We have all donated to the endowment fund at one time or another and many have asked what is the Endowment Fund.
The Endowment Fund History and Moose Foundation
The first donation was made to the Mooseheart Endowment fund in 1918 by Supreme Governor J. Albert Cassedy of Baltimore. The early leaders of the Loyal Order of Moose who were instrumental in establishing Mooseheart, the “Child City” were confident that as long as there was a Loyal Order of the Moose Fraternity, there would be a Mooseheart. However, even then these leaders envisioned the need for a trust fund to ensure the future of the Mooseheart against any possible emergency. Soon after the fund was established a $100 bequest in the will of Isadore Klein was received. This was the first bequest received by the Mooseheart Endowment Fund. The Moosehaven Endowment Fund was established in
1935 after the receipt of two bequests to Moosehaven totaling $3,481.
One of the many plans established to help expand the fund was developed by Director General Davis for every Lodge and Chapter to take up a “penny collection” at its regular called meetings. The first such collection was received from Martins Ferry Ohio Lodge 1532 in the amount of $1.31 on January 5th, 1920. The term “penny collection” has since been changed to “Endowment Fund Collection” and Lodges and Chapter now take up such collections, not only at regular meetings but at other functions and social activities. This includes the “Nine O’Clock
Ceremony” and the “Cradle/Rocker Fundraiser” to bolster Endowment collections.
All Endowment Fund contributions from any Moose Association, Lodge, Chapter, or Moose Legion are placed in the Mooseheart-Moosehaven Endowment Fund. In addition, many individuals make contributions to the fund through programs over the years such as Endowment Fund Club, Gimme 5, and now the Donors Circle which recognizes these individuals with a pin for each level of giving they achieve.
Moose Foundation Frequently Asked Questions
1) Where does the money collected for the Endowment Fund go?
It is deposited by Moose Charities and transferred each month-end into the Moose Foundation, a 501C3 charitable supporting organization.
2) Does our Lodge or Chapter get to keep any Endowment funds collected?
No. They are acting as an agent on behalf o Moose Charities and Moose Foundation. All funds collected must be forwarded to Moose Charities.
3) Is there anywhere on the website that shows how much is in the Moose Foundation?
The financial statements of Moose International and its affiliated organizations are printed in the convention proceeding each year. The amount in the Endowment Fund/Moose Foundation fund balance is clearly stated in the financial statement. You can request an electronic copy of IRS form 990 at no charge.
4) Is there anywhere on your website that shows how much is paid and where the funds are paid to?
The only payments made out of the Foundation are scholarships to Mooseheart graduates, and transfers to support Mooseheart and Moosehaven. These amounts are all clearly listed in the financial statement printed in the convention proceeding and in IRS form 990.
5) Who decides on where the funds get applied?
All grants out of the Foundation are approved by the Moose Foundation Board and are ratified by the Moose Intl. Board of Directors.
WE HOPE THIS ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS AND HOPE YOU WILL GIVE GENEROUSLY GOING FORWARD TO THE ENDOWMENT FUND.