Elks National Foundation Blog

Franklin, N.H., Lodge No. 1280 When you think of famous trailblazers, who come to mind? Lewis and Clark? Daniel Boone? The Franklin Elks? Armed with their gear and an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant , members of Franklin, N.H., Lodge No. 1280 partnered with local Boy Scouts and mapped hiking trails throughout the Great Gains Memorial Forest in Franklin, N.H. The Elks and the scouts headed out into the wilderness, cleared two trails, and built two bridges and a picnic table. To encourage all kinds of exercise, the Elks and their new partners are working year-round to finish walking, biking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing trails. And that’s only Stage 1. The Elks anticipate that the entire project will take four to five years to complete. With the support of the ENF Beacon Grant, they are looking forward to working with the Boy Scouts every step of the way. “Our project utilizes a very valuable local resource, offering residents a new outdoor experience,” says Pro...

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 .