At most meetings, Lodges hold a special effort (raffle) to raise money for charity. Even when the takings are small each night - over 11 meetings a year, you will generally raise at least $1,000 in a small lodge.  This is then donated to a charity.

One key in making some cash is not spending money on prizes and Freemasons being generous, they will normally give you around $5 for the privilege of winning some chewing gum. That said, throw in some good prizes on a special big night - and I've seen one lodge I am in raise almost $3k on a single night from its special effort for a member in distress.