The mission of the Elks National Foundation is to help Elks build stronger communities. We fulfill this pledge by investing in communities where Elks live and work. We provide tomorrow’s leaders, our youth, with lifelong skills; meet the needs of today’s veterans; help the state Elks associations accomplish their charitable objectives; and fund projects that improve the quality of life in local Elks communities.
The Foundation’s budget for program services in the 2023-24 fiscal year totals $39.9 million.
| Community Investments Program | $15.9 million |
| State Elks Association Grants | $10.6 million |
| Scholarship Programs | $4.6 million |
| Elks National Veterans Service Program | $5 million |
| Elks Hoop Shoot Free Throw Contest | $1.4 million |
| Elks Drug Awareness Program | $890,450 |
| Elks Memorial Building Maintenance | $720,030 |
During the 2022-23 Lodge year, the Elks of Indiana donated $136,584.92 to the Elks National Foundation. This year, the Foundation will give back the following:
These grants support cancer research, as well as other philanthropic projects. Portions of these grants will also support our Drug Awareness Program, Hoop Shoot, Soccer Shoot and educational programs.
State Charities Grant: $95,950.00
Special Projects Grant: $76,380.00
Bonus Grant: $17,840.00
10 Most Valuable Student scholarships to high school seniors from Indiana. In addition, we will award up to 5 Legacy scholarships to children, grandchildren and stepchildren of Elks.
Most Valuable Student: $40,000.00
Legacy Award: $20,000.00
We also provide the Elks National Veterans Service Commission with funding to support its volunteers working in veterans hospitals and medical centers.
Funding for VAVS Volunteers: $8,880.00
Grand Total: $259,050.00
That’s a ratio of 1.897 for every dollar the Foundation received from your state last year. And that doesn’t even include the money Lodges in your state will get back through our Community Investments Program.
For the 2022-23 fiscal year, for example, we awarded a total of $316,500.00 to 40 Indiana Lodges.
For more information about the Elks National Foundation, contact Rob Whitaker enf@indianaelks.org or contact our national headquarters at Elks National Foundation, 2750 N. Lakeview Ave., Chicago, IL 60614, enf@elks.org.