Elks National Foundation Blog

Austin, Texas, Lodge No. 201 When the going gets tough, families in the Lone Star State know they can count on the Elks. Austin, Texas, Lodge No. 201 uses its Elks National Foundation Impact Grant to hold activities for patients at The Dell Children’s Blood and Cancer Center and their families. Lodge members have rallied to support the project, and there are even waiting lists of volunteers to help out at the children’s events. “Thank you Elks, for your support,” writes Mauren Wood, the Center’s Director. “It makes a difference every day for these children and their families.” The Elks National Foundation helps Lodges serve their communities in significant and ongoing ways by awarding Impact Grants of up to $10,000. Any Lodge can apply for these competitive grants. To find out more about Impact Grants and the Community Investments Program, visit www.elks.org/enf/community .

Pittsburg, Kan., Lodge No. 412 Pittsburg, Kan., Lodge No. 412 brought together 60 veterans from local nursing facilities for a night of entertainment. Using an Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant , the Elks hosted dinner and a show for the men and women of honor. The members knew the event was a major success as soon as their guests clamored for an encore from the puppeteer—one of the night’s entertainment acts. Each veteran left with a gift box and the knowledge that the Elks are always there for them. 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 .   

Vincennes, Ind., Lodge No. 291 In partnership with the local YMCA, Elks at Vincennes, Ind., Lodge No. 291 helped local kids swim, bike and run their way to a healthy lifestyle. Using an Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant , the Lodge sponsored a kids’ triathlon. The Elks were on hand throughout the race to direct participants at each transition point. All 247 young triathletes ran across the finish line to a cheering crowd of Elks, who were ready to award medals to each tenacious competitor. 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 .   

Evergreen, Colo., Lodge No. 2363 To start the New Year, Evergreen, Colo., Lodge No. 2363 resolved to inspire kids to love the great outdoors—a resolution the Lodge will surely keep given its track record with successful youth programs. Last year, in conjunction with the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the Lodge used an Elks National Foundation Promise Grant to hold an outdoor skills day for local youth. Under a picturesque Colorado sky, Elks led a day of fishing, hiking and outdoor skills demonstrations. From planning the day to running the booths to serving lunch to all 120 kids in attendance, every aspect of this Elks’ event was a resounding success! 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 .