Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Kansas Masonic Foundation: Building Stronger Communities
The Kansas Masonic Foundation stands as a beacon of philanthropy dedicated to enriching Kansas communities through charitable, educational, and scientific initiatives. Established in 1966, we operate as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, entirely funded by voluntary contributions from Kansas Masons, their families, and friends. Our mission focuses on three core pillars: advancing education through scholarships, supporting cancer research and screenings, and fostering community development programs. With over $55 million invested in Kansas communities since inception, we prioritize direct financial support without public solicitation. Our governance by a board of trustees ensures transparent stewardship of resources, while our Lodge Matching Funds program amplifies local charitable impact.Through initiatives like the annual classic car raffle, which allocates 75% of proceeds to community causes, we demonstrate innovative fundraising approaches. Our educational programs, including the 60-year-old essay contest, have awarded over $300,000 to Kansas students. The foundation's commitment to cancer research has generated $40+ million for the KU Cancer Center, complemented by free mobile screening services. We maintain strict adherence to Masonic values of integrity and service, ensuring every dollar spent aligns with our vision of strengthening communities through selfless leadership. As Kansas Masons continue their tradition of philanthropy, we remain dedicated to creating lasting, positive change across the state.
Services
Essay Contests
Cancer Screenings
Scholarship Programs
Community Grants
Lodge Matching Funds
Youth Development
Cancer Research Funding
Educational Awards
Details
- Year established: 1966
Highlights and features
- We've invested over $55 million in Kansas communities since 1966
- Our Lodge Matching Funds program doubles local charitable impact
- We provide $12,000 annually through our 60-year-old essay contest
- We've contributed $40+ million to cancer research at KU Cancer Center
- Our free mobile cancer screenings serve communities statewide
What people say
Significant financial support
Positive youth impact
Cancer research contributions
Community development focus
Educational opportunities
Services
Essay Contests
Our annual essay contest encourages Kansas high school students to develop critical thinking and writing skills. Participants compete for monetary awards ranging from $500 to $4,000, with topics focusing on charitable causes. This 60-year-old program has awarded over $300,000 to deserving students statewide.
Cancer Screenings
We provide free mobile cancer screening clinics across Kansas in partnership with the KU Cancer Center. These services focus on early detection and education about cancer prevention. Our program has contributed $40+ million to cancer research while offering accessible healthcare to underserved communities.
Scholarship Programs
Through various initiatives, we've awarded over $10 million in scholarships to Kansas students. Our programs support college-bound individuals through direct financial assistance and partnerships with educational institutions. These efforts help make higher education accessible to qualified applicants statewide.
Community Grants
Our community improvement programs distribute funds to local initiatives through the Lodge Matching Funds program and direct grants. These resources support youth development, community empowerment, and charitable projects. Recent grants have funded programs like NextGen Under30 and Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Youth Development
We invest in Kansas youth through marching band programs, entrepreneurship challenges, and leadership development initiatives. Our programs reach students from elementary through high school levels. These efforts focus on building character, teamwork, and community service values in young Kansans.
Questions
How does the Kansas Masonic Foundation fund its programs?
We rely entirely on voluntary donations from Kansas Masons, their families, and friends through initiatives like our annual classic car raffle.
What educational programs do you offer?
Our essay contest awards $12,000 annually to Kansas high school students, and we've provided over $10 million in college scholarships.
How can Kansas residents access cancer screening services?
We partner with the KU Cancer Center to provide free mobile cancer screenings available throughout the state.
Can local organizations apply for foundation grants?
Yes, our Community Grants Program and Lodge Matching Funds initiative support local charitable initiatives across Kansas.
How are scholarship recipients selected?
Our essay contest winners are chosen based on originality, research quality, and topic development by independent judges.
