Elks National Foundation Blog

by Colleen Muszynski Senior Associate, Community Investments Program Four college campuses, four Lodges, 405 miles, four days—Jenna and the CIPsters packed all of that into our #ScholarCIPMegaTrip. It looks like four might be my new lucky number, because our barnstorming adventure in the Carolinas was equal parts invigorating, inspiring and fun.     I spend most of my work-week at my desk, communicating with Impact Grant Lodges across the country through email and phone calls. I’m continually impressed with the good work Elks can do with the Impact Grant. However, going out and physically meeting the volunteers that make it happen and seeing the project in action takes my passion for this job to a whole new level. We visited four Impact Grant Lodges on our trip. Can a quick paragraph on each adequately illustrate how inspirational these projects and project leadership truly is? Probably not, but I’m going to give it the ‘ol college try! Visiting w...

  by Chelsea Dennis Programs Assistant While May signals the end of spring for many, in the CIP office it signals the ending of the grant year. With that comes a bustling office, increased phone calls and emails from Lodges wanting to know how they can use a Gratitude Grant to best serve their communities. As the Gratitude Grant deadline quickly approaches, applications have been pouring in. I’m excited to tell you that this week we hit a milestone.   We have now approved 1,000 Gratitude Grants! Don’t believe me? Check out a picture of the grants dashboard. As we countdown to May 31, we are excited to see all the amazing projects that Elks are leading in their communities. Here’s a snapshot of some of the Elks-led projects across the country.  ·       McAllen, Texas, Lodge No. 1402 will be partnering with Hope Family Health Center to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to uninsured patients with chronic diseases. El...