Colorado Masonic Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by M.W. Grand Lodge of Colorado
Introduction
Founded in 1966, the Colorado Masons’ Benevolent Fund Scholarship Committee has supported Colorado students pursuing higher education. To date, the program has granted more than $15 million in scholarships to upwards of 1,700 students attending colleges and universities within Colorado.
Scholarships
Recent four-year scholarships have been awarded at $7,000 per year, renewable for up to four years (a maximum of $28,000). Awards are made primarily on the basis of leadership, maturity, financial need, and academic performance, and are granted without regard to race, creed, color, sex, or any Masonic affiliation.
Vocational Grants
The committee also offers one-time Vocational Grants for career and technical education at Colorado institutions. These awards are generally $1,000, and the eligibility criteria and application process mirror those used for the four-year scholarships.
Who is Eligible
Applicants must be graduating seniors from a public high school in Colorado and must plan to attend a Colorado institution of higher learning. Homeschooled students are eligible if they maintain an active connection with their local public school (for example, participation in band, sports, or other activities).
Administration and Selection
A scholarship administrator handles the program’s daily operations but does not take part in selecting recipients. A committee made up of six qualified members plus the chairman chooses awardees each year, acting with the guidance and approval of the Grand Master. The number of scholarships offered annually is influenced by the investment returns of the Colorado Masons’ Benevolent Fund and is set by the Fund’s Board of Trustees.
Recent Awards and Funding
In both 2023 and 2024 the program approved seven new scholarships at $7,000 per year. The Benevolent Fund’s total support for higher education in Colorado for 2024 was approximately $200,000.