I always liked the explanation given to me for low grotto dues, or no dues for that matter. One was that the avoidance of creating a fund also avoids the political arguments over the disposition of that fund. The real mission of the grotto is simply to exist and have meetings to socialize, spread information, and stay connected as a community. To further that end a phone list is kept, and that's worth paying for.
All other pursuits are best conceived, paid for, and carried out by individuals and/or groups as they see fit.
