A Scottish Rite Philanthropy

Doing good work, for our children and our children's children

Today’s post focuses on a program within Washington Masonry. I know that it will likely be of less interest to everyone outside of Washington, but I hope that you will understand my desire to brag a little bit!

Photo by Joshua Hoehne on Unsplash

The other day, along with Masons from throughout the State, I attended a quarterly meeting of the Scottish Rite Scholarship Foundation Of Washington.

It’s not a particularly well known philanthropy among the Masons in our State, so if you don’t know about it, let me fill you in a bit.

Created in 1958, every member of a Scottish Rite Valley in Washington is a member of our Scholarship Foundation, and every Valley is represented on the Foundation Board through the appointment of Directors, ensuring that students from every big city and small town, from every corner of our State are well represented when award decisions are made. No matter what Valley you are a part of, you can rest assured that students from your area are receiving financial assistance from our Foundation.

How much?

Hundreds of thousands of dollars per year in scholarships and fellowships. Hundreds of thousands of dollars each and every year.

You can learn more about the Foundation by clicking the link below:

Scottish Rite Foundation Of Washington

Through this work the Orient of Washington is helping to create the leaders of tomorrow. Leaders who share the ideals of the Scottish Rite and our values as Americans.

Now that you know what the Foundation is, I’ve got a handful of requests. Heck, the first couple won’t even cost you anything!

-If you know of a student who needs financial assistance for their higher education, either graduate or undergraduate, will you please consider directing that student to the Foundation? We are eager to help, and applications open for our next round of funding on November 1.

-If you publish a Valley or Lodge trestleboard or newsletter, will you please consider including a ‘plug’ about the Foundation within it? Doing so will help the Foundation reach more students, Masons, and donors.

Now I have to ask you for some money.

-If your Valley happens to be flush, will you consider a donation to the Foundation? Doing so supports our Scottish Rite philanthropy here in Washington, and your Valley’s Directors who do so much to ensure that these dollars go to students who support our Scottish Rite values.

-Will you consider making a personal donation to the Foundation? You can do so, in any amount, at the link below:

Support The Scottish Rite Foundation Of Washington

Here’s the big ask.

-Will you consider including the Foundation in your will or other estate planning? Doing so will help to ensure that the Foundation can continue its important work, supporting students who share our values, well into future generations.

Thank you for reading this post, I know that it is a bit outside of our norm here on Emeth, but I believe that the Foundation does truly amazing work that all of us can be proud of as Masons.

I also thank you for your kind consideration of these requests for your support.