Philanthropy

Scottish Rite for Children opened its doors to the children of Texas in 1921. One of Dallas’ first orthopedic surgeons, W. B. Carrell, M.D., was approached by a group of Texas Masons who recognized a growing need to provide superior medical care to children suffering from polio regardless of a family’s ability to pay. With the introduction of the Salk and Sabin vaccines in the mid-1950s, which virtually eradicated polio in the Western Hemisphere, the organization broadened its focus to other orthopedic conditions. Helped by supporters throughout the country, Scottish Rite for Children has emerged as one of the nation’s leading medical centers for the treatment of pediatric orthopedic conditions and sports injuries, as well as certain related arthritic and neurological disorders and learning disorders, such as dyslexia. 

With a mission to provide the best and most innovative care, Scottish Rite’s Sarah M. and Charles E. Seay Center for Musculoskeletal Research supports and encourages collaboration between researchers and physicians as they search for new ways to solve our patients' individual challenges. Medical breakthroughs and new technologies developed through Scottish Rite’s research efforts, such as the TSRH® SILOTM 5.5 Spinal System, TRUE/LOKTM External Fixation System and the discovery of the first gene associated with idiopathic scoliosis, have dramatically impacted the lives of not only children, both here and throughout the world. To date, more than 50 of our researchers’ discoveries have been patented. 

Through Scottish Rite’s Luke Waites Center for Dyslexia and Learning Disorders, specific learning disorders, such as dyslexia, are evaluated and treated. Through the organization’s videotaped dyslexia and literacy training programs, thousands of Texas students have learned to read and write. 

Scottish Rite for Children is governed by a board of trustees who are members of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in Texas. Scottish Rite Masons are affiliated with Freemasonry, a worldwide fraternal organization whose members share a common desire to better themselves as citizens and members of society. Financial support from the Scottish Rite or broader Masonic groups is on an individual, voluntary basis. The organization is not affiliated with the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Tri Delta’s Foundation raises funds to provide transformational programs, scholarships and emergency financial support to empower our sisters for a lifetime. 

The Tri Delta Crescent Funds provide emergency assistance to collegiate and alumnae members facing unforeseen crisis such as unexpected medical expenses, job losses or natural disasters. Through these financial grants, Tri Delta fulfills its Purpose of “assisting our members in every possible way” throughout their lifetime membership.

Tri Delta’s Foundation has more than 100 undergraduate and graduate need and merit based scholarships available to members, and each year outstanding Tri Deltas are awarded funds to assist them on their educational journey. By supporting the academic pursuits of our sisters, the Foundation fulfills Tri Delta’s Purpose of “broadening the moral and intellectual life” of our members.

Donors to Tri Delta’s Foundation provides funding for educational initiatives designed to enhance our members’ lives and help them develop qualities of unselfish leadership. These Foundation-funded programs include:

• Supporting our collegiate members with programs such as Life After College, BodyImage3D, sexual assault education and our new mental health program, Behind Happy Faces. To learn more about these programs click here.
• Educational tracks at Tri Delta’s annual leadership conferences that provide personal and professional development.
• Our Chapter Development Consultant program which provides leadership, education and guidance to our collegiate chapters across North America.