Elks National Foundation Blog

Virginia Beach, Va., Lodge No. 2268 Members of Virginia Beach, Va., Lodge No. 2268 aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty for a good cause. In partnership with a local Boy Scout Troop, the Lodge used an Elks National Foundation Promise Grant to refurbish a remembrance garden at the Edmarc Hospice for Children. Elks and scouts worked side-by-side, raking, mulching, and planting flowers to create a beautiful outdoor garden space that patients can enjoy. The Lodge also entered pictures from the project—just like the one above—in last year’s Community Investments Program photo contest. It’s that time of year again! The 2012-13 CIP photo contest is happening now. If your Lodge has great pictures of Elks using CIP grants in the community, submit them to the ENF. You could win a brand-new digital camera! Click here for complete contest details. Don’t delay! Submissions are due by March 31. The Elks National Foundation awards $2,000 Promise Grants to the first 500 Lodges that pledge to

Hillsdale, Mich., Lodge No. 1575 Love is in the air this Valentine’s Day, and Elks at Hillsdale, Mich., Lodge No. 1575 want to make sure even the tiniest members of their community know they are loved. Using an Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant , Lodge members came together to ensure babies in Hillsdale have a safe place to sleep. Elks assembled 13 baby cribs at the Lodge for a local social service agency. The cribs then went to babies in need, along with blankets, sheets and pillows—all provided by the Elks. 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 .   

Santa Cruz, Calif., Lodge No. 824 Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early spring this year, which means sunny days spent on the golf course are just around the corner. Until then, read how Santa Cruz, Calif., Lodge No. 824 used its Elks National Foundation Promise Grant to inspire kids to take up the sport. Through the Lodge’s First Chance Youth Golf Clinic, more than 75 kids learned the fundamentals of the sport. Elks helped these young golf pros polish their swings during the six-hour clinic, and provided lunch for all participants. The event was a success for the young athletes and Elks alike—kids gained new skills and new friends, and the Lodge gained two new members. “My son really enjoyed the event, as well as making new friends,” explained one participant’s parent. “He is very excited to learn more about golf." 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 o