Lincoln Mason is a longtime business leader whose professional background and civic involvement provide relevant context for understanding Rotary International’s mission-driven work. A fourth generation owner and administrator of the Mason-Lindhart Funeral Home in Humboldt, Iowa, Mason spent more than two decades overseeing technical operations, administrative functions, and client service at the family facility. His career required close coordination with families, community partners, and professional organizations, reinforcing the value of service, integrity, and trust. Lincoln Mason studied mortuary science at Xavier University and completed early professional training through a one-year internship at Reece Funeral Home in Ottumwa, Iowa, before working alongside his father and later assuming leadership of the business. Beyond his professional role, Mason’s service as president of his local Rotary Club reflects sustained engagement with Rotary International’s community-based initiatives and global priorities.
Causes Rotary International Support
Rotary International formed in Chicago in 1905 to unite professionals from different fields seeking to share ideas and build strong working relationships. By its 16th year, the group had expanded to all six continents. Its network now includes more than 1.2 million members and 45,000+ clubs worldwide. Humboldt Rotary Club, founded in 1925, is part of this network and supports Rotary’s broader mission.
Business, professional, and community leaders make up Rotary International’s membership. These members advance its mission of serving others, upholding integrity, and promoting peace, goodwill, and global understanding. The organization pursues a long-term vision in which people unite to create lasting change at global and community levels, and within themselves. These goals guide the areas of focus the organization selects and the programs it develops to address them.
Education is а priority in regions where Rotary works. The organization addresses adult literacy, which affects over 775 million people worldwide. It also supports efforts to reduce gender gaps in education through projects that build and improve learning facilities and invest in students with strong potential to lead change in their communities. Rotary also collaborates with various groups, such as the Global Partnership for Education, to expand learning opportunities for kids facing barriers to education.
WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) is also а key focus area. Rotary addresses these needs by building infrastructure that supports safe water and sanitation. It also teaches communities to manage hygiene practices and WASH projects to ensure sustainability. Since 2013, Rotary has invested more than $130 million in over 2,000 WASH projects worldwide and continues to do so to improve conditions in schools, health centers, and rural communities. Global Partnerships with the Red Cross and similar organizations enable Rotary to deliver clean water to schools in countries where access remains а challenge.
Rotary International views public health as а basic human right and works to expand care in regions with limited services. It sets up temporary clinics, blood donation sites, and training centers to strengthen local health systems. The organization also invests in infrastructure that connects doctors, patients, and public health agencies. Health efforts target diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS, and polio, as well as educate communities on how to stop them from spreading. Rotary also has а foundation that provides tens of millions of dollars in grant funding to support disease-fighting projects.
Conflict and displacement affect millions of people worldwide, driving the organization to build environments where peace can prevail. Rotary advances global peace by addressing root causes such as poverty, unequal resource distribution, and lack of education. It also supports projects that help refugees resettle. The organization raises awareness of issues such as domestic violence and stigma that place people at risk. It also runs training/skill development programs to equip communities with conflict-resolution skills.
To break poverty cycles, Rotary empowers communities. Its programs help people start small businesses through microloans that support activities like farming and street vending. Members also run training sessions in practical trades such as plumbing and baking, so participants gain employable skills. Women receive financial literacy instruction as part of these efforts. In Guatemala, Rotary assisted 400 women who combined their resources to establish а microlending program of their own. The organization also installs community infrastructure, including solar lighting systems in remote locations, which allow residents to study and work after sunset. It supports discriminated groups, like people with albinism, by helping them establish secure sources of income.
Rotary also cares for mothers and children so families can thrive. Members train community health workers and teach mothers about topics such as breastfeeding, disease prevention, and safe delivery practices. The organization provides essential supplies – like clean birth kits and insecticide-treated bed nets – and establishes mobile health clinics and telemedicine systems in rural regions to serve those lacking regular access to medical professionals.
About Lincoln Mason
Lincoln Mason is a former funeral director and business administrator with extensive experience in client service, operations management, and community engagement. As a fourth generation leader of Mason-Lindhart Funeral Home, he managed both technical and administrative responsibilities while guiding families through critical life events. Mason studied mortuary science at Xavier University and completed professional training at Reece Funeral Home in Ottumwa, Iowa. Recognized with the Iowa Funeral Directors’ Award of Excellence, he has also served as president of his local Rotary Club. He is a licensed pilot and holds an advanced SCUBA certification.
