Elks National Foundation Blog

Van Wert, Ohio, Lodge No. 1197 Up, up and away! Using an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant , Elks from Van Wert, Ohio, Lodge No. 1197 partnered with the Van Wert hospital, local senior homes, local support groups for people with disabilities, and the Van Wert Regional Airport to provide hot air balloon rides for community members with special needs. The Elks stayed grounded, helping riders in and out of the wheelchair accessible balloon and offering food and friendship to guests. Thanks to the Beacon Grant, the Elks were able to connect with local organizations and give community members in need an uplifting, memorable experience. “This is my first time in a balloon,” says local nursing home resident Rita Clapp. “My whole family came to watch!” Through Beacon Grants, the Elks National Foundation gives Lodges the opportunity to develop an ongoing, charitable, Elks-driven community project. These $2,000 grants are available to all Lodges. To find out more about Beacon Grant...

Clayton, N.J., Lodge No. 2132 Clayton, N.J., Lodge No. 2132 partnered with Gloucester County Therapeutic Recreation, a local center for people with disabilities, to hold a formal dinner and dance for the center’s clients. Guests enjoyed a turkey dinner followed by hours of dancing, made possible by an Elks National Foundation Promise Grant . “The Clayton Elks do so many wonderful things for our clients, and we are so grateful,” writes Barbara Holt, Director of the center. “Many thanks to the Elks for being exceptionally good to us.”  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 youth in their community. To find out more about Promise Grants and the Community Investments Program, visit www.elks.org/enf/community .

Kimberling County, Mo., Lodge No. 2505 Elks carry their ship to the starting line. Kimberling County, Mo., Lodge No. 2505 helped fellow citizens by hopping aboard a sinking ship. Elks used their Elks National Foundation Community Investments Program Gratitude Grant to help Chances, a local center for people with disabilities, hold a cardboard boat race fundraiser. Though the Elks’ boat sunk before it reached the finish line, they were still winners, claiming first prize for overall fundraiser and receiving recognition for team spirit. 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 and the Community Investments Program, visit www.elks.org/enf/community .