History of the Angel
Fund:
The Masonic Angel Fund was established
in 1998 and provides modest assistance to children in need who do not fit
the criteria for the usual social-service programs. Such assistance might
be to provide a pair of glasses, a coat, shoes, field trip fees or minor
health services. Applications for assistance will be fulfilled via confidential
requests from local elementary school principals and school
nurses.
A cornerstone of the Masonic Angel Fund program
is the close relationship that develops between the local school system and
the sponsoring Lodge. Because MAF standards require all screening of
requests to be performed by the school's professional staff, the Masons are
cast in a purely supportive role rather than in one that requires them to
screen and qualify every application. This means that those who operate
the local Fund can respond very quickly once they are contacted by the
school. This quick response contrasts strongly with many "institutional"
relief services where days or weeks can elapse between the time of a request
and an answer being received. The ability to serve the school professionals
in a rapid, efficient manner underscores the image of Masons as the "can
do" people in the
community.
Not only is the Masonic Angel Fund an excellent
program for the community - it is also a positive force to create enthusiasm
amongst the Craft by providing opportunities to do generous things for children.
The Angel Fund is a successful vehicle for presenting Freemasonry to the
community as a socially relevant, beneficial body of normal, everyday people
and for helping to dispel our aura of mystery which sometimes surrounds the
organization.
The Masonic Angel Foundation, Inc. was founded by members
of Universal Lodge on July 1, 2000. Its mission is to facilitate
the adoption of Masonic Angel Funds by other Masonic Lodges around
the nation. In addition to propagating local Angel Funds, the Foundation
offers grant funding opportunities to schools served by a Masonic Angel
Fund and the Lodges that adopt an Angel
Fund.
If you are a Mason or have friends who are Masons and have
would like to learn more about the Masonic Angel Fund, please contact
the Foundation office at 508-255-8812 or send an email message to
info@masonicangelfund.org
or
download
their information
package.