Grand Chapter of PENNSYLVANIA ORDER of The Eastern Star

the special purpose fund is used to provide support for the masonic villages, where we ask them to purchase specific items that will enhance the residents' life or specialty items needed in the health care area. the fund also covers the national ms society, which is our special service project, and the 14 veterans' facilities throughout the state where we provide monetary donations along with over 10,000 volunteer hours at each of the facilities annually. We provide monetary contributions annually to our youth and youth organizations as well. These funds are provided in accordance with the organization's constitution and laws and donations presented by our chapters specially designed to go to specific organizations. We have also given to susquehanna service dogs and shriners hospitals for children over this past year.

the fraternal and emergency fraternal funds are used to help those in need of financial support. the emergency fraternal assistance is provided at request by either the individual or the Chapter on behalf of the individual for needs that require immediate response for payment. the fraternal fund provides monthly assistance to those individuals requesting the need for additional funds to help them meet their monthly bills. These funds are given and they never need to be repaid by the individuals. An annual reassessment is done on all recipients to make sure they fall under the guidelines to receive the funds. the monthly amounts vary per individual and need and are reviewed every six months by the committee to make sure more money isn't needed or that lifestyles have changed.

the organization provides educational scholarships and estarl awards annually. 65 individuals benefitted from this program service this past year. the applicants must present all the information that is required in the application process by april 1st, at which time the scholarship committee reviews each application. the applicants and the chapters are then notified if they were accepted to receive scholarship money from our organization. the only time applicants are refused is when they do not provide the information that is requested. the scholarship money that is presented to those eligible is in the amounts of either $1,400.00 or $700.00 and can be used in any way the student desires. the money that is raised for these funds comes from our Chapter donations along with direct gifts from our members.

Revenue that is generated as part of the general fund of the organization that is not specifically designated but is allocated wherever the need is greatest.