MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) – Masons from 220 lodges in Kansas have donated a total of $2.5 million to three Kansas State University programs.

The Kansas Masonic Foundation’s gifts will support the Kansas PRIDE program, the Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship and the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs.

Kansas PRIDE encourages volunteers to work with local governments to improve their communities. The Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship works to improve entrepreneurial opportunities at Kansas State and throughout Kansas. The Office of Military and Veterans Affairs focuses on military-related institutional policies, education, research and outreach.

Foundation president Michael Tavares says the organization wants to expand its partnership with the university through the three programs. The foundation also is celebrating its 50th anniversary by launching a $20 million fundraising campaign for community improvements.