About our Charities

The F.O.E. Charity Foundation was organized to combine the many health care related funds, children’s charity funds and undesignated donations received by the Eagles each year in order to streamline administrative expenses and make giving easier. Aeries/Auxiliaries wishing to contribute to multiple charities may do so via one check to help make giving easier.

The Charity Foundation consists of the Diabetes Research Center and special projects such as the Grand Worthy President’s Project, Grand Madam President’s Project and the projects of individual State/Provincial Presidents. Additionally, there is a Circle of Life program, added in 2005 to answer the need of many members who fully believe in the Eagles, but may not have the opportunity to participate in the many activities held to raise funds for our charities. Each member is eligible to be a Circle of Life patron by contributing a donation through their participating Aerie or Auxiliary to the Charity Foundation. The member will then receive a sticker to attach to their dues receipt designating the member as a Circle of Life patron. States and provinces receive credit for the individual contributions towards their annual contributions. The Circle of Life money proceeds as well as undesignated contributions will be used to fund the humanitarian programs for which the Fraternal Order of Eagles is so well known.

Each year at the Eagles’ International Convention, regional conferences and special events such as the institution of new Aeries and Auxiliaries, grants will be made to local communities. These grants are funded by a portion of the money provided from local aeries and auxiliaries and the Circle of Life donations.

Max Baer Heart Fund

The Max Baer Heart Fund, created in 1959 to honor the former heavyweight boxing champion and active Eagle member, assists universities, medical centers and hospitals across the United States and Canada dedicated to researching and preventing heart disease.

According to the American Heart Association, more than 71 million Americans are affected by heart disease. Early diagnosis of heart disease is very important and can determine quality of life. Local Aerie and Auxiliaries can sponsor free public CPR classes, blood pressure checks and blood sugar screenings, administered by licensed instructors and apply to give a grant to their local emergency response team to purchase life saving equipment and technology.

Robert W. Hansen Diabetes Fund

The Robert W. Hansen Diabetes fund, named for the former two-time Grand Worthy President, was created to help assist medical institutions with research to combat diabetes and programs that provide supplies and care for those suffering from diabetes.

Art Ehrmann Cancer Fund

The Eagles’ Cancer Fund, named after Art Ehrmann, longtime Eagle Publications editor and first director of the fund, was founded in 1959 and renamed in Ehrmann’s honor after he passed away due to cancer.

Since the fund began, millions of dollars have been granted to various institutions for research and related projects. Thousands of Americans and Canadians die each day of cancer, but the F.O.E. remains committed to raising and donation funds for extensive cancer research and prevention methods.

D.D. Dunlap Kidney Fund

The D.D. Dunlap Kidney Fund was established at the 1978 Fraternal Order of Eagles International Convention in Spokane, Wash., to raise funds for universities, hospitals and other institutions involved in kidney research and related projects. All money raised goes directly to research for kidney-related ailments and assistance for those suffering. Through the years, millions of dollars have been granted to various hospitals and medical centers for research programs.

Jimmy Durante Children’s Fund and Child Abuse Fund

The Jimmy Durante’s Children’s Fund, named after one of the Eagle's most beloved members, assists multiple causes related to children each year. From helping sick or disadvantaged children to providing assistance to child safety programs, the Durante Children’s Fund provides a wide range of benefits to those in need.

Durante entertained for no cost at 14 consecutive F.O.E. International Conventions as well as many other Eagles gatherings until his death in 1980. Because of his gentle and kind manner, the Children's Fund was named after him in 1966.

Children’s AIDS Awareness Fund

The Children’s AIDS Awareness Fund offers grants to organizations primarily tasked with educating our youth about the dangers of the AIDS virus.

Lew Reed Spinal Cord Injury Fund

The Lew Reed Spinal Cord Injury Fund, named for the Eagles’ Past Grand Worthy President, is dedicated to improving the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of Americans and Canadians living with the results of spinal cord injury and disease (SCI/D) and their families. The fund provides grants for spinal cord injury research and for programs that help assist those suffering from spinal cord related injuries.

M. “Blackie” Floyd Alzheimer’s and the Parkinson’s Funds

The M. “Blackie” Floyd Alzheimer's and the Parkinson’s Funds are dedicated to providing research grants to institutions researching effects and potential cures for these severe brain disorders. As science evolves, research continues to grow in an effort to help prevent future generations from being stricken by these terrible diseases.

Golden Eagle Fund

The Golden Eagle Fund, started in the early 1970s, was created to provide grants for organizations dedicated to the needs of the elderly. Each year, communities provide assistance to elders in need through the Golden Eagle Fund.

Disaster Relief Fund

The Disaster Relief Fund is designed to support a first-response program for natural disaster situations in the United States and Canada. Trailers equipped with basic emergency needs — water, first aid supplies, food, etc. – are operated locally and available for distribution when necessary. The semis will be fully funded and managed by Eagle Members. Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund are utilized to pay for stocking the trailers, licensing, insurance and maintenance and decals.

Please note that all trailers are now controlled by individual entities which have the authority to dispatch them.