Definition
Voluntary nonprofit associations, also known as fraternal societies or benefit associations, that are organized for the mutual aid and benefit of their members. Fraternal orders have a lodge system of organization, a representative form of self-government and do business in confidential meetings which often involve secret ritual. They generally provide death benefits and, in some cases, benefits related to accident, illness or old age, mainly through a form of insurance known as fraternal insurance; and many undertake community improvement, educational, religious or other charitable projects as part of their activities.
URL Name
TD-1400-2000
Third Level Code
TD-1400
Taxonomy Code
TD-1400.2000
Parent Code
TD-1400
Family Code
T
Second Level Code
TD
Fourth Level Code
TD-1400-2000
Use References
Benefit Associations, Benefit Societies, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Domestic Fraternal Societies, Fraternal Beneficiary Societies, Fraternal Societies, Freemasons, Knights of Columbus, Knights of Pythias, Masonic Lodges, Order of Hibernians, Order of the Eastern Star, Freemason Lodges
Publication Status
Draft