Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) introduced a concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that tax-exempt fraternal benefit societies (fraternals) have historically provided and continue to provide critical benefits in our communities. Rep. LaHood was joined by U.S. Representatives Gwen Moore (WI-04), Randy Feenstra (IA-04), Terri Sewell (AL-07), and 47 additional bipartisan cosponsors.
“Fraternal organizations play a vital role in Illinois communities by supporting important charitable causes and bringing people together,” said Rep. LaHood. “This resolution recognizes the ongoing work that over 7 million Americans, including nearly 400,000 Illinoisans, do on behalf of their communities. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in Congress to promote the continued work of fraternals in communities for many years to come.”
“Fraternal organizations support the financial security of their members and serve their communities,” said Rep. Moore. “Wisconsin’s 500,000 fraternal members give back by doing volunteer service and providing charitable donations. This bipartisan resolution recognizes their important work and impact.”
“In Iowa, we take great pride in lending a helping hand to our neighbors and serving our communities,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I’m proud to support this resolution recognizing the important work of more than 180,000 Iowans who keep our communities strong.”
“Fraternal organizations in Alabama are over 100,000 members strong. The charity and volunteer work performed by these individuals make our communities a better place,” said Rep. Sewell. “Fraternal benefit organizations continue to provide important services to families and individuals in need, and I am glad to join my colleagues in continuing to support them.”
“The resolution’s reintroduction is a clear demonstration of the strong bipartisan support of fraternals and recognition of the tremendous impact they have in communities nationwide,” said Allison Koppel, CEO of the American Fraternal Alliance.
Background:
- For over 100 years, fraternal benefit societies have united individuals with a common purpose to serve as powerful force for good across the country. Originally established as mutual aid associations to support their neighbors, fraternals uniquely combine financial protection with community impact.
- Fraternals are mission-driven financial service organizations designated under Section 501(c)(8) of the tax code. By offering insurance benefits to their members, they support charitable and fraternal initiatives, promote financial security, and strengthen community ties.
- The fraternal model focuses on helping families achieve financial security while advancing national objectives such as improving financial literacy and personal savings. Additionally, fraternals foster social and community connecting through philanthropic and service-oriented programming.
- Together, members identify and address local needs in often-overlooked communities. Today, there are over 7 million Americans that belong to fraternal benefit societies across the United States – one of the largest member-volunteer networks in the country.
- In 2023 (the most recent data available), fraternal members invested over 51 million volunteer hours in communities and contributed over $642 million to charitable programs that support community service projects.
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