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. Independent Order of Odd Fellows
 

Educational Foundation
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STUDENT LOAN PROGRAMS

The educational foundation is the oldest project of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having been adopted at its session in Hot Springs, Arkansas on September 20, 1927.

The Educational Foundation was the dream of Flora Sheets, Past President of the Rebekah Assembly of Illinois. She was raised in the Children’s Home Illinois and for many years was the Editor and Publisher of the International Rebekah Fraternal Paper. It was her feeling that the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs could put into practice the principles of our order by providing funds to assist worthy young people to receive a higher education.

In the beginning, loans were provided only to sons and daughters of Odd Fellows and Rebekahs. In later years, when funds were ample, loans were made available to any worthy young man or woman asking for financial assistance. Because of increased loan request, available funds become low and once again since 1977, applicants are required to have order affiliation. This can be any relative of the applicant or the applicant themselves.

What is the Educational Foundation and What is its Purpose?

The EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows began its operation on September 20, 1927. The purpose of the Foundation is to operate a revolving loan fund for qualified students dependent in part, or wholly, on their own efforts for an education, and to award scholarships to students based on scholarship, leadership and financial need. Since the beginning of the Foundation, donations of approximately $3,5000,000 have made it possible for over 3,500 young people to receive student low interest loans amounting to over $6,800,000, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarship awards.

THE LOAN PROGRAM

Who is Eligible to Receive a Loan?It is required that applicants must be, or have a relative who is an active member of an Odd Fellow or Rebekah Lodge. A student desiring a loan must write personally to the Executive Director for an application. A maximum of $16,000 can be furrowed for a complete course of four years or more. The maximum is $5,000 for one year of study. All applicants must be attending school halftime or more to be eligible. The method of lending is as follows:

Freshman year ………………… $ 3,000
Sophomore year ………………. $ 4,000
Junior year ………………….….. $ 4,000
Senior year …………………….. $ 5,000

The Loan Requirements

Students enrolled in 2 or 4 year college programs must establish one grading period with at least a “C” average in an accredited college or university before receiving loans.

The Loan Interest Rate and Repayment

The interest rate is 4%. Interest begins the day the check is mailed from the office to the student. Interest is paid each year while the student is in school. Interest payments are paid by July 1st each year until the borrower has graduated or discontinued school.

Repayment of loans must begin 3 months after the student has graduated or discontinued school.

3 months after graduation or leaving school ……………………………….. No payments
9 months after graduation or leaving school …………………… $50/month plus interest
Second year after graduation or leaving school ………………. $75/month plus interest
Third year after graduation or leaving school
and until loan is paid in full ………………… $100/month plus interest

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE:

The Foundation has expanded its educational investment in deserving students by providing Scholarships.What scholarships are available from the Educational Foundation?

1. Ingstrom Trust Regional Scholarship - $3,000.00
2. Charles J. & Christine Wirz Scholarship - $2,000.00
3. United Nations Pilgrimage for Youth Scholarship - $1,000.00
4. Christine Smith Graduate Studies Scholarship - $15,000.00
5. Continuing Education Career Enrichment Grants - $1,000.00
6. Odd Fellows and Rebekahs Vocational Technology Scholarship - $1,000.00

What are the eligibility requirements for each of the scholarships?

Ingstrom Trust Regional ScholarshipThe regional scholarships are based on financial need, scholarship and leadership. $3,000.00 is awarded annually to a student in each of 15 regions of the US and Canada.

Eligibility Requirements:

1. Applicants must have completed one grading period in a College or University.
2. Applicants must be a member of the Order of have a relative who is a member of an Odd Fellow or Rebekah Lodge.
3. The application must be sighed by the Secretary of the Odd Fellow or Rebekah Lodge to verify membership.
4. Completed applications are due by May 15th.
5. Winners will be notified prior to August 1st.Charles J. & Christine Wirz scholarship.

The Wirz scholarships are based on financial need, scholarship and leadership. Usually, two $2,000.00 scholarships are awarded annually to students without regard to Order affiliation.

Eligibility Requirements:

1. Applicants must have completed one grading period in a College or University.
2. The application must have a Lodge endorsement.
3. Completed applications are due by May 15th.
4. Winners will be notified prior to August 1st.

United Nations Pilgrimage for Youth Scholarship

$1,000.00 Scholarships are awarded annually to the weekly speech contest winners during the United Nations Pilgrimage For Youth Tour in New York sponsored by the Order.

Eligibility Requirements:

1. Winners must comply with the age and school class requirements of the Tour.
2. The scholarships are sent to the winners when they enroll in a College or University.

Christine Smith Graduate Studies Scholarship

Christine Smith served as a member of the Educational Foundation, IOOF for 24 years. Her generosity through her estate has initiated the Educational Foundation’s Graduate Studies Scholarship to respond to the need for research and study focused on Children & Family issues.

The scholars who receive the $15,000.00 Christine Smith Graduate Studies Scholarships conduct critical inquiry and evaluation that impacts the disadvantaged and underserved, becoming highly trained professionals working in the area of social intervention after completing a specialized program at the masters or doctoral level addressing the needs of society relating to Children and Family issues.

The Foundation selected the first Christine Scholar in 2004.

Eligibility Requirements:

1. Hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
2. Have a superior record in previous academic work.
3. Have two or more years of recent professional experience in the field of social work or a related field.
4. Propose a program of study specializing in children and families, at the master’s or doctoral level.
5. Submit evidence of graduate school admission (copies of format acceptance letters), to an accredited university.
6. Preference will be given to US and Canadian applicants.

Continuing Education Grants Career Enrichment Grants

The Educational Foundation, IOOF endorses career development by supporting members who wish to enroll in continuing education courses in job related fields, or for enrollment in continuing education courses in a new field to further their occupational goals. Grant funds will be awarded as an incentive for individual growth and development.

Eligibility Requirements:

1. The grant application should be made at least 60 days before the grant funds are required.
2. Grant applicants must be a member of a branch of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
3. Eligible expenses:
a. Required books/publications for continuing education courses.
b. Tuition and student fees for continuing education courses.
c. Individuals may apply for up to $1,000.00 for expenses not covered by their employer or someone else.
d. Recipients will submit a 100-150 work signed article for The IOOF News about the class they attended.

The article should include a review of the class, highlights of what was learned and how it will be useful on their job. The article is subject to editing by The Educational Foundation, IOOF staff and will be published by the Sovereign Grand Lodge as space allows.

Odd Fellows & Rebekahs Vocational Technology Scholarship

The Odd Fellows and Rebekahs Vocational Technology scholarships are based on Financial Need and Leadership. This scholarship evolved from the Lawson/Pezo scholarships that were awarded in 2005 from the efforts of LaVaughn Lawson, PGM and Martha Pezo, PP. $1,000.00 is awarded to eligible students annually.

Eligibility Requirements:

1. Applicants must have completed High School or have a GED equivalent.
2. Applicants must be a member of the Order or have a relative who is a member of an Odd Fellow or Rebekah Lodge.
3. The application must be signed by the Secretary of the Odd Fellow or Rebekah Lodge to verify membership.
4. Completed applications are due by May 15th.
5. Winners will be notified prior to August 1st.How do you obtain an application for a Loan, Scholarship or Grant?

Applications can be obtained by contacting or writing to:

R. Kenneth BabbEducational Foundation, IOOFP.O. Box 20455Winston-Salem, NC 27120

E-mail requests can be sent to: rkbabb1@bellsouth.net

Fax requests to: (336) 724-5116

When using E-mail, identify application(s) requested and address of student applicant.



MINNESOTA SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE:

Scholarship Awards are available from the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Foundation.

For:
College and/or Vocational and Technical Training Schools
Medical Training
Computer Training
Business and Secretarial Scholarships are awarded based upon need, scholastic standing and ability.

Applications are reviewed thoroughly by the Odd Fellow Scholarship Foundation Committee. All decisions of the committee are final. Awards are made without regard to RACE, RELIGION, or ETHNIC background.HOW TO APPLYStudents maintaining at least a “C” average or above and wishing to attend any post-secondary school or an accredited vocational and technical training school may request an application Form by sending a postcard stating their complete mailing address to:

SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEEGRAND LODGE OF MINNESOTAINDEPENDENT ORDER OFODD FELLOWS FOUNDATION
2380 Hampden Avenue
St. Paul, Minnesota 55113
1-651-645-4777

The DEADLINE FOR REQUESTING AN APPLICATION is DECEMBER FIFTEENTH of each year.

Applications are mailed out by the committee during their December meeting.NO REQUEST WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER DECEMBER FIFTEENTH. APPLICATIONS MUST BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED to the Grand Lodge office by MARCH FIRST OF EACH YEAR.
Late entries will be disqualified.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Citizen of the United States
2. Resident of Minnesota
3. Proof of financial need(Copy of current Federal Parent’s 1040 tax form).
4. Maintain a “C” average or above
5. Request an application by December 15th
6. Return application by March 1st

Odd Fellow or Rebekah membership is not required to qualify for an award.

For further information WRITE TO:

GRAND LODGE OF MINNESOTA
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS FOUNDATION
2380 HAMPDEN AVE.
ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA 55112
1-651-645-4777