I was at work, I get a message from a Brother about monetizing something to create income for the Lodge I belong to. The idea itself wasn’t bad, but it made me think, so thus I write this article.
Lodges need to do more than rely on dues or other funds that exist. Lodges should have a way to generate income from either businesses that they help set up. Lodges should also invest their money, wisely. We see it all the time that some of the Lodges out there are so badly broken down that they have no choice but to sell their building. Then what? They spend money renting a place? I’m part of a Lodge that does that, we rent out space, it’s fine, I like it. I’m in no rush to get a building again because there isn’t the ‘right building’ out there, yet. But this raises the question: how do we ensure our Lodges are financially sustainable? If we’re not forward-thinking about generating income, we’re not only jeopardizing the upkeep of our facilities but also limiting our ability to grow and serve our members and communities effectively. It’s time to rethink how we approach finances in Masonry.
Increasing Dues: A Necessary Conversation
Let’s start with the elephant in the room—dues. While no one enjoys paying more, it’s essential to consider what those dues represent. Membership in Freemasonry is a privilege, and maintaining the Lodge’s resources and programs requires adequate funding. Many Lodges have dues that haven’t increased in decades, even as the costs of maintenance, utilities, and programming have steadily risen.
When proposing an increase in dues, it’s crucial to communicate the why clearly. Explain how the additional funds will be used, whether for preserving the Lodge building, hosting better programs, or supporting community initiatives. Transparency builds trust. Additionally, offer options for Brothers who may struggle financially, such as payment plans or sponsorship programs, to ensure that no one is excluded.
Fundraising Beyond Dues
While increasing dues can help, it shouldn’t be the sole source of income. Fundraisers are an excellent way to engage both members and the public while generating revenue. Here are some ideas:
Community Events: Host pancake breakfasts, spaghetti dinners, or BBQs open to the public. These events not only raise money but also provide an opportunity to introduce the community to Masonry.
Raffles and Auctions: Whether it’s a 50/50 raffle or a silent auction featuring donated items, these can bring in significant funds, especially when well-promoted.
Themed Nights: Organize trivia nights, casino nights, or themed dinners (like a retro night or cultural cuisine) that are open to both members and their friends and families.
Merchandise Sales: Create and sell Lodge-branded items like hats, shirts, challenge coins, or mugs. Not only does this generate income, but it also helps spread awareness of your Lodge.
Lodge Rentals: If you own a building, consider renting out your space for events like weddings, meetings, or classes. This can turn an underutilized asset into a steady income stream.
Investing Wisely
Beyond immediate fundraising efforts, Lodges should consider long-term financial planning. Establishing an investment portfolio can provide a steady source of income to cover operating costs. This might include:
Low-Risk Investments: Bonds, mutual funds, or dividend-paying stocks can generate income with relatively low risk.
Real Estate: If your Lodge owns property, consider leasing part of it to tenants or investing in additional real estate that generates rental income.
Endowment Funds: Create an endowment where members and supporters can contribute. The principal remains untouched while the interest supports the Lodge’s activities.
Work with financial advisors or members with expertise in investments to ensure the Lodge’s funds are managed responsibly and aligned with its goals.
Partnering with Other Organizations
Collaboration can also be a source of revenue. Partnering with local businesses or organizations for joint fundraisers or sponsorship opportunities can bring in additional income. For example, a local restaurant might host a “Lodge Night” where a portion of the evening’s sales goes to the Lodge.
Similarly, partnerships with other Masonic bodies or appendant organizations can lead to shared events or co-funded projects that benefit everyone involved.
Final Thoughts
Financial stability isn’t just about numbers—it’s about ensuring the longevity and vitality of our Lodges. By diversifying income sources, planning for the future, and engaging members and the community, we can create a sustainable foundation for generations to come.
Brothers, it’s time to think outside the box. Don’t wait until financial difficulties force your Lodge into a corner. Start now—raise the conversation about dues, brainstorm fundraising ideas, and explore investment opportunities. Together, we can build stronger, more resilient Lodges that continue to uphold and share the Light of Freemasonry.
As a Mason of 2.5 years, it became evident very quickly that raising dues $15 was akin to a debate over Universal Healthcare in the US (I'm Canadian and have seen both sides of the debate between American friends).
We own our on building and the hall is rented out consistently, so that's what the naysayers point to; "We have the funds coming in, why do we need to raise dues?!"
Well... the parking lot will need to be done in the next 10-15 years. So will the roof. Oh, you want to keep renting out the hall? Better spruce it up in the near future because it's starting to look old. Our few hundred thousand investment that pays 10% interest won't be enough. Don't get me started on the investment... it's high risk and not very long term thinking.
We're lucky as it stands now. I nice building with two "lodge" rooms (even though only one is used), a full commercial kitchen, a billiard/entertainment room, bar, large hall, and ample parking that's rented out to people that work at the hospital one block over. We even have a full-time caretaker that lives in the apartment in the temple. But gone are the days when we had four Craft (Blue) Lodges with 200 members each. They've amalgamated over the last decade and we're down to one lodge of 195 members, and a decent amount will "age out" over the next decade.
We're doing well compared to most Lodges in our district, but our large building is going to be a challenge to maintain in the not too distant future. We need to do better.
The issue with raising dues is Life Memberships. The right way to determine how much you should be charging each member is to take your expenses minus any income, and divide it by the number of members. For example, my lodge operates at a loss every year, using investment income to make up the gap. In order to make up that difference, we'd have to raise dues from 90 dollars/year to over 300/year. Conversely, Grand Lodge of Washington charges a sliding scale of costs for life memberships. If a lodge is charging $300 dollars a year in dues, it's only human nature to look at the current charges for life memberships and buy one of those instead. The only recourse a lodge has to stem that flow, or at least make some money off it, is to tack on their own charges on top of what GL wants. At least one lodge I know if does that, they charge double what GL charges the member, and the lodge keeps the rest. Otherwise, you'll have a lodge of life members and no dues income.
What is interesting is that the GL assessment increases, right now it's scheduled to go to $40 dollars in a couple years. Chances are that $40 dollars is going to be half of what most lodges charge for their own dues, a clear indication that lodges need to make adjustments. And you can't convince me that GL in a couple years won't come back with yet another request to increase the assessment.