Elks National Foundation Blog

Kimberling County, Mo., Lodge No. 2505 Elks carry their ship to the starting line. Kimberling County, Mo., Lodge No. 2505 helped fellow citizens by hopping aboard a sinking ship. Elks used their Elks National Foundation Community Investments Program Gratitude Grant to help Chances, a local center for people with disabilities, hold a cardboard boat race fundraiser. Though the Elks’ boat sunk before it reached the finish line, they were still winners, claiming first prize for overall fundraiser and receiving recognition for team spirit. The ENF awards $2,000 Gratitude Grants to Lodges to directly address local needs. Lodges are eligible to apply for Gratitude Grants after meeting the GER’s per-capita goal. To find out more about Gratitude Grants and the Community Investments Program, visit www.elks.org/enf/community .   

Crestwood, Miss., Lodge No. 2053 Crestwood, Miss., Lodge No. 2053 partnered with the St. Louis VA Medical Center to hold a welcome home celebration for returning soldiers. This celebration was made possible by an ENF Gratitude Grant , a component of the Community Investments Program. Elks volunteered their time and served 1,300 meals to veterans and their families at the celebration. The ENF awards $2,000 Gratitude Grants to Lodges to directly address local needs. Lodges are eligible to apply for Gratitude Grants after meeting the GER’s per-capita goal. To find out more about Gratitude Grants, visit www.elks.org/enf/community .   

Golden, Colo., Lodge No. 2740 Elks from Golden, Colo., Lodge No. 2740 used their Freedom Grant to supply clothes for veterans in need.The Elks also volunteered at a local stand down, during which 500 veterans got medical and dental check-ups, learned about VA benefits and received housing assistance. Elks helped with transportation, and the Elks’ presence reminded veterans that they will never be forgotten. Funded by the Elks National Foundation, Freedom Grants, a component of the Elks National Veterans Service Commission, are $2,000 grants that Lodges can use to help veterans or active duty military personnel. In 2011-12, the Elks National Foundation allocated more than $1.135 million to fund the Elks National Veterans Service Commission. For more information, visit www.elks.org/programs/vets.cfm .

By Programs Assistant Brianne Menges I have a confession to make: I don’t really listen to country music. It’s not that I don’t like it; I’m just more of a Glee fan myself. So after landing in the country music capital of Nashville, Tenn., I was a little apprehensive about how much I would have in common with everyone there. Thankfully, our dissimilarities began and ended with our taste in music. Assistant Director Debbie Kahler Doles and I recently traveled to Nashville to attend the National Scholarship Providers Association’s annual conference. While taking a break from various informational sessions, we were able to meet with some local Elks and Elks scholars for dinner. In the months leading up to our trip, this dinner is what I had been looking forward to the most. After working for the ENF for two years, this was going to be my first opportunity to meet Elks and Elks scholars in person. I couldn’t wait! For me, this was a chance to put faces with names, and meet the

Bridgeport, Conn., Lodge No. 36 Bridgeport, Conn., Lodge No. 36 supports veterans in need all year with its Impact Grant , Serving Those Who Served. Elks provide a well-balanced meal once a month, organize holiday outings and purchase much-needed supplies for veterans at the Home for the Brave transitional center. The ENF awards Impact Grants to help Lodges significantly address unmet needs in Elks communities. Impact Grants are competitive grants worth up to $10,000 and are open to all Lodges. To find out more about Impact Grants, visit www.elks.org/enf/community .