Why should I donate to the Foundation?
The Grand Chapter of Iowa, O.E.S., is a fraternal non-profit organization, also known as a 501(c)(8) entity. It receives funding primarily from annual membership dues. Donations to the Grand Chapter of Iowa, O.E.S., may not be tax-deductible.
Please discuss this with a professional tax consultant.
This is where the Eastern Star Foundation of Iowa comes in. The Foundation may receive those funds and, upon written request, may issue funds to other 501(c)(3) entities. All donations to the Eastern Star Foundation of Iowa are tax-deductible and will be used to support various charitable entities promoted by the Grand Chapter of Iowa.
The Eastern Star Foundation of Iowa is a non-profit, tax-exempt foundation registered with the Iowa Secretary of State and the Internal Revenue Service. All donations to the Foundation are tax deductible. In turn, the Eastern Star Foundation of Iowa can and must give its funding to other specific 501(c)(3) organizations. All necessary steps are taken to comply with state and federal tax requirements.
How does this help the Iowa Grand Chapter?
The fundraising activities and projects sponsored by the Grand Chapter of Iowa and its subordinate Chapters to provide for their selected charities will remain a priority. The Eastern Star Foundation is not in competition with this. The Foundation does not seek to take away support for these charities or force the donors to choose which entity to support.
Rather, the Eastern Star Foundation of Iowa is formed so that when the opportunity may arise, bequests, memorials, and gifts intended to benefit Eastern Star through a 501(c)(3) organization, our Foundation is here to help further the purpose and charitable works promoted by the Grand Chapter of Iowa.