Elks National Foundation Blog

Eugene, Ore., Lodge No. 357 Eugene, Ore., Lodge No. 357 makes sure kids fighting cancer know they have the Elks in their corner. Each year, with the help of a Community Investments Program Promise Grant , the Elks hold events for these children and their families at the Lodge. Children receive toys, play games, and build their own sundaes at an ice cream bar. Their families receive gift cards to help with expenses. This year, clowns and even the University of Oregon duck came to join in the fun. “Thank you Elks for having us over,” writes a parent after one of these gatherings. “My whole family looks forward to these events. They help my son enjoy himself and be around people who care.” 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 .

Clark Fork Valley, Mont., Lodge No. 2757 Clark Fork Valley, Mont., Lodge No. 2757 used its Community Investments Program Promise Grant to build a new playground at a local school. Elks purchased supplies and held a workday where each child at the school came out to help, learning from the Elks volunteers. After the project was finished, a local Native American teacher showed the children how to hold a “sit-in ceremony” to commemorate their new playground. “What a day,” said Project Manager Connie Scott, when asked about the experience. “There were kids and Elks everywhere. Thanks so much for this grant.” The Elks National Foundation awards $2,000 Community Investments Program 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 .

Green Cove Springs, Fla., Lodge No. 1892 Green Cove Springs, Fla., Lodge No. 1892 makes sure local students have everything they need to succeed. The Lodge used its Community Investments Program Gratitude Grant to partner with a local children’s charity. Together, they provided backpacks full of school supplies to 600 students in need. When all was packed and ready, Elks and other volunteers delivered the supplies to five different local schools. 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 .   

Lynchburg, Va., Lodge No. 321 Lynchburg, Va., Lodge No. 321 used its Elks National Foundation Promise Grant to brighten the day of the girls living at a local group home. More than 40 Elks helped at a Lodge cook-out for the home’s residents. The following day, a few Elks took the girls shopping for clothes and school supplies. “It was a big success,” says project manager Jill Wagner. “The girls were appreciative and the Elks enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with them.” 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 .