Prince Hall Masonic Charity Foundation of NJ

The Prince Hall Masonic Charity Foundation of NJ is a New Jersey-based nonprofit organization, established to support community development and charitable causes. It is tied to the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New Jersey.

Background

This foundation is part of the broader Prince Hall Freemasonry, a significant fraternal order founded by Prince Hall in 1784. Prince Hall Freemasonry is noted for its historical role in advocating for the rights and interests of African Americans in the United States.

Mission and Activities

The Prince Hall Masonic Charity Foundation of NJ focuses on providing resources and support to communities, particularly in low-income areas. Its mission involves being pillars of constancy and strength, particularly for youth, by facilitating access to post-secondary education and promoting community development.

The foundation is actively engaged in various charitable activities such as food and clothing drives, hosting community events, and supporting groups like Start Out Fresh Intervention Advocates (SOFIA). It also participates in awareness campaigns for health issues such as autism, lupus, and breast cancer. Additionally, the foundation has contributed significantly to disaster relief efforts, such as Hurricane Harvey Relief.

Financial Information

As of recent financial data, the foundation's primary source of revenue comes from net fundraising efforts, with no reported income from contributions, program services, investment, or sales of assets. The organization maintains total assets with no outstanding liabilities.

Leadership

The foundation is led by a board of directors composed of members affiliated with the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New Jersey. The leadership includes figures such as Michael Wiggins, associated with the Grand Lodge.

Scope of Work

The Prince Hall Masonic Charity Foundation of NJ operates across a significant portion of New Jersey, with activities reported in about 67% of the state's counties. It is aiming to expand its outreach to all 21 counties, with Passaic, Mercer, and Burlington being key areas of focus. Over the past five years, the foundation has provided substantial scholarship donations exceeding $125,000.

Recognition and Impact

The foundation's work is recognized as vital to the communities it serves, particularly for its role in supporting education and disaster relief. Its affiliation with Prince Hall Freemasonry underscores its commitment to historical values of service and community support that Prince Hall and his successors have cultivated.

Tax-Exempt Status

Donations to the Prince Hall Masonic Charity Foundation of NJ are tax-deductible, as it is designated as a tax-exempt organization under applicable U.S. regulations.