worshipful Master and Lodge Secretary to get information to Courtney Chun, the Educational Assistance Program Director.

So, who may qualify? Educational Assistance is limited to resident and nonresident children or grandchildren of Master Masons of a Lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction who are currently in good standing or were at the time of their death. Financial assistance is provided to aid the student in obtaining an education in an accredited, tax supported public institution for grades kindergarten through 12th, or post high school through the age of 22. There are also additional fi nancial need considerations based on income and expenses and family size.

While the Trustees examine all programs annually, Educational Assistance was thoroughly reviewed in 2023-24 and some significant improvements were made. The application process was streamlined and the approved amounts allotted to each applicant were increased nearly 20%.

If approved to receive Educational Assistance, fi nancial assistance will be provided directly to the applicant in the form of a pre-paid PEX card, which will be loaded with the approved amount each month of the nine-month school year.

K-12 Educational Assistance applications must be completed and ready for review by the Trustees of the Grand Lodge no later than December 31. Post high school applications must be completed and ready for review no later than January 31.

If you know of a family or student that may benefit, don’t delay. You could make a difference in the life of a Brother’s family.