Applications are open for a new grant program by Indiana Landmarks to assist preservation of the state’s historic fraternal lodge buildings.
In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, fraternal orders proliferated across the U.S. At one point, nearly every town in Indiana had at least one fraternal organization, and for generations lodges built by Masons, Odd Fellows, Elks, Knights of Pythias and other orders became important community landmarks.
Today, participation in fraternal organizations is on a steep decline. As numbers dwindle and members age, orders struggle to maintain their structures, leaving hundreds of significant buildings at risk. In 2023 and 2024, Indiana Landmarks named fraternal lodges to its annual 10 Most Endangered list.
The statewide nonprofit has previously worked with individual property owners to devise preservation strategies for specific lodge buildings. The the new grant program expands those ongoing efforts by offering assistance for both lodges in active use by fraternal organizations and buildings no longer used for lodge functions.
Historic fraternal lodge buildings that are either listed in or eligible to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places are eligible for the program, which will award matching grants of up to $5,000 per property for qualified rehabilitation expenses and $2,000 per property for planning grants supporting feasibility studies, historic designations, and other preservation-related planning services.
Nonprofits, fraternal societies, and municipal governments can apply for funding through the new program. Private property owners are eligible to receive a grant, but only in partnership with a local community-based organization.
Applications may be submitted any time and will be reviewed on a quarterly basis for approval. The first round of awards will be reviewed in January 2026; recipients will be notified within 30 days of review.
“We’re pleased to offer this assistance to help ensure the future of these buildings, which often serve as anchors in their communities,” says Mark Dollase, Indiana Landmarks’ vice president of preservation services.
To see grant guidelines and apply, visit www.indianalandmarks.org/resources/grants-and-loans.
Illinois to start "Mobile IDs"
Unit #10 South gym project nearing completion
Lawrence County Board approves increased tax levy
Valentine seeks change of venue for trial
LHS competes in Lincoln Trail College Scholastic Bowl
Sumner delays Christy Avenue project
Unit 20 Board of Education looking for new LHS principal
Great American Smokeout highlights resources to help Hoosiers quit tobacco
Lawrence County arrests
Courtney addresses alleged additional EPA violations
Full SNAP benefits to be made in Illinois
Safety and tasty the theme for a good Thanksgiving
Christy Fire Protection District gets new equipment
Old St. Francisville bridge to be closed for repairs
Lawrence County arrests
Indiana State Police Troopers receive new look Dodge Durango patrol vehicles
Fiscus receives leadership award
Fire at old Lawrenceville High School property
1956 Pinkstaff tornado the subject of next Historical Society meeting
