Kansas Masonic Foundation Local Community Grants Program

The Kansas Masonic Foundation, a private philanthropic organization rooted in Freemasonry's long-standing commitment to community service, administers the Local Community Grants Program to support charitable initiatives across Kansas. With a mission to enhance the quality of life within Kansas communities, the Foundation empowers individual Masonic Lodges to allocate funding directly to local nonprofit organizations, ensuring that resources remain within their specific geographical areas. This approach fosters community-led decision-making and ensures that grants address hyper-local needs effectively. The Local Community Grants Program enables nonprofit organizations that operate on a local level—or are local chapters of larger entities—to apply for grants of either $5,000 or $10,000. To qualify, 100 percent of the awarded funds must be used within the geographical area served by the Masonic Lodge endorsing the request. Funding is only considered for one application per organization per cycle, though reapplication is possible in future years. Applications are accepted annually from April 1 through July 15 via an online submission portal. All applications are reviewed collaboratively by the local Lodge and the Kansas Masonic Foundation, which reserve the right to request additional information or adjust funding amounts as needed. Eligible applicants include IRS-designated 501(c)(3) public charities listed on the IRS Master File and operating within Kansas, certain government entities like law enforcement and fire departments, public and nonprofit educational institutions, and faith-based organizations provided their proposed projects serve the community at large. Additionally, some 501(c)(4), (c)(6), and (c)(19) entities may be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the proposed benefit to the broader community. All funding must support projects directly benefiting the lodge’s local area. The Foundation funds projects in six primary areas: Community and Economic Development, Education, Public Safety, Quality of Life, Health and Human Services, and Hunger Relief. Funding requests outside these categories require prior approval from both the local lodge and the Foundation. This program does not entertain broad or state-wide project proposals, ensuring funds are focused at the grassroots level for tangible local impact. Applicants will be notified of decisions through their sponsoring Masonic Lodge. Awarded grants are disbursed by September 30 of the same program year, accompanied by a formal check presentation ceremony. This event is expected to involve local media and civic stakeholders, including government representatives. As a condition of funding, grantees must submit a detailed report outlining how the funds were used and the community impact achieved. This report is due by January 31 of the following year. This grant operates on an annual cycle, with the 2026 application window open from April 1 to July 15. The recurring nature of this program allows organizations to plan strategically and refine their community proposals based on prior experience or evolving needs. Its consistent timing supports applicants in aligning internal planning processes with grant availability, while the requirement for local alignment ensures a strong partnership between the Masonic Lodges and the communities they serve.