By Gabby Gazaille
When communities come together, lives are changed. The Masonic Home of Missouri’s Creating-A-Partnership Program (CAP) is a clear example. Creating-A-Partnership is a matching funds program that connects Lodges and Chapters with the Masonic Home of Missouri to meet the needs of children in their local communities. In this blog, we will share how the program works, its origins, and stories of how the program is impacting communities across the state.
At a Glance
Program Highlights
- Part of the Masonic Home of Missouri’s broader Partnership Programs assisting children in need
- Connects Lodges and Chapters with schools and other 501(c)3 organizations in their community to provide local support
- Double matching funds from the Masonic Home of Missouri amplify community impact
Back-to-School and Beyond: Creating Lasting Partnerships
The start of a school year should be an opportunity to build a child’s confidence and readiness to learn. For some families and educators, the cost of essentials like backpacks, classroom supplies, and other basics can be out of reach, making the first day feel more like a challenge than a fresh start.
The Creating-A-Partnership Program (CAP) can help meet these needs. When Lodges and Chapters partner with local schools and other 501(c)(3) organizations in their communities, the real work begins: raising funds to support children. Once funds are raised, and an application is submitted and approved, the Masonic Home of Missouri doubles the contributions. With the 2:1 match, every dollar raised goes twice as far, making an even greater impact.
While the back-to-school season highlights many of these needs, CAP is available year-round. Assistance can look different depending on the need. For example, winter coats, playground equipment, paying off school lunch debt, or supplying backpacks through the Buddy Backpack Program. These examples only touch the surface of the unmet needs in many communities, yet they are essential for our youth to thrive and learn.
For schools seeking resources or Lodge and Chapter members looking to make a difference, the first step is to reach out. Our team can answer questions, share available resources, and explore ways to make a lasting impact in your community.
Rooted in Service: How the Program Began
The Creating-A-Partnership Program (CAP) began as a way for Lodges and Chapters to partner directly with local schools to support individual students in need. In 2012, the program expanded to include project-based initiatives, broadening its reach and impact. To see examples of these initiatives and learn more, visit bit.ly/creating-a-partnership.
Since its inception to 2024, the Masonic Home of Missouri has provided more than $5 million in assistance, helping over 200,000 children across Missouri.
Support Where It Matters Most
Across Missouri, educators and community members have witnessed firsthand the impact the Creating-A-Partnership Program (CAP) has on children’s lives. Every dollar raised by Lodges or Chapters is doubled by the Masonic Home of Missouri, amplifying the generosity of Lodges and Chapters. The impact is clear, and the following stories offer just a glimpse of the lives changed through CAP.
Curious how the Creating-A-Partnership Program impacts lives? Watch our video on YouTube.
Stories of Impact
Robert Burns Lodge No. 496
For more than 20 years, Robert Burns Lodge No. 496 has been an active partner in the Creating-A-Partnership Program. In Fiscal Year 2023/2024, the Lodge partnered with two schools in the Gainesville R-5 School District to support the Back Packs for Food Program. When funding became uncertain, WB Bobby Grisham organized a peanut sale fundraiser at local ballgames to keep the program alive.
Thanks to the dedication of Bobby, his Lodge, and the support of the Masonic Home of Missouri, nearly $60,000 was raised in the eight years leading up to 2024, providing weekend meals to more than 4,000 students. One school administrator shared, “Our funding for Friday backpacks was completely gone, and we were going to have to stop sending food home. Through this donation, it will allow us to continue to feed our most disadvantaged kids for the rest of the school year.”
Bobby Grisham, pictured with Tisha Woodward, Masonic Home Partnership Programs Coordinator, leads the Lodge’s longtime peanut fundraiser supporting local backpack programs.
Sullivan Lodge No. 69
For more than a decade, Sullivan Lodge No. 69 has been a proud partner in the Creating-A-Partnership Program (CAP). While working with a local school, CAP representative Bob Martin identified a young boy in need. Bob explained, “The school said he was disruptive and didn’t pay attention…but what it was is he was deaf.” Bob continued, “It’s pretty hard to pay attention when you can’t hear what’s going on.”
Through CAP, Sullivan Lodge purchased a hearing aid for the student. With the ability to hear his teacher and classmates, his grades improved, and he became a model student.
Osage Lodge No. 303
Osage Lodge No. 303 has made a lasting difference for students in the Nevada R-5 School District. Through the Creating-A-Partnership Program, Osage Lodge has contributed more than $37,000 to help low-income students receive winter coats, shoes, and other essential clothing items. Each year, Osage Lodge members host a golf tournament to raise funds for this effort.
Daisy Chapter #86
Donna Cook, a member of Daisy Chapter #86, coordinates efforts between multiple organizations including her Chapter, local schools, Weston Lodge No. 53, and the Masonic Home of Missouri to provide school supplies for children who need them most.
To read more Creating-A-Partnership stories – visit the Masonic Home of Missouri’s Publications page.
Be the Next Success Story
Through the Creating-A-Partnership Program (CAP), communities across Missouri are showing that together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of children.
Your Lodge or Chapter can be part of the solution in your community. How? Start the conversation to identify a need in your community, raise funds, and submit an application to amplify your impact.
Contact the Masonic Home of Missouri today to start your partnership. Together, we can build brighter futures.
