The Masonic Foundation of Nova Scotia

The Shared Funds Program enables Masons through their Lodge or District with financial assistance from the Foundation, to meet a social or financial need within their community.   Lodges or Districts must initiate the program by first identifying a community need, determining the cost and then applying to the Foundation for funding.

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Within any community there are a wide range of programs that will meet the criteria for shared funding.  As much as possible, Shared Funds Programs should be directed to community based registered charities.  To participate, a Lodge or District must raise at least 25 percent of the project cost in accordance with the guidelines.  The Masonic Foundation strongly encourages Lodges to participate in these programs which both benefit their community and promote a positive image of the Fraternity in that community.

 

Examples Of Groups that could be funded under the Shared Funds Program:
 

School Bands

Big Brothers Big Sisters Agencies

School Assistance Programs

Boys and Girls Clubs

Boy Scout Troops

Girl Guides

4H Clubs

Cadets

Volunteer Fire Departments

Hospitals and Other Medical Facilities

Specialized Equipment for Individuals

Organized Athletic Community Projects for Youth

Sponsoring Individuals for Special Camps

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Guidelines:

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1. Constituent Lodges and Districts are eligible to apply for shared funding of projects in which they wish to participate.

2. Requests for shared funding must be submitted to the Secretary of the Foundation on the Application Form approved by the Board of Directors. The deadline for the submission of Applications in each calendar year is April 30.

3. Applicants for shared funding are required to contribute funding to the project in an amount not less than 25% of the total project cost.

4. The limit of Foundation funding approved for a Constituent Lodge shall be the lesser of 75 % of the total project (s) cost or $1500.00.

5. The limit of Foundation funding approved for a District and its Constituent Lodges shall be the lesser of 75 % of the total cost of combined Lodge and District projects or $1500.00 times the number of Lodges in the District.

6. All applications for shared funding will be reviewed by the Board of Directors at their first meeting following April 30 in each calendar year.  Should the total requests for shared funding exceed the funds available for the Shared Funds Program the Directors will allocate the available funds to approved programs on a pro-rata basis.

7. The value of goods in kind is not eligible for shared funding.

8. Donations to national charities are not eligible for shared funding unless they are directed to a local need.

9. Upon approval of the project the Lodge or District must submit its portion of the shared funds to the Foundation and then the Foundation will issue a cheque for the full amount to the recipient in care to the Lodge or District for presentation.  The Lodge or District may request the funding over multiple payments if it better meets its objective.