“Corporate social responsibility" is business jargon or a checkbox for many companies. For Modern Woodmen of America, it's a concept our organization was founded on back in 1883.

Modern Woodmen was founded in the pioneer era to clear families’ financial burdens – not trees. We continue those efforts today, with products and programs that support financial security, quality family life and community impact – the common bonds that unite our members across the United States.

Fraternalism – our difference makes a difference

As a membership-based fraternal financial services organization, Modern Woodmen has no stockholders. Fraternalism is a unique combination of business and giving back to those we serve – a continuous cycle of positive impact.

• Our representatives provide financial products to help members protect their families and their futures.
• These products help fund member chapters and programs that identify and meet local needs. From service activities and fundraisers to honoring hometown heroes, members can experience social, educational and volunteer activities.    
• Fraternal programs build relationships, allowing for membership growth and greater community impact.

Learn more about how fraternalism impacts communities here.

Social responsibility – it’s built in our business model

Our fraternal business model dedicates monetary and hands-on resources to support fraternal programs and activities that improve quality of life for members and their communities. Members and field representatives throughout America, and employees from our headquarters in Rock Island, Illinois, participate in Modern Woodmen-funded volunteer activities to make a positive social impact where their families live, work and play. 

Members contribute over half a million volunteer hours in a typical year. Volunteer efforts and monetary donations help organizations and individuals in need, from local parks and volunteer fire departments to food pantries and schools -- meeting the community needs our members identify.

Corporate citizenship and governance – it starts at home

With headquarters on the banks of the Mississippi River along the Illinois/Iowa border for over a century, Modern Woodmen has a long and continuing history of local community support and corporate citizenship in the Quad Cities area.

• Through our Charity Pledge Plan, our 500+ employees provide donations to area charitable organizations via payroll deduction. Modern Woodmen matches these donations to double the positive impact.
• Modern Woodmen provides monetary assistance for local community organizations’ projects through a community granting program, and we support various capital campaigns.
• We sponsor key community festivals and entities, as well as minor league baseball at Modern Woodmen Park.

From an environmental standpoint, our Facilities Management team works with our energy and HVAC providers and certified engineers to implement equipment and practices for energy efficiency and review building performance quarterly.

We also we manage a robust on-site recycling program, and Modern Woodmen is a designated Bicycle Friendly Business for employees who bike to the office.

Following best practices for corporate governance, Modern Woodmen has a Nominating and Governance Committee of the board of directors. Our board members, field representatives, employees and fraternal leaders commit to acting ethically and in the best interest of our members, as outlined in Modern Woodmen’s Code of Conduct and By-Laws.