The DeMolay Foundation announces a payment of $69,000 to DeMolay International as part of its Pillars of Charity Program. The Pillars of Charity funding efforts closed in 2018. This payment brings the total funded by the Foundation to date under the Pillars program to about $227,000 over about four years. The Foundation Trustees wish to extend special thanks to its donors and to Past Trustee Presidents Curtis Gimlin and Bill Paisley, whose efforts resulted in this important series of grants to DeMolay International. One additional cash payment of $11,500 will be made to DI under the Pillars Program in December of this year.

The corona virus is affecting the Leadership Camp’s planning modes for 2020, who are looking at alternative digital options should the respective governors continue the shelter in place directives. The Leadership Academy grants by the Foundation were intended to support in-person activities so the Foundation has reached out to the Camps to determine how the Foundation might support the efficient and timely digital camp development.

In the event in-person camps are not held, the Foundation will not fund this year’s grants. Instead, it will consider funding a reasonable amount of the digital development costs. This concept is under consideration by both the Trustees and the Camps. A joint conference call has been arranged for Camp leaders to discuss the approaches. The Foundation’s role is simply to coordinate the Camp’s effort with this call and to identify what funding might be appropriate.

The DeMolay Foundation Board of Trustees authorized an expenditure of up to $100,000 to eight DeMolay Leadership Camps. The grants have been in the works for about six months. Thanks to a generous end-of-year solicitation campaign, as well as several donors to the Second Century Fund, the grants have been made possible. Foundation president, Paul Bohannon, explained, “We had our best end-of-year soliciation in years, particularly since we were able to shave costs by about 50%. I can’t emphasize the importance of your individual donations.”

Foundation Coordinator, Braden Zimmerman, a PIMC, explained the grant process. “We formed a PIMC Task Force and evaluated the criteria of what best typifies a DeMolay Leadership Camp – we like to call them ‘Leadership Academies.’ The next step was to identify those that qualified, which ended up being eight.” The eight camps include the Oklahoma’s DLX, Pennsylvania’s KeyMan, Ohio’s DeMolay Leaders of Excellence, Missouri’s University of DeMolay, . Each camp, under the grant, will receive $12,500 in 2020.

Bohannon explained the grants’ purposes: “The grants are not intended to underwrite normal operating losses nor normal operating expenses. Rather, we intend the grants to extend either the camp programs or participation. We are encouraging the camps to identify new speakers or programs that will further their purposes. Alternatively, the camps can implement a scholarship program for DeMolays that need the assistance. If a camp chooses this option, it will need to implement a policy on how need is identified.The Foundation is involved only to the extent of verifying that the camp administration has implemented a process of identifying need. We do not do the need determination, nor do we evaluate the merits of the state’s determination process. That is each camp’s business.”

Bohannon indicated that the virus is imposing a signficant challenge to the camps this year. The Foundation will be visiting with them about the issues.

The Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma stepped up for DeMolays everywhere by extending a $100,000 Leadership Gift to the DeMolay Foundation Second Century Fund.

Paul Bohannan, President of the DeMolay Foundation’s Board of Trustees, said the donation of $100,000 was a major step in launching the new effort. The Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma deserves much praise for its bold effort to be a significant leader in this new effort, he said. The gift was directed to the DeMolay Foundation endowment. This year alone, the endowment earnings have underwritten the costs of DI’s new Membership Services Representative program and the DI sponsorship of the Shriner’s Annual Hospital Baseball Classic, benefiting thousands of children needing special medical treatment.

George Braatz, Foundation Trustee, receives the $100,000 check from John Logan, Executive Director, and Secretary Robert G. Davis

Last year, DeMolay observed its 100th Anniversary. Now, looking forward, leaders are seeking to continue the momentum by seeking the support of many Masonic organizations in America, as well as seeking gifts from individuals, to insure the youth organization’s future.

Bohannon added, “This gift, made possible by Oklahoma Masons through The Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma, challenges Masons everywhere to help solidify the Masonic DeMolay relationship.”

Goals of the new campaign include more scholarships for DeMolay, enhanced advisor training, increased camp opportunities, upgrades for the DeMolay museum in Kansas City, improved outreach across the country in leadership skills, and strengthening the Foundation’s endowment to insure financial stability for the next century.

Special thanks go to Trustees George Braatz and Johnny Onkst for their efforts to secure this gift.

The deadline to apply for a DeMolay Foundation scholarship is rapidly approaching — April 1st. You can download the application form by ticking here. 2020-Foundation-Scholarship

Be sure to carefully complete the application as the Committee is very strict on satisfying the requirements.

Depending on the number of applications received, the scholarships have ranged from $1,000 to $7,000 each. As with most scholarships, the proceeds are payable to the educational institution and the recipient. Post high school education includes trade schools. So, please apply!

Details

Annually, the DeMolay Foundation awards scholarships to Active and Senior DeMolays who excel in academics, DeMolay involvement, community/campus activities and show financial need. To qualify, brothers must submit an application and provide the required documentation.

Application Requirements…

The deadline to apply is April 1, 2020. One letter of reference, signed and dated after April 1 of previous year on school letterhead from a current or former teacher not related to you. This letter must have a signature. Just a typed name on plain paper will not be acceptable.

One letter of reference, signed and dated after April 1 of previous year from a DeMolay advisor including their Advisor ID number. Signature should not just be a typed name and ID number to be acceptable.
Include a current copy high school or college transcript. This document must be your most recent transcript. Include documentation of your SAR score obtained from your most recent FAFSA application. (For information on FAFSA, visit www.FAFSA.gov or contact your school counselor.)

The DeMolay Foundation funded a $25,000 grant to DeMolay International for its sponsorship of the Shriners Hospitals for Children College Baseball Classic to be held at Minute Maid Park in Houston Feb. 28 – March 1st, 2020. The tournament will be a matchup of Big 12 and SEC teams. LSU, Arkansas, and Missouri will line up against Texas, Oklahoma and Baylor.

Foundation President Paul Bohannon said this was a home run for DeMolay, “The proceeds directly benefit the many children of the Shriners Hospitals, the Shriners once again score with their widely acclaimed charitable service through the hospitals, DeMolay International receives recognition for its charitable leadership, and the Foundation is honored to provide the proceeds.”

Bohannon also indicated that the donation supports this year’s annual DeMolay Executive Officer’s Conference, in Houston, providing multiple opportunities for game experiences in the Astro’s luxury box.

The Shriners Hospitals provide specialized pediatric care, including orthopaedics, burn care, spinal cord injury, craniofacial and cleft lip/palate care. The Shriners have invested over $38 million in research for the children. Their hospitals have treated over 1.4 million children since 1922. The Shriners Hospitals Board of Directors is composed of nationally recognized Shriners dedicated to serving the children and their families.

The hospitals are located in 22 cities across the country as well as Canada and Mexico. The Hospitals have highly specialized purposes, so the child’s needs determine which hospital provides the treatments. For example, Galveston, Texas provides burn care while Salt Lake City performs orthopaedic care. The Shriners Hospitals are among the most respected nonprofit hospitals in North America.

The DeMolay Foundation is honored and proud to support DeMolay International and the Shriners!

The DeMolay Foundation Trustees conducted their annual mid-winter meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona January 23-25. The Foundation hosted the DI line officers, Grand Master Whitaker and Claudia, Grand Senior Bohn, Grand Junior D’Aguanno and Tammie as well as Executive Director Moore. Ross Pfannenstiel of the Hartsook Companies conducted a training session on fundraising leadership. Trustee Kerry Campbell presented on foundation fiduciary duties, relating that also to our duties to our donors. A round table discussion of what is involved in donor accountability provoked a lot of viewpoints that allowed DF & DI to harmonize their approaches to the DF to DI grant process. It was a collegial meeting enjoyed by all. The cost of the hotel rooms was underwritten by Trustee President Paul Bohannon.

The DeMolay Foundation Board of Trustees voted unanimously to fund DeMolay’s new Membership Services Program for 12 months. The program will provide two regional representatives, working half-time, to support their respective territories. The representatives will be college level Senior DeMolays who will be paid a salary stied to the Foundation grant. The funding includes money for travel expenses, training, and general administrative costs. At the end of the 12 months, the representatives will also receive a $2,500 scholarship. The new program is funded 100% from the DeMolay Foundation endowment (investment earnings). Total cost: $73,000.00

Senior DeMolays from the Nashville and Harrisburg areas enjoyed an evening of reconnection with DeMolay. At Nashville, Brother Austin Whitaker hosted a group of about 20 alumni. Grand Master Whitaker made it a special night with his welcoming presentation. We are hoping these events initiate a networking effort for Senior DeMolays. Brother Randy Knapp hosted the Pennsylvania event, which had several “lost” DeMolays present. At their event, our Brothers indicated a strong view that we need as much focus on Senior DeMolay needs as well as active DeMolay needs.

Thanks to those of you who attended. We will be studying the output and hope for more events in those areas.

Nashville Reconnection Saturday @ Al Menah Shrine, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Harrisburg Reconnection @ Scottish Rite Cathedral, Sunday, 2:00 – 4:00 pm.

Senior DeMolays are invited, so join us for the fun!