Elks National Foundation Blog

We all know the good work the Elks do, but does your community? ENF Community Investments Program grants can help Lodges to not only serve their community but also to gain the community’s notice. The more people see and hear about the good Elks are doing, the more they’ll want to be part of an organization that’s doing great things. Throughout 2012, the ENF will follow Redlands, Calif., Lodge No. 583 as members work to raise their Lodge’s profile through community service. Here’s what the Lodge has done so far. In December, Lodge member Sam Trad contacted the ENF looking for advice on how his Lodge could most effectively use its ENF grants . We sent brochures, videos and other information to help with the process, and he took off running. We recently had the chance to ask Trad a few questions about his commitment to and enthusiasm for raising his Lodge’s profile. Here's what he had to say. What inspired the Lodge to start using ENF grants to raise its community profile? I fo

Oak Ridge, Tenn., Lodge No . 1684 A concertgoer takes advantage of the free face painting! Oak Ridge, Tenn., Lodge No. 1684 used its Community Investments Program Promise Grant to hold five separate Drug Free Safe Zone concerts! The concerts, geared specifically toward providing a drug-free environment for youth, were a big hit. Popular local bands played music for kids ages 2 to 18, and each guest received a healthy meal and drug education materials. The Elks National Foundation awards $2,000 Promise Grants to the first 500 Lodges that pledge to host an event that helps build the character and competence of youth in their community. To find out more about Promise Grants and the Community Investments Program, visit www.elks.org/enf/community .

Hoxie, Kans., Lodge No. 2415 A student concentrates on a relay game— can he balance six dice on the popsicle stick before time runs out? Hoxie, Kans., Lodge No. 2415 used its Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to support a drug and alcohol free after-prom party for local high school students. Elks volunteered at the party, which gave teens a fun and safe place to celebrate with their friends. The Elks National Foundation awards $2,000 Gratitude Grants to Lodges to directly address local needs. Lodges are eligible to apply for Gratitude Grants after meeting the National President’s per-capita goal. To find out more about Gratitude Grants and the Community Investments Program, visit www.elks.org/enf/community .   

Orange, Calif., Lodge No. 1475 Orange, Calif., Lodge No. 1475 used its Community Investments Program Gratitude Grant to promote literacy. The Lodge purchased dictionaries for all the 3rd graders in the county—a total of 2,400 students! Here, students are showing off their brand new books. 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 .   

Cocoa Beach, Fla., Lodge No. 2387 Elks from Cocoa Beach, Fla., Lodge No. 2387 know the importance of extracurricular activities. That’s why they partnered with the local high school, and last year raised a record $28,000 to help student groups ranging from the athletic department to the robotics team. With the help of an Elks National Foundation Promise Grant , the Lodge helps students hold car wash fundraisers. Check out this news coverage of the Lodge’s partnership with the school. The ENF awards $2,000 Promise Grants to the first 500 Lodges that pledge to host an event that helps build the character and competence of youth in their community. To find out more about Promise Grants and the Community Investments Program, visit www.elks.org/enf/community .