Kansas Masonic Foundation announces Local Community Grants Program

The Kansas Masonic Foundation's Local Community Grants Program is a charitable initiative aimed at supporting nonprofit organizations that serve the communities surrounding local Masonic Lodges throughout Kansas. This program emphasizes grassroots impact by ensuring that all grant funds benefit the geographical areas in which the requesting Masonic Lodges are located. The Foundation facilitates local charitable investments by empowering lodges to partner with qualifying nonprofits and civic organizations to address specific community needs. Eligible organizations may apply for grant awards of either $5,000 or $10,000. All applications must be submitted online between January 1 and July 31 each calendar year, with only one application permitted per organization per funding cycle. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with a local Masonic Lodge prior to submitting their application. This partnership ensures alignment with the program's geographic criteria: all awarded funds must directly benefit the community served by the corresponding lodge. While applicants may reapply in future years, each submission is considered independently. The program welcomes applications from a broad range of organizations including 501(c)(3) charities classified as public charities under sections 509(a)(1), (2), or (3) Types I and II, government agencies, educational institutions, and churches with projects that serve the community at large. Certain organizations not classified as charities, such as civic leagues or volunteer fire departments, may also be considered if their proposed projects clearly benefit the wider community. Each applicant must submit evidence of their tax status, a complete application form, and coordinate with a local lodge for sponsorship. Funding is available for six key focus areas: community and economic development, education, public safety, quality of life, health and human services, and hunger relief. Proposals outside these domains require pre-approval by both the local lodge and the Kansas Masonic Foundation. Examples include public safety equipment, recreational or cultural enrichment projects, social service programs, and school-based educational enhancements. Applications are jointly reviewed by the Kansas Masonic Foundation and the affiliated local lodge. Award decisions are final and may include adjustments to the requested funding amount. Successful applicants are notified by their lodge and receive grant checks no later than September 30 of the program year. Recipients must organize a formal recognition event with local stakeholders and submit a post-grant report by January 31 of the following year, outlining how funds were used and the impact on the local community. For questions or further support, applicants may contact the Kansas Masonic Foundation at (785) 357-7646. The Foundation's office is located at 221 SW 33rd Street, Suite 100, Topeka, Kansas 66611-2431.