
The Order of the Eastern Star: The world's largest philanthropic fraternal organization that admits both women and men to membership.
Illinois Spotlight Charities for 2026

In Illinois, an estimated 251,000 people aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's as of 2025, and this number is projected to rise significantly. Alzheimer's is a major public health crisis in the state, with 316,000 unpaid family caregivers providing millions of hours of care, valued at over $12 billion annually. The state is implementing a public health strategy, including initiatives like the Illinois Brain Health Project, to reduce risk factors and improve community support for people with dementia and their families. Members and chapters are encouraged to support Alzheimers charities.
Autism Spectrum Disorders are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by persistent challenges in social communication, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests or activities. Autism effects the life of one in every 31 children in the United States. The prevalence of Autism have been regularly increasing. Some of this may be due to better diagnosis and reporting. Some may also be due to environmental factors. Experts still do not know much about what causes Autism, but effective treatment that allows those with such a disorder to lead fuller, more effective lives, is being developed.


An Honor Flight is conducted by non-profit organizations dedicated to transporting as many United States military veterans as possible to see the memorials of the respective war they fought in Washington, DC, at no cost to the veterans. The Grand Chapter of Illinois is proud of its many members who have served our nation in the military, and the Honor Flight program has always enjoyed strong support from our members. In 2025, members of the Order generously donated more than $14,000 to support Honor Fligh trips.
Other Charities Supported by the Order of the Eastern Star
General Grand Chapter Charities
Alzheimer's Research
Disaster Relief / Benevolence Fund
Historical Landmarks
Regenerative Medicine
Service Dogs
Other Donation Funded Charities
The Eastern Star Home in Macon, IL
Cancer Fund
Diabetes Fund
Heart Fund
Shrine Charities
Veteran/Soldier Support
We also encourage local chapters to support worthwhile local philanthropic and charitable efforts.
Each year, the members of the Order of the Eastern Star of Illinois donate hundreds of thousands
of dollars to charitable causes.
You can download a brochure on all 2026 OES Charities by
CLICKING HERE.
Complete Information for the year 2026
- REVISED Petition for Degrees. CLICK HERE.
- 2026 Grand Officer Reception Schedule. CLICK HERE. Updated 10/16/2025
- Snowflake Shoutout Reservation Form. CLICK HERE.
- 2026 Worthy Grand Matron's CRUISE information. Click HERE.
- 2026 Educational Assistance Scholarship Application. CLICK HERE.
- ESTARL 2026 Scholarship Application. CLICK HERE.
- 2026 Worthy Grand Matron's Achievement Award Application. CLICK HERE.

Illinois Supports Our Masonic Youth Organizations!
Please click on the organization's logo to be taken to their website.