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Member Benefits

GBU offers a wide range of member benefits from discounts and reimbursements to scholarships and contests.
Explore all of our current member benefits below.

Help In Your Local Community

GBU offers support for your community projects, fundraising and volunteering efforts.

Give Back Groups

GBU offers matching fund and project fund reimbursement for individual and groups of GBU members looking to make a difference in their communities.


Membership Type: Insured, Social*


*Social members may submit one donation match and one community project reimbursement per year. Social members may be a part of up to 3 additional Give Back Groups per year.



Details & Apply

Birthday Match

GBU will match any donation you make to an approved 501(c)(3) organization during your birthday month up to $100 or any birthday fundraiser up to $250.


Membership Type: Insured, Social

Details & Submission

Volunteer

Making a Difference: One Hour At A Time

This special program donates $15 to an approved 501(c)(3) for each hour a GBU member volunteers at that organization, up to $150.


Membership Type: Insured, Social

  • Program Guidelines

    You may volunteer with TWO separate, qualifying 501(c)(3) organizations per calendar year. GBU will donate $15 for each volunteered hour to the GBU member's two qualified charitable organizations. Annual qualified volunteer hours: minimum of 5 hours, maximum 10 hours per organization. Complete and submit this Making a Difference Request form to the GBU Fraternal Department, P.O. Box 18739, Pittsburgh, PA 15236 no later than January 15 of the following year in which you volunteered. Hours may not be carried over from year-to-year. Collectively, GBU will donate a maximum of $1,000 annually to a qualified local charity, and $5,000 annually to a qualified national charity.

  • Eligibility Guidelines

    A qualified volunteer must be a current GBU member. Volunteer service should be consistent with good citizenship and support important society goals such as education, the environment, and health and human services.


  • Eligible Organizations

    Eligible organizations must be charitable in nature, recognized as tax-exempt by the Internal Revenue Service under Section Code 501(c)(3) and have a current Employer Identification Number (EIN). Eligible organizations must be listed on CharityNavigator.org as a currently registered 501(c)(3) organization.

  • Ineligible Organizations

    Political, private foundations or organizations which may involve GBU in controversial issues. Limited constituency and other organizations with a non-charitable focus, such as sororities, fraternities, alumni associations, business leagues, foreign language, and social clubs, hobby and other civic clubs, participatory sports leagues over age 18, churches, synagogues, etc. insofar as the activities are religious in nature.


    GBU reserves the right to deny funding to any organization which is not consistent with GBU's purpose and mission.


Details & Apply

Team to Team


GBU Life's new Team to Team program helps our youth members to be able to offset costs associated with school and recreational clubs. Qualifying group types include academic, athletic, art, musical, recreational, and youth groups. 


Membership Type: Insured


Details & Apply

Give Back University

The Give Back University program is a part of GBU’s commitment to our youth and their education. The best way to help the communities we care about is to help foster a sense of community in our youth. 



Membership Type: Insured, Social*


Details & Apply

GBU Member Discount Programs

GBU has partnered with the programs below to offer you special savings. As a GBU member, you can take advantage of these savings at any time.

Hertz Rental Car Discount

Planning a family vacation or an out-of-town business trip? If your plans include renting a car, take advantage of special GBU membership savings and services from Hertz®. As a GBU member you can save up to 10% off your car rental with Hertz®.


Terms and conditions for this benefit subject to change at any time.







Membership Type: Insured, Social

  • Benefit Details

    At Hertz®, you’ll find time-saving options like Computerized Driving Directions, Hertz® NeverLost, Express Return, 24-Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance. Whether you need a compact, full-size or specialty vehicle, Hertz® offers a wide variety of new cars to handle all your rental needs.


    Hertz® also makes sure you’re enjoying special worldwide savings. As a GBU member, you’ll receive discounts for rentals in the U.S. and around the world.

Download Discount Information

ScriptSave Prescription Savings Card

With your ScriptSave WellRx Prescription Savings card or app, you can save an average of 60%, with potential savings of up to 80%*, on both brand name and generic prescriptions.


Terms and conditions for this benefit subject to change at any time.


Membership Type: Insured, Social


  • Benefit Details

    There are no limits on how often you can use it and no income or age restrictions. Best of all, the card is yours at no cost. Other features include:

    • Accepted at more than 65,000 pharmacies
    • Everyone in your household can use the same card
    • Text, email, print, or download a savings card
    • Helpful medication management and adherence tools 
    • Take your pill and refill reminders
    • Medication information with images
    • Pill identifier
    • Drug and lifestyle interaction alerts
    • Ask A Pharmacist
    • Keep track of medications in My Medicine Chest
    • Be alerted of medications with similar ingredient
    • Check out Grocery Guidance too! It helps you match healthy foods that are beneficial to your health condition and nutritional goals.
    • Discounts on select pet medications
Sign up for Discount Program

Start Hearing

For anyone seeking to improve, protect or enhance their hearing, Start Hearing is a pioneering partner that can help people of all backgrounds begin to experience sound in richer, healthier ways. We put consumers at the center of their own hearing health journey – with or without an insurance benefit or referral – and expertly guide them to the right technology based on their personal wants, needs and lifestyle.


Terms and conditions for this benefit subject to change at any time.



Membership Type: Insured, Social





See Discount Information

VIP Perks by Entertainment

Enjoy local and national discounts on dining, entertainment and services. You can print coupons from home or simply redeem them from the mobile app!

  • Deep discounts, up to 50% and BOGO
  • National, regional and local discounts
  • Best in class offers, up to 50% off, on things you do everyday.
  • Save on dining, attractions, activities shopping, services travel and more!

 

Terms and conditions for this benefit subject to change at any time.


Activate Your Account

MedicAlert Discount

A MedicAlert® medical ID is designed to provide personal medical information in the event of an emergency. GBU members are eligible to receive a 20% discount on any MedicAlert® product (excluding 14k gold). 


Terms and conditions for this benefit subject to change at any time.







Membership Type: Insured, Social


  • Benefit Details

    When purchasing a MedicAlert® medical ID, you receive a suite of services connected to your medical ID for one-year. The annually renewable basic service fee is the responsibility of the member applicant.


    Use coupon code GBU20 at checkout.


    This coupon code can be redeemed online at medicalert.org or over the phone at 800-432-5378 and is not valid on 14k gold Ids.

Download Discount Information

Program Reimbursements

GBU offers members partial reimbursements for participation in the programs below.

GBU Driver Safety Program Reimbursement for Seniors

For Seniors

This program is typically offered through AARP & AAA and is designed to meet the specific needs of older drivers (55+). It covers age-related physical changes, declining perceptual skills, rules of the road, local driving problems, and license requirements.


For Teens

These online courses teach teens safe driving skills and the rules of the road while building confidence. Visit driversed.com to find a course specific to your state.


Terms and conditions for this benefit subject to change at any time.


Membership  Type: Insured, Social

  • Senior Driving Program Details
    • Trained volunteer instructors conduct the course, which is presented through a combination of slide presentations and group discussions. 
    • Most classroom courses are taught in two, four-hour sessions; some one-day courses and weekend courses are also held. 
    • The online course has the same valuable information and strategies for safe driving as the classroom course but is self-paced and interactive. No testing of any kind is involved for either the classroom or online course.

    You must pre-register for a course. To find an upcoming course in your area, you can check with AARP, AAA, or the Department of Transportation for some upcoming class dates and times. The Department of Transportation and Insurance of most states have endorsed this program and require that automobile insurance companies provide a premium discount to those who complete the Driver’s Safety Course.



    As a fraternal benefit, GBU will reimburse a member 50% of the classroom or online course fee (up to $50) after completing the course.

  • Teen Driving Program Details

    Getting a driver’s license is a major milestone in a teenager’s life and that is why GBU is pleased to make available our New Driver Reimbursement Benefit!

    GBU promotes driver safety and education programs such as high school in-classroom driver’s education programs and online courses as offered by driversed.com. In many states, everyone had to take driver’s education in a classroom setting, but now in many states you can do it online! A Drivers Education Course can prepare a new driver with:


    • Obtaining an accredited driving school certificate Preparing for the Learner’s Permit Test
    • Learning Rules of the Road
    • Building Confidence
    • Teaching Personal Responsibility
    • Mechanical Knowledge
    • Defensive Driving Techniques
    • May even lower car insurance and earn high school credits

    As a fraternal benefit, GBU will reimburse a member 50 percent of the in-classroom or online course fee (up to $50 maximum) after he/she has successfully completed a Driver’s Education Certification Course. Eligible for the fraternal benefit are driver programs beginning as of July 1, 2021. Just send a copy of your completion certificate and payment receipt and we will mail you a check for half of the cost (up to $50 maximum).

    The Department of Motor Vehicles and Insurance in most states support online driver’s education program. State stipulations may apply. GBU does not endorse any one specific driver education program.

Request Reimbursement

Language Learning Reimbursement

GBU will reimburse 50% of the cost of any language course or program that you use to learn another language, up to $250 annually! This includes language apps such as Duo Lingo or Babbel.


Terms and conditions for this benefit subject to change at any time.







Membership Type: Insured, Social






Request Reimbursement

Lifeline Screening Reimbursement

GBU offers a $10 reimbursement for members  on a Lifeline Screening. Lifeline Screening is a preventative health screening test that checks the vascular wellness of an individual using non-evasive ultrasound technology.


Terms and conditions for this benefit subject to change at any time.







Membership Type: Insured, Social

  • Benefit Details

    Lifeline Screening offers a convenient, affordable, confidential, and accurate way for men and women to monitor their health.


    Established in 1963, Lifeline has performed over five-million screenings across the country. Screening results are provided to the member in 21 days after testing.


    To receive a $10 Reimbursement for a Lifeline screening:


    1. Schedule a lifeline screening at www.lifelinescreening.com.


    2. After your screening submit your receipt to GBU and we will send you a $10 reimbursement!

Request Reimbursement

Special Purchase Options

These are special purchase options available only to GBU members.

Special Programs

GBU offers life insurance benefit, scholarship and other special member programs.

High School Freshman Grant Program

The GBU Foundation awards several $250 high school grants each year. The grants awarded are based on a completed application and a required essay submitted by the eighth-grade applicant.


Terms and conditions for this benefit subject to change at any time.


Membership Type: Insured


  • Benefit Details

    GBU not only recognizes the importance of higher education but also the educational value of students entering high school as well. This program is sponsored by the GBU Foundation and made available to all GBU members currently enrolled in the eighth grade who hold a GBU life insurance or annuity policy.


    The GBU High School Freshman Grant Program is designed to assist eighth-grade GBU members with associated costs in their transition into the high school curriculum.


    The GBU Foundation awards several $250 high school grants each year. The grants awarded are based on a completed application and a required essay submitted by the eighth-grade applicant. The application and essay must be received by GBU and postmarked no later than May 31 of the applicant’s eighth-grade school year. We will be featuring a few of the winning essays every other month in The Reporter.

GBU High School Freshman Grant Application

GBU Foundation Scholarships

GBU Members are eligible to apply for several GBU Life and other sponsored scholarships as long as they meet any additional requirements.



Terms and conditions for this benefit subject to change at any time.


Membership Type: Insured


  • GBU Foundation College Scholarships

    In 1962, GBU established a scholarship fund to encourage and assist GBU members in furthering their post-secondary education. Funding is provided by tax-deductible contributions by GBU members, districts and other sources. This program is administered by the GBU Foundation.

    The GBU Foundation annually awards $1,500 scholarships for Freshman programs (four-years) and $1,000 scholarships for Undergraduate, Graduate and Two-Year programs. One freshman awardee will be designated to receive the Bert Waltenberger Memorial Scholarship where he/she receives a $1,500 first-year scholarship and $1,500 for years two through four. The student must have involvement in German-related programs and sports activities to receive consideration for this award.

    One freshman student will also be selected to receive the Clarence O. Affelt Architecture/Fine Art Memorial Scholarship. The student must have a declared major in the architecture or fine arts field to be considered for this award. The student receives a $1,000 first-year scholarship and $500 for years two through four.

    GBU Foundation Scholarships are awarded by an impartial group of judges who are not affiliated in any way with GBU. The judges are chosen for their expertise in the field of education. No form of identification appears on the academic or personal records that the judges review.

    The judges, not GBU management, measure the applicant’s qualifications against the criteria to receive a scholarship, making this the most unbiased and fair method for choosing awardees. The decisions of the committee of scholarship judges will be announced prior to the fall semester. Scholarship applicants not awarded a scholarship are entered into a random drawing in which a predetermined number of one-time $750 GBU grants and $500 Named and Personal Giving Grants are given.


    How to apply online:

    • Vist https://gbufoundation.awardspring.com
    • Click "Register" if it is your first time visiting to set up your account.
    • If you are retruning, enter your email and password to login.
    • You can then fill out your application and apply for the scholarships that you qualify for.


  • GBU Foundation Scholarship Awards

    • Freshman Scholarship – 4 years - $6,000 over 4 years.

    • Undergraduate Scholarship – 1-3 years - $1,000 per year.

    • Graduate Scholarship – 1-2 years - $1,000 per year.

    • Two-Year Scholarship (technical schools, nursing schools, and community colleges) – 1-2 years - $1,000 per year.

    • Bert Waltenberger Memorial Scholarship - $6,000 over 4 years.

    • Clarence O. Affelt Architecture/Fine Art Memorial Scholarship - $2,500 over 4 years.


  • GBU Grant Awards

    Applicants not awarded a scholarship are entered in a random drawing in which a predetermined number of one-time $750 grants are given. In addition, the following $500 Personal Giving Grants will be awarded:

    • James R. Stoker Memorial Education Fund Grant

    • James R. Stoker Higher Education Grants (10)

    • John P. Albright Grant 

    • Former District 491–Granite City, Illinois Grants (2)

    • Former District 496–Gill Hall, Pennsylvania Grant


GBU Foundation Scholarship Application New England Fraternal Alliance Scholarship Ohio Fraternal Alliance Scholarship Pennsylvania Fraternal Alliance Schloarship

Newborn Child Life Coverage

GBU parents receive a $1,000 death benefit covering their newborn child effective from days 15–60 following birth.


Membership Type: Insured



  • Benefit Details
    • GBU must be informed of the child’s death within 12 months of the birth of the child. 
    • During this 15-60 day period, a conversion to a permanent life insurance plan with a face amount of up to $5,000 may be applied for without evidence of insurability. 
    • The application and initial premium for permanent life insurance on the child must be received by GBU prior to the 60th day following birth.
    • At least one parent must be a GBU member and his/her policy must have been in effect for a minimum of two months prior to the birth of the child. 

    Should you need to make a claim on this benefit, please contact GBU customer service at 800-765-4428 or email info@gbu.org

Orphan Benefit

This benefit provides financial support to junior members who have lost both of their lawful parents .


Membership Type: Insured


  • Benefit Details
    • At the time of death, at least one of the parents must have been an insured member of GBU for at least two months.
    •  Benefits are payable until such a time that the orphan reaches the age of 19, marries, enters military service, or fails to maintain GBU membership. 
    • Benefit payments increase with the age of the orphan. Adoption does not discontinue this benefit.



    *Lawful parents are determined as recorded on the child’s birth certificate and/or adoption certification or decree, in the case of adoption.




    If you need information on creating a claim for this benefit, please contact customer service at 800-765-4428 or at info@gbu.org

Perpetual Giving Grant

With a gift of $15,000 to the GBU Scholarship Foundation, you can set up a GBU Perpetual Education Grant which will offer a $500 educational grant to a different student each year.


Your GBU Perpetual Education Grant can be established in your name, your family's name or the name of an honored loved one. Your gift will help fellow GBU members ready to pursue higher education for generations to come.


Terms and conditions for this benefit subject to change at any time.



Membership Type: Insured, Social

Contact GBU to Get Started

One-Time Education Grant Gift

With a gift of $500 to the GBU Scholarship Foundation,  a one-time education grant will be awarded to a GBU member student in your honor. The GBU education grant is a great way to remember or honor a loved one and to help young GBU members achieve their full potential.


Terms and conditions for this benefit subject to change at any time.







Membership Type: Insured, Social

Contact GBU to Get Started

Questions?

If you have additional questions, you can contact the GBU Fraternal Department at 1-800-765-4428, option 1 and then option 3.

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