History
With a grant of $100,000, the Elks National Foundation (ENF) was established
in 1928 as the charitable arm of the Benevolent and Protective Order of
the Elks.
Who contributes to the Foundation?
Since its inception in 1928, the Foundation has received more than $130
million in contributions from Elks, their families and friends. These
donations go directly into the Foundation’s endowment fund, where they
are never touched. Only income from the fund is expended. The Elks National
Foundation distributed more than $13,108,503 million in the 2004-2005
year:
- $5.359 million in grants to state Elks associations
- $3.159 million in college scholarships
- $315,000 to the Elks National Home
- $614,125 to the Elks National Hoop Shoot® program
- $547,000 to the Elks Drug Awareness Program
- $749,900 to the Elks National Veterans Service Commission
- $502,506 to the Elks Veterans Memorial Building
Who does it support?
The Elks National Foundation offers five scholarship programs.
Offering one and four-year college scholarship opportunities for up to
2,000 students each year.
- Most Valuable Student Scholarships
$2.213 million for 500 four-year scholarships for the nation’s top students
- Eagle Scout Scholarships
$48,000 in four-year scholarships for eight Eagle Scouts selected by
the Boy Scouts of America.
- Girl Scout Gold Award Scholarships
$48,000 in four-year scholarships for eight Gold Award recipients selected
by the Girl Scouts of the United States of America.
- Legacy Awards for Children of Elks
$500,000 for up to 500 one-year merit-based scholarships for the children
of Elks who have been in good standing for at least two years.
- Emergency Educational Fund Grants
Reserved $350,000 for one-year educational grants to the children of
deceased or totally incapacitated Elks. Grants typically range from
$1,000 to $4,000 and are renewable up to three times.
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Other ENF Programs
Youth Programs
- Elks Drug Awareness Program
The Foundation granted $547,000 to fund the Elks Drug Awareness Program,
including printing and shipping millions of pieces of educational literature.
This also includes Promise Grants for Lodges that pledge to hold events
free of drugs, alcohol and violence, for youth in their communities.
Elks National Hoop Shoot® Free Throw Contest
The Foundation granted $614,125 to fund the Elks Hoop Shoot ® program.
More than 3 million youths will participate this year.
Veterans Services
- Elks National Veterans Service Commission
The Foundation granted $749,900 this year to the Veterans Service Commission,
to provide aid and comfort for America’s hospitalized veterans.
- Elks Veterans Memorial
The Foundation granted $456,500 to maintain the Elks Veterans Memorial
in Chicago.
State Association Grants
The Foundation will distribute over $5.3 million to state Elks associations.
These grants will help fund major projects such as children’s hospitals,
youth camps and safe havens, as well as state scholarships, Drug Awareness
and Hoop Shoot® Programs.
ENF Gratitude Grants
Helping Elks build stronger communities is what the ENF is all about. ENF
created the Gratitude Grants Program to allow Lodges to directly address
local needs. We realize each town, city and state varies in its make-up,
immediate concerns and needs. The ENF wants to put the opportunity to address
these local concerns in the hands of our Lodge.
A Gratitude Grant is:
- A grant of up to $2,000.
- Available to all Lodges
that meet the GER's per-capita goal.
- The ENF's way of saying thank you
for your Lodge's generosity.
- Intended to support a local charitable cause.
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How Can You Help?
- You can donate online at www.elks.org/donate
- You can make a one-time donation
- You can pledge a fixed amount over a course of time
- You may contribute to the Foundation in memory of loved ones
- You can name the Elks National Foundation as a beneficiary of your estate
If you would like to become involved with the ENF Committee, or for more information about the Elks National Foundation,
please contact our lodge ENF Chairperson at or:
Elks National Foundation
2750 N. Lakeview Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
773/755-4728
email: enf@elks.org
Web site: www.elks.org/enf
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