Men become Freemasons for reasons as varied as self-improvement, connection, service, or legacy and they stay because they find purpose, meaning, and brotherhood in the journey.  It provides lifelong friendships, mutual respect, a deep sense of camaraderie and encourages reflection, discipline, and a life guided by principles.  These ideals reflect the organization's enduring commitment to community service and philanthropy.

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Concern for Others
Today's Masons extend the hand of brotherhood to their communities.  Freemasons have a long and consistent history of supporting education worldwide. This support takes many forms such as scholarships for graduating seniors to reading programs in elementary schools. Assisting young people in furthering their education is one of the core pillars of Masonic philanthropy.  

​Freemasons are also involved in community-based charitable projects.  Many of these efforts are typically organized at the local lodge level, where Masons respond to the unique needs of their surrounding communities. Some of the types of community projects supported are:

  Food Security & Hunger Relief

• Local food banks and meal programs frequently receive donations and volunteer support from Masonic lodges.

• In many cities, Masons organize food drives during holidays or times of crisis.

 Support for Children

• Lodges often run school fundraising drives and donate school supplies to students.

• Coat drives and clothing programs such as the cloth a child programs are common.

• Masons sponsor extracurricular fees, or camp costs for families who can’t manage them.

 Support for the Elderly and Disabled

• Masonic lodges help fund mobility equipment like wheelchairs or ramps.

• Many masonic groups participate in visiting nursing homes and hosting community wellness events.

 Youth Programs & Mentoring

• Masons sponsor youth organizations like DeMolay International, Job’s Daughters, and Rainbow for Girls, which provide leadership training and service opportunities.

• Local lodges frequently donate to or partner with youth sports teams, Scout troops, school clubs, and arts programs.

 Health & Medical Support

• Programs such as blood drives, vision screenings, and support for children’s hospitals are often funded or operated by Masonic organizations.

• Many state-level Scottish Rite foundations allocate substantial annual donations to Alzheimer’s disease research.

 Emergency Services Support

• Masons frequently donate to or collaborate with fire departments, EMS, and police organizations, providing fundraisers for equipment or appreciation programs.

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The Improvement of Life

Masons are active in their dedication to improve quality of life.  Always ready to undertake a difficult task in a quiet, dignified way.  For the man who is looking for a deeper meaning in life and who wants to be a part of a Fraternity committed to his growth and improvement, Masonry is filled with marvelous opportunities and limitless possibilities.

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​​How does one become a Freemason?

If you don’t know any Masons in your area, contact the Grand Lodge of Iowa at (319) 365-1438

or use this contact form. Contact Form