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.

Grand Lodge of PA - $500 IOOF Youth Scholarship

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 1^st

An application will then be sent to the student and must be completed and returned by March 15^th

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 preserving 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:

In general, the Odd Fellow or Rebekah must be:

1.       Sixty-five (65) years of age

2.       In good standing as a member of a Lodge, locat­ed in the Home District

3.       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:

1.       Sixty-five (65) years of age

2.       The spouse must have been in good standing as a member of a Lodge, located in the Home District

3.       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.