Independent Order of Odd Fellows
Odd Fellowship is one of the oldest fraternities in the world. This non-political and non-sectarian order was founded on the basis of universal brotherhood. The order stresses the importance of the principles of Friendship, Love and Truth. Odd Fellowship aims to impress upon its members a real sense of their obligation to others. We need members who enjoy working with people, who want to help their community prosper and who want to serve others whenever there is need. From time to time, however, Odd Fellows find themselves in need and they can take advantage of the various benefits that the order makes available to them. Here are some benefits afforded to members in the Jurisdiction of PA.
Scholarships & Loans
General Requirements:
Scholarships and loans are made available to high school graduates who are , entering an accredited 2 or 4 year institution or for study in a recognized trade school, for any course offering immediate opportunity for employment. The applicant must be a child or grandchild of a member of the order to receive the benefit. Most scholarships are competitive and awarded based on various factors as determined by a committee and spelled out in the application. Loan amounts and payback periods vary according to program. Most loans have a financial limit and the payback period usually begins when student has graduated. Some loans require a parent or guardian co-signer.
Sovereign Grand Lodge
4% Educational Foundation Loan Program:
A young person desiring a loan must write personally to the Executive Director for an application. A maximum of $16,000 can be borrowed for a complete course of four years or more.
Students enrolled in a 2 or 4 year program must establish one grading period with at least a "C" average in an accredited college or university before receiving loans.
$2,000 Ingstrom Trust Regional Scholarship
$1,000 Charles J. & Christine Wirz Scholarship
$1,000 UN Pilgrimage for Youth Scholarship
$500 Lawson/Pezo Vocational Technology Scholarship
$15,000 Christine Smith Graduate Studies Scholarship
Grand Lodge of PA
$500 IOOF Youth Scholarship:
Requirements: A Member of order must fill out a nomination form mailed to the lodge secretaries in November & mail the form to the committee chairperson named on the form by March 1st.
An application will then be sent to the student and must be completed and returned by March 15th. The committee meets in April to determine awardees. The number of awards is based on available funds.
IOOF Western Home of PA at Meadville
Each year, 25 citizenship cash awards are presented to students representing various high schools throughout northwestern, PA. Students who receive these $300 awards are selected by the high schools in the various communities.
Odd Fellow and Rebekah Home of Western PA at Grove City
A 2% per annum loan program is available from the home. The applicant must re-apply for the loan each year. A total of up to $2,000 each year may be requested for up to four years, or a total loan of $8,000. Payment of interest is due every July and repayment of principal must begin 3 months after the student leaves school.
The Philadelphia Home for Orphans
5% loan accruing after graduation (maximum $2,500 per year). A $1000 scholarship is also available. Deadline for application is 12/31.
Individual Lodges
Many individual lodges have grant and loan programs available to their members. Please check with your lodge secretary for information on amounts, application procedures and deadlines.
Visual Research & Assistance Fund
Sovereign Grand Lodge:
The Odd Fellows and Rebekahs Visual Research Foundation Committee aids in restoring and serving eyesight through research and prevention. The committee renders assistance to persons with visual or sight problems.
Grand Lodge of PA
Financial assistance is available to members of the order in the jurisdiction who require financial assistance with various vision problems.
Requirements: A letter from the lodge secretary, signed by the secretary and the noble grand & affixed with the lodge seal, should be sent to the Grand Secretary, stating the members need and the amount requested. The Grand Lodge Board of Officers reviews the request and informs the lodge of its decision.
Special Relief Fund
In certain circumstances, the Grand Lodge is available to lend assistance to members in distress. Each request is handled on an individual basis and submitted to the Grand Secretary for presentation to the Board of Grand Lodge Officers.
United Nations Pilgrimage for Youth
Requirements: The Student must be at least 16 years of age at the time of the trip (normally the second week in July) and meet all requirements as set forth in the UN Pilgrimage for Youth Application. Usually the student is sponsored by a lodge in their area and need not have a relative who is a member of the order, From time to time, additional seats are available on the bus trip sponsored by other lodges.
Deadline for submission of application is March 20th.
Odd Fellows Homes
The Grand Lodge is associated with two beautiful homes that provide both Assisted Living and a Personal Care facility for Odd Fellows and Rebekahs. If the member and/or their spouse is unable to support themselves by reason of age and indigence; or an infirm and physically disabled Odd Fellow or Rebekah of any age may apply for resident status.
Requirements: Although requirements differ for each home, in general, the Odd Fellow or Rebekah must be sixty-five (65) years of age, in good standing as a member of a Lodge, located in the Home District, and have been so for ten (10) continuous years prior to application.
The non-member spouse is not eligible to make application unless the husband or wife makes application at the same time or is already a resident of the Home. The couple must have been married for a period of at least ten (10) years continuously immediately preceding their application.
A widow of a member is eligible to become a resident of the home. The widow must be sixty-five (65) years of age, and the spouse must have been in good standing as a member of a Lodge, located in the Home District, and have been so and have been married for ten (10) continuous years prior to application.
Certain financial requirement must be met and will be fully disclosed before application.
Death Benefits
Many lodges provide death benefits in the event of a member's death. In addition, some lodges also provide for a benefit to be paid in the event of the death of the member's spouse. The amount of the benefit varies by lodge and the member should check his/her lodge by-laws for specific information. In general, the member must have the 3rd degree and not be in arrears for dues to the lodge. The benefit is payable to the widow, minor orphan or dependent relative. If no relative is living, the benefit may be applied to the funeral expense.
Sick / Disability Benefits
Many lodges provide sick / disability benefits in the event of a member's illness / disability. The amount of the benefit and the amount of time that a member may collect vary by lodge and the member should check his/her lodge by-laws for specific information. In general, the member's illness / disability must be reported in open lodge by a member of the order or by mail. The member shall submit satisfactory evidence of sickness or disability.
Hunger and Disaster Relief Fund
The Odd Fellows and Rebekahs Hunger and Disaster Fund is sponsored by the Sovereign Grand Lodge. The fund is for use in humanitarian acts consistent with the laws and precepts of the order. The fund may be used to assist person or persons or groups in need of such items as food, clothing, shelter or medical assistance. In addition, funds may be used for the rehabilitation of damaged properties.
The committee that oversees this fund is made up of Sovereign Grand Lodge Officers.
Members needing assistance should send their request to the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of PA who will then notify the Sovereign Grand Lodge committee of the request.
