Fraternal Order of Eagles

The Fraternal Order of Eagles (F.O.E.) is an international non-profit organization founded on February 6, 1898, in Seattle, Washington, USA. It was established by a group of six theater owners who initially came together to address a musician's strike and decided to form "The Order of Good Things," later adopting the bald eagle as their emblem and renaming the organization the Fraternal Order of Eagles[1][2].

Mission and Philosophy

The Fraternal Order of Eagles unites fraternally in the spirit of liberty, truth, justice, and equality to make human life more desirable by lessening its ills and promoting peace, prosperity, and hope[1][2]. A key component of its philosophy is donating 100% of the monies raised through various fundraisers in the form of grants to numerous charities and local communities[1][3].

History

Early meetings were held on local theater stages, and after the conclusion of business, members would socialize. The F.O.E. grew rapidly due to touring theater troupes spreading the Eagles' story across the United States and Canada. The organization provided funeral benefits and access to an Aerie physician, further enhancing its appeal[2].

Major Contributions

The F.O.E. is credited with several significant contributions:

• Mother's Day: They were instrumental in establishing Mother's Day in the United States[1][2].
• Social Security: They provided the impetus behind the establishment of Social Security in the U.S.[1][2].
• Jobs After 40: They helped end age-based job discrimination through this program[1].
• Medical Research: The F.O.E. has supported medical research centers across the U.S. and Canada, notably establishing the $25 million Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center at the University of Iowa[1][3].

Structure and Membership

The organization operates through local entities known as "Aeries" and includes a Women's Auxiliary which traces its roots back to 1927. The F.O.E. boasts nearly 800,000 members and over 1,500 locations across the U.S. and Canada[1].

Notable Members

Prominent past members include several U.S. Presidents: Theodore Roosevelt, Warren G. Harding, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, John F. Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan. Other notable members include Bob Hope, Gordie Howe, Tony Stewart, and Billy Ray Cyrus[1].

F.O.E. Charity Foundation

The F.O.E. Charity Foundation supports various causes through funds dedicated to diabetes, heart disease, cancer, spinal cord injuries, children's welfare, and more. The foundation ensures that all donated funds are used for charitable purposes, with membership dues covering administrative costs[3].

Nonprofit Status

The Fraternal Order of Eagles is classified as a 501(c)(8) fraternal beneficiary society, providing benefits such as life, sickness, or accident coverage to its members. Donations to this organization are not tax-deductible[5].

[1] https://foe.com/who-we-are/ [2] https://iu.pressbooks.pub/phstp105/chapter/fraternal-order-of-eagles/ [3] https://foe.com/f-o-e-charity-foundation/ [4] https://eagles4045.com [5] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/310989761