Elks National Foundation Blog

Beardstown, Ill., Lodge No. 1007 Beardstown, Ill., Lodge No. 1007 believes that when youth are engaged in the community, great things happen. Using an Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant , the Lodge created “Project Tiger Pride,” bringing together more than 400 students and community members to landscape the local school, library and fire department. “We made sure the students were involved with the primary planting—thus taking pride in the project, their school and their community,” says Project Manager Jack Fearneyhough. “It was a great community project that boosted morale, spirits and interest.” The Elks National Foundation helps Lodges serve their communities by offering $2,000 Gratitude Grants. Lodges are eligible to apply for Gratitude Grants after meeting the National President’s per-capita goal for Foundation giving. To find out more about Gratitude Grants and the Community Investments Program, visit www.elks.org/enf/community .   

Christian County, Mo., Lodge No. 2777 Elks at Christian County, Mo., Lodge No. 2777 helped local students start the school year off right. The Lodge combined its Promise and Beacon grants to take 80 students in need on a back-to-school shopping spree. Elks helped each student pick out necessities ranging from shoes to coats. Through this project, the Lodge attracted more than $5,000 in additional community support. “We want children to be comfortable and confident when they return to school,” says Project Manager Tom Shelton. The Elks National Foundation will help Lodges meet local needs by investing up to $6.5 million this year in Elks communities through Beacon, Gratitude, Promise and Impact Grants. These grants offer Lodges an opportunity to serve the community in ways that will raise the Lodge’s profile, energize the membership, encourage former members to return to the fold, and gain the notice of people who want to be part of an organization that’s doing great things. To

Bluefield, W. Va., Lodge No. 269 On a hot summer day, there's nothing better than an afternoon at the pool. Thanks to Bluefield, W. Va., Lodge No. 269, local youth were able to share in this favorite summer pastime. An Elks National Foundation Promise Grant helped fund this pool party, during which the kids learned how to swim and found out what the Elks do for the community. Elroy the Elk and Lodge members were on hand to ensure everyone had a great time. 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 local youth. To find out more about Promise Grants and the Community Investments Program, visit www.elks.org/enf/community .