Moose International Disaster Relief Fund (MDRF)

Purpose: Assist lodges and chapters impacted by natural disasters in the form of property damage and loss of business due to temporary closure.

Fund Status: Active with established guidelines

Eligible Disasters

Disaster Criteria:

• Must have received an official disaster declaration by either the state/province or the President or Prime Minister
• Examples include: tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, wildfires, etc.

Ineligible:

• Damage from gradual processes such as decay, pollution, or erosion
• Actions by an individual or object unrelated to a natural disaster

Lodge/Chapter Eligibility Requirements

Fraternal Units must meet ALL of the following:

1. Lodge or Chapter must be in good standing with its Association and Moose International
2. Lodge must be covered by an active insurance policy and current with property and liability payments
3. Lodge or Chapter must have incurred loss or damage due solely to a natural disaster
4. Lodge or Chapter must submit a MDRF application for financial assistance

Important Note: No individual member requests for assistance will be accepted. Relief funds are positioned as grants (no repayment required).

Funding Details

Maximum Award: $10,000 per incident

Approved Uses:

• Restore property
• Pay urgent expenses
• Reimburse insurance deductibles
• Fund other disaster-related items as approved by MDRF Committee
• Cover expenses due to loss of business during closure
• Fund previously scheduled events
• Cover rent expenses if lodge is closed due to disaster
• Additional disaster-related expenses at Committee's discretion

Considerations:

• Insurance coverage and other local/regional relief fund distributions will be considered before any MDRF funds are granted

Application Timeline

• Deadline: 60 days from date of disaster
• Extension: Committee may consider applications filed after 60 days in unique cases
• Ongoing Disasters: For ongoing disasters (wildfires, etc.), filing should occur within 60 days after damage is assessable

MDRF Committee Composition

• Director General
• Chief Financial Officer
• General Counsel
• Chief Marketing Officer
• Director of Membership

Funding Restrictions

• Individual, Fraternal Unit, and Association contributions to MDRF will not be accepted
• However, Individual, FRU, or Association contributions for a specific incident may be made directly to an affected FRU

Contact Information:

• Email: disasterfund@mooseintl.org
• Fax: 630-966-2251
• Phone: 630-966-2226

MDRF Application Process

Required Documents:

1. MDRF Application Form
   • Must be completed in its entirety
   • Signatures required from Administrator or Recorder and one other officer of the Lodge or Chapter
2. Written Description
   • How the disaster impacted the Lodge or Chapter
   • What expenses the requested funds will be used for
3. Insurance Information
   • Name and address of insurance company
   • Deductible amount
   • Written assessment from insurance company (if available)
   • Estimate for any repairs (if available)
4. Documentation of Damage
   • Digital photos documenting the damage for which assistance is requested
   • Submit as noted on the application
5. Expense Documentation
   • Copies of specific bills or expenses for which you are requesting reimbursement (if available)
6. Information on Fund Disbursement
   • Where to forward approved relief funds
7. Territory Manager Recommendation
   • Written recommendation for assistance from your Territory Manager

Submission Instructions:

• All materials should be submitted to disasterfund@mooseintl.org or faxed to 630-966-2251
• Alternatively, call 630-966-2226 with questions