Elks National Foundation Blog

Lake of the Ozarks, Mo., Lodge No. 2517 Not even the polar vortex this winter could stop the Elks from helping community members in need! Using an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant , Lake of the Ozarks, Mo., Lodge No. 2517 purchased and distributed coats, hats, shoes, gloves and jeans for local youth in need. Elks partnered with the Osage Upper Elementary School to determine which students would benefit most from new cold-weather gear. Thanks to the Beacon Grant, the Lake of the Ozarks Elks provided winter supplies for 44 students—and found 44 new friends! “Thank you for your kindness,” says Osage Upper Elementary School Counselor Beverly Kincade. “We are blessed to live in such a caring community. Your generosity has made a difference in the lives of children.” Don’t miss the opportunity to serve your community with $2,000! Beacon Grants, available to every Lodge, help Lodges like Lake of the Ozarks hold ongoing, Elks-led charitable projects. Don’t wait! Applicati...

Goodland, Kan., Lodge No. 1528 The Elks at Goodland, Kan., Lodge No. 1528 spread healthy eating habits to the community! Using an Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant , the Goodland Lodge provided healthy afternoon snacks for students in need at a local elementary school. Throughout the school year, Elks prepared and delivered nutritious food to students and teachers in need two days each week. The Elks enjoyed providing a variety of fruits and veggies and the students enjoyed trying them all! “We gave the students the opportunity to try many different kinds of fruits and vegetables,” says Project Manager Zona Price. “They were treated to berries, melons, pineapple, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus and much more.” With the help of the Gratitude Grant, the Elks encourage students to eat healthily—a message that some do not receive at home. “Keeping our children safe and healthy is our first and foremost concern,” says School District Superintendent Bill Biermann. “P...

Clark Fort Valley, Mont., Lodge No. 2757 With the right lighting and little stage make-up, Elks at Clark Fort Valley, Mont., Lodge No. 2757 helped local students put on a Broadway-worthy production. Using an ENF Gratitude Grant , the Elks helped produce Thompson Falls Elementary School’s rendition of “King Arthurs Quest.” With only a week to prepare, the students and the Elks pulled off a great performance, entertaining more than 400 captive audience members.  “The whole town was abuzz with excitement,” says Project Manager Connie Scott. “This week was magical for these kids and the community.” 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 .