Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

These are just a few general questions regarding Lodge Charity Accounts to aid you. Should you have more specific questions in regards to your Lodge Charity Account, please contact us at 800-994-7400.

Lodge Charity Account FAQs

Yes, donations can still be designated to Michigan Masonic Museum & Library, Youth Groups, Orphans/Widows and General Fund.

Gifts made directly to lodges are not charitable nor are they tax deductible by law. All Lodge Charity Account donations must be made payable to MMCF.

Mergers: Lodge Charity Accounts will be combined, the merged lodge will continue to receive the $2400 annual allowance.

Defunct Lodges: Lodge Charity Account donations would be transferred to the MMCF endowment for future growth.

Your Lodge can spend any amount on charitable purposes that it desires, however, only $2,400 is available through the MMCF.

No, your lodge cannot “roll-over” the deposit from MMCF from one year to the next. Each year, regardless of withdrawals, on April 1st your lodge will be reset with $2,400 (unless your fund is grown by donations).

Live Better at Home will be available to help identify additional assistance including but not limited to Outside Relief or community programs.

Your Lodge now has the freedom to manage your charitable funding without the financial constraints of coming up with a match. This will allow more lodges to build, enrich, strengthen and transform their Masonic relief programs and their communities.

No, the Lodge Charity Account will be replacing the current Matching Scholarships, Community Charities, Almoners and Masonic Education Assistance Programs.

Yes.

Yes, the widows program is a supplemental program of the MMCF and is NOT affected by the LCA program.

Yes, the gift must comply with all federal IRS and Lodge Charity Account Program guidelines.

Yes.

No.

All funds of MMCF are invested according to our investment policy and the investment committee and finance department of the Home, Foundation and the Fraternity.

4% of all donations made prior to March 31st will be available the following April 1st.

No, all checks must be sent to and made payable to MMCF (with a note stating Lodge name and Lodge #).

No.

Under very limited circumstances, your lodge would need to meet guidelines for Historical Preservation.

These uses do not fall under IRS regulations for charitable giving.

The term charitable is used in its generally accepted legal sense and includes relief of the poor, the distressed, or the underprivileged; advancement of education or science; erection or maintenance of public buildings, monuments, or works; lessening the burdens of government; lessening neighborhood tension, eliminating prejudice and discrimination; defending human and civil rights secured by law, and combating community deterioration and juvenile delinquency.

This means the withdrawal complies with the requirements for charitable donations as identified by the IRS.

No, however you can change the designation of the gift moving forward. (i.e. changing the designation of a current monthly recurring gift).

Yes, please speak with your legal or financial representative or call the MMCF office.

Yes, please speak with your legal or financial representative or call the MMCF office.

Yes, any individual or entity can contribute to a Lodge Charity Account.

Once MMCF receives the online application from your Lodge Charity Account Representative, it will be processed immediately and you will receive your funds within 10-14 days.

 

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To support these programs and other Masonic initiatives, please consider donating to the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation today.

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