Youth Organization Connection
Supporting Lodges And Communities
The Youth Organization Connection (YOC) is a matching program for Lodges to request funding for local organizations helping youth in their community. IMCAP’s YOC program offers one dollar of matching funds for every dollar contributed up to $5,000, per lodge, per fiscal year. Volunteer hours performed by the Illinois Master Mason for the Organization, if logged can be used in lieu of funds, or a combination not to exceed $5000, per Lodge, per fiscal year (see volunteer log for details).
About Youth Organization Connection
Lodge can identify youth organizations to build partnerships with to request funding assistance
Lodge sponsors youth enrichment opportunities related to needs with the expertise of a local youth organization.
Requirements:
Only Illinois Lodges can request matching Youth Organization Connection funding.
Each Lodge is capped at $5000 per fiscal year for matching YOC grants.
Lodges can not join together to write YOC Proposals for grant funds.
Youth organization’s mission must align with IMCAP’s Mission.
Lodge’s Role:
Lodge leadership will take the lead with drafting proposals with help of the youth organization.
How to apply:
Illinois Lodge must complete an application on behalf of the youth organization of their choice.
Lodge Leadership may call IMCAP to share potential opportunities.
Download and complete the online fillable version of the Proposal Form below.
Work with the youth organization to fully complete all parts of the Proposal. (May attach letters from the Organization)
Attach a copy of the donation checks from Lodge to the organization for the amount requesting matching grants for.
Add YOC volunteer hours log form if applicable.
Send the completed application to IMCAP, 3731 W. Wabash Ave., Springfield, IL 62711; email IMCAP@ilmason.org; or fax 217-883-4630.
INstructions for Completing fillable pdf form:
Before completing the document, save the form (PDF format) to a location on your computer or phone (for example: Desktop or Documents) You must save the file to your computer or phone first and then fill it out. Do not complete the form in your web browser or your data will NOT be saved.
Click on YOUTH ORGANIZATION CONNECTION - Online Fillable button below. This will open the form in your web browser.
Right click on form, select “Save As”.
Save the form to a location on your computer or phone.
Open the saved form.
After you have filled out the form, save this completed form to your computer or phone.
Send the COMPLETED form to imcap@ilmason.org.
What to expect:
IMCAP will review the Youth Organization Connection Proposal.
If more information is needed, the Lodge Leadership will be informed.
The Proposal will be presented to the Board of Managers (BOM) during the monthly meeting.
The BOM will review the Proposal and determine if funding will be provided to the youth organization.
A letter documenting the Board of Managers’ decision regarding approval will be sent to Lodge Leadership.
IMCAP will send the youth organization’s check and email the certificate template to the Lodge Leadership within 30 days of Board approval.
The Lodge will present the youth organization with the check and certificate.
The Lodge will photograph the check presentation and share their efforts on social media or local newspapers.
The Lodge will send IMCAP all press releases and social media posts with pictures showcasing their efforts on behalf of the youth organization.