Elks National Foundation Blog

Decatur, Ind., Lodge No. 993 Halloween is just around the corner! The Elks at Decatur, Ind., Lodge No. 993 help local children have a safe and fun holiday. Using an Elks National Foundation Promise Grant , the Lodge distributed candy and drug awareness materials to nearly 1,000 families at a community trick-or-treat day last Halloween. And that’s no trick. 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 .

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 .   

East Liverpool, Ohio, Lodge No. 258 Baseball season is wrapping up in the big leagues, but for East Liverpool, Ohio, Lodge No. 258, the love of the game knows no season. The Lodge used its Elks National Foundation Promise Grant to run a youth baseball and softball camp, drawing more than 70 young athletes. Participants worked on the fundamentals of the game, and even got to meet former Pittsburgh Pirate and 1979 World Series champion Grant Jackson. “Everyone had a great time and the participants wanted to know when we would have another camp,” says Event Chair Chad Prologo. 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 .

Beardstown, Ill., Lodge No. 1007 Beardstown, Ill., Lodge No. 1007 believes that when youth are engaged in the community, great things happen. Using an Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant , the Lodge created “Project Tiger Pride,” bringing together more than 400 students and community members to landscape the local school, library and fire department. “We made sure the students were involved with the primary planting—thus taking pride in the project, their school and their community,” says Project Manager Jack Fearneyhough. “It was a great community project that boosted morale, spirits and interest.” 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 .   

Christian County, Mo., Lodge No. 2777 Elks at Christian County, Mo., Lodge No. 2777 helped local students start the school year off right. The Lodge combined its Promise and Beacon grants to take 80 students in need on a back-to-school shopping spree. Elks helped each student pick out necessities ranging from shoes to coats. Through this project, the Lodge attracted more than $5,000 in additional community support. “We want children to be comfortable and confident when they return to school,” says Project Manager Tom Shelton. The Elks National Foundation will help Lodges meet local needs by investing up to $6.5 million this year in Elks communities through Beacon, Gratitude, Promise and Impact Grants. These grants offer Lodges an opportunity to serve the community in ways that will raise the Lodge’s profile, energize the membership, encourage former members to return to the fold, and gain the notice of people who want to be part of an organization that’s doing great th...

Bluefield, W. Va., Lodge No. 269 On a hot summer day, there's nothing better than an afternoon at the pool. Thanks to Bluefield, W. Va., Lodge No. 269, local youth were able to share in this favorite summer pastime. An Elks National Foundation Promise Grant helped fund this pool party, during which the kids learned how to swim and found out what the Elks do for the community. Elroy the Elk and Lodge members were on hand to ensure everyone had a great time. 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 .

Fallon, Nev., Lodge No. 2239 What does it take to bring together more than 8,000 community members? A park on a sunny day, free activites for people of all ages, and most importantly, the Elks. Using an Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant , Fallon, Nev., Lodge No. 2239 brought its community together by instituting Fallon Community Day. At the event, more than 50 local organizations provided free resources. With haircuts for seniors, dental check-ups for kids, and CPR training for young adults, the celebration offered something for everyone! 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 .   

Norristown, Pa., Lodge No. 714 Wearing a bike helmet can mean the difference between a minor injury and a tragic accident. This is the message Elks at Norristown, Pa., Lodge No. 714 shared with families participating in their second annual Bike Safety Day. Using an Elks National Foundation Promise Grant , the Lodge provided free bike inspections and helmets to all children in attendance. This event has already proved invaluable to the community. Last year, a local boy survived a serious bike accident thanks to the helmet he received at the Elks’ Bike Safety Day. The Elks displayed the boy’s helmet, now split in two, at this year’s event to remind guests that bike safety is vital. Thanks to the Elks, the children rode off after the event armed with the tools and knowledge needed for a fun and safe summer. 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. T...

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 .

Huntington, W. Va., Lodge No. 313 Using its Elks National Foundation Promise Grant , Huntington, W. Va., Lodge No. 313 inspired a new generation of public servants through a field trip to the West Virginia State Capitol. Young women from the Golden Girls Group Home learned first-hand what it takes to run a state government. While on the field trip, the girls toured the Governor’s Mansion, attended a West Virginia legislative session, and spoke to members of state government. The group was even introduced during the legislative session in both the House and Senate Chambers. 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 .