Criteria In Spring if 2009, the Grand Master of NC, Dan Rice, told a lodge full of brothers at the Asheville Masonic Temple that "Any charity where Masons are involved is considered a Masonic Charity". And we endeavor to support "Masonic Charities". As Director of Fundraising for the Asheville Scottish Rite, I feel you need to know our criteria and it goes without saying that our criteria is based on fundamental beliefs of masons. A mason believes in one true God. He, however, believes in freedom of religion and upholds a respect for his brothers in their beliefs. As Masons, in lodge, we are not to discuss religion or politics, as those are the two subjects of which men fight about most.
Given that, the criteria includes a charity that is not based on religion. The charity can have a religious backing, but needs to be open to people of ALL religions. It also cannot be a political charity.
We aim for charities that don't have national campaigns or the funding to put them there. We look for charities that keep their focus local.

Big Hearts We've started out small. Our 2009 card has seen a fairly good run with a distribution of nearly 500 cards and a profit of around $2000. This money is being split 3 ways between RiteCare, the Oxford Masonic Home for Children, and MANNA FoodBank. For 2010 we've decided to focus our efforts on only two charities so that profits won't be spread so thin. This year your donations will help RiteCare and Eliada Homes, Inc.

RiteCare The official Charity of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Southern Jurisdiction. RiteCare is a clinic that helps children with language and learning disorders. There are 3 clinics in North Carolina (Boone, Charlotte, and Greenville). More info about RiteCare is available at scottishrite.org/what/phil/ritecare.html

Eliada Homes, Inc. "A non-profit agency serving the children and families of Western North Carolina, ... Eliada’s services now include Residential and Day Treatment for high risk children and adolescents; Child Development Center services, including Day Care, Summer Camp and School Age care; Foster Care and Therapeutic Foster Care; STEP Adolescent Afterschool; Therapeutic Recreation, featuring TASC (Therapeutic Animal Stewardship Cooperative) ... and Community Support services." More info.