Elks National Foundation Blog

Mid-Westchester, N.Y., Lodge No. 535 Thanks to the Elks, Boy Scouts in Mid-Westchester, N.Y., are even more prepared. Mid-Westchester Lodge No. 535 is the proud founding sponsor of a local Boy Scout troop for boys with physical and developmental disabilities. With the help of an Elks National Foundation Promise Grant , the 10 scouts in Pack 535 can participate in meaningful activities and earn badges through a modified scouting curriculum. This year, the scouts will visit community helpers and responders, participate in outdoor activities, explore local parks, and more. 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 .

Fond du Lac, Wis., Lodge No. 57 Elks at Fond du Lac, Wis., Lodge No. 57 know how to keep a good thing rolling. The Lodge uses it Elks National Foundation Promise Grant to hold bowling parties for kids and teens with disabilities. Every other month, Elks gather with these bowlers to share lunch and a little friendly competition. At the end of the night, every bowler gets a medal, and the top two scorers receive a trophy. 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 .

Sand Springs, Okla., Lodge No. 2553  Sand Springs, Okla., Lodge No. 2553 used its Gratitude Grant to help a local therapeutic riding center. Here, Matthew, a child with disabilities, is learning to ride thanks to the Lodge’s donation. Elks keep in touch with the center, which reports that Matthew’s horsemanship and confidence have improved greatly since he began a few months ago. The ENF awards $2,000 Gratitude Grants to Lodges to directly address local needs. Lodges are eligible to apply for Gratitude Grants after meeting the GER’s per-capita goal. To find out more about Gratitude Grants, visit www.elks.org/enf/community .

Walterboro, S.C., Lodge No. 1988 Walterboro, S.C., Lodge No. 1988 used its Gratitude Grant to partner with a local school for kids with disabilities. The Lodge purchased adaptive playground equipment, including swings, picnic tables and a playhouse. Above, Lodge members pose with the kids, who are thankful for the Elks’ serious commitment to playing around. The ENF awards Gratitude Grants to Lodges to directly address local needs. Lodges are eligible to apply for Gratitude Grants after meeting the GER’s per-capita goal. To find out more about Gratitude Grants, visit www.elks.org/enf/community .