Moose International Disaster Relief Fund (MDRF)

Moose International Disaster Relief Fund

The Moose Disaster Relief Fund (MDRF) assists lodges impacted by natural disasters in the form of property damage and loss of business due to temporary closure.

Funding Available: Up to $10,000 per incident

Geographic Scope: Lodges and Chapters across the Fraternity

Eligible Disasters: Natural disasters that receive an official disaster declaration by state/province or the President/Prime Minister

• Tornadoes
• Hurricanes
• Earthquakes
• Floods
• Wildfires
• Other similar natural disasters

What Funds Can Cover:

• Restore property damage
• Pay urgent expenses
• Reimburse insurance deductibles
• Fund other items approved by MDRF Committee
• Offset loss of business during closure
• Cover scheduled event expenses
• Rent expenses for relocation if lodge is closed due to disaster

Eligibility Requirements:

• Lodge or Chapter must be in good standing with its Association and Moose International
• Lodge must be covered by active insurance policy and current on property and liability payments
• Loss or damage must be caused solely by natural disaster (not from gradual decay, pollution, erosion, or actions unrelated to natural disaster)
• Lodge or Chapter must submit MDRF application for financial assistance

Application Deadline: 60 days from date of disaster (Committee may consider applications filed after 60 days in unique cases). For ongoing disasters, filing should occur within 60 days after point when damage is assessable.

Important Notes:

• Relief funds are grants; no repayment required
• Individual member requests not accepted
• Insurance coverage and other local/regional relief distributions considered before MDRF funds granted
• Individual, Fraternal Unit, and Association contributions to MDRF not accepted (but directed donations to impacted FRU still allowed)

MDRF Committee Composition:

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

Contact Information:

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

Application Process

1. Complete the MDRF application in its entirety
2. Obtain Territory Manager recommendation for assistance
3. Gather supporting documentation (see Required Materials below)
4. Submit all materials to MDRF Committee

Required Materials

• MDRF Application Form (must be completed in full)
• Written Description: How the disaster impacted the Lodge or Chapter and what expenses the requested funds will be used for
• Insurance Information: Name and address of insurance company and deductible amount
• Professional Assessment: Written assessment from insurance company and repair estimate (if available)
• Photographic Documentation: Digital photos documenting the damage for which assistance is requested
• Expense Documentation: Copies of specific bills or expenses for which reimbursement is requested (if available)
• Distribution Information: Details on where approved relief funds should be forwarded
• Territory Manager Recommendation: Written recommendation from Territory Manager
• Officer Signatures: Signature of Administrator or Recorder and one other officer of the Lodge or Chapter

Submission Method

Fax, email, or mail to MDRF contact information