The Tall Cedars’ Foundation is the official philanthropy of The Tall Cedars of Lebanon International
Who Are the Tall Cedars of Lebanon?
Often described as one of Masonry’s best-kept secrets, The Tall Cedars of Lebanon is a fraternity within a fraternity. As an appendant Masonic organization, membership is open to all Master Masons in good standing.
Cookouts, sporting events, day trips, and other enjoyable and gratifying social activities are all available in Tall Cedars.
Moreover, Tall Cedars are well-known for their participation in parades and other events when they wear vibrant pyramid-shaped “hats” embroidered with the order’s insignia, a cedar tree.
Tall Cedar Masons have a slogan and philosophy that distinguishes them from other Masonic bodies: “Fun, Frolic, and Fellowship for a Purpose.”
This may be because they incorporate all of the best features of other Masonic organizations, including the charitable aspects of the Shrine, the whimsical aspects of the Grotto, the fellowship and camaraderie of the Blue Lodge, a ceremonial initiation ceremony that resembles a Scottish Degree, and, most importantly, a place where Masons can get together in fun and fellowship with their families.
Click Here to learn more about the Tall Cedars of Lebanon on their Official Website
What is the Tall Cedars’ Foundation?
The Tall Cedars’ Foundation was created in 1951 by the Fraternal organization known as Tall Cedars International to raise funds for the research of muscular dystrophy, and they have donated over $19,000,000 to this worthwhile cause.
VISION
We envision a world without muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular diseases.
MISSION
To provide relief for children affected by muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular diseases, and to partner with organizations that share similar goals.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Several core principles/values guide our approach to pursuing our vision and mission. These principles are foundational to the Foundation’s work and reflect the characteristics and behaviors to which we aspire as an organization, as Freemasons, and as members of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon International.
Empathy: We approach our work and relationships with empathy, consistently seeking to understand others’ points of view and unique lived experiences—both to build trust within our community and to inform our work. This connects directly to our Masonic principle of “brotherly” love.
Relief: We believe that there are many ways of providing relief—from financial assistance, creating a sense of belonging, or providing a cheerful word. As Masons, we believe that the relief of the distressed is a duty incumbent upon all men.
Hope: We meet challenges and uncertainty head-on with hopefulness and optimism. We strive for significant and meaningful outcomes that improve lives, with the unwavering conviction that effective treatments and a cure will be discovered.
Urgency: We operate with a persistent focus and determination to address the pressing needs of our community. We effectively prioritize our work and actions to ensure we have the greatest impact on achieving our vision.
Collaboration: We recognize that it takes a shared commitment and effective teamwork to make meaningful progress and accomplish our goals.
MDRF Grants
The Tall Cedars Foundation grant process is continually ongoing. Forests are encouraged to identify families in their local communities who could benefit from one of our MDRF grants. The forests, through their MD chairmen or committees, work with families to complete a short application form. The Foundation Board reviews each application and makes funding decisions monthly. Families may apply for grants of up to $5,000 per year. These grants can be used to support various expenses, including travel costs for their child’s treatments, costs to attend summer camp, specific equipment needed for their child, home accessibility renovations, and many other related expenses. We encourage forests to reach out to us and discuss the needs of their local families so we can determine the best way to support them!
Using its Muscular Dystrophy Relief Fund, the Tall Cedars’ Foundation is committed to supporting research that can help launch the careers of clinical researchers focused on developing therapeutics and a cure for muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular diseases. Grants supported by the Foundation are awarded to non-profit organizations that have direct relationships with these clinical researchers at some of the world’s leading medical schools. Every few months, a non-profit organization with direct ties to research initiatives provides a brief presentation to the Foundation Board. The Board then considers their efforts and needs and awards them a grant. The Board will then work with that organization on a joint press release and follow up with them throughout the year to learn the advancements that have been made.
The MRDF is also used to support families with children suffering from these debilitating diseases through the MRDF. Families have two options for applying to receive a grant of up to $5,000 per year. First, the family can apply directly through our website at www.tallcedarfoundation.org. If they do, we identify the Forest nearest to them and connect the two. This way, the family can begin to develop a relationship with Tall Cedarism, and in turn, our brother Cedars can see the direct impact their support is having. The second (and most common) approach is for a local forest to identify a family and submit a grant application on their behalf.
SOURCES OF FUNDING
Funds for the operation of the Tall Cedars’ Foundation are obtained in several ways:
- Through the purchasing of Foundation Life Memberships
- From an annual assessment of all Tall Cedars who are not Foundation Life Members
- From annual contributions made by individuals, memorials, wills, and bequests
- From annual contributions made by local Forests and Cedarette units through their own fundraising activities
- From contributions made by Masons from throughout the Masonic Family; and
- From proceeds generated by the performance of the Foundation’s investments.
What is the significance of the White Rose?
The Masonic tenets of charity, relief, service, and philanthropy are ingrained in every Tall Cedar and Cedarette, as evidenced by the wearing of the white rose, which serves as a reminder that, in addition to all the colorful fun and celebration, Tall Cedars have a serious purpose, which is to support our foundation whose mission is to provide direct relief to assist children and families affected by muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular diseases.
The rose was adopted as a symbol because one of the local chapters or ‘Forests” sold roses at local events to raise funds in support of the foundation’s mission to help children. Moreover, it has become a symbol of hope for the children and families we serve.