In 1928, one man’s dream became a reality for all Elks. Then-Grand Exalted Ruler John F. Malley envisioned a plan that would “Unite the forces of the Order into a mighty army for the service of mankind”. During the annual Grand Lodge Convention in Miami that year, Malley’s call to service inspired delegates to take action by voting to establish the Elks National Foundation with an initial $100,000 grant.
Today, 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 a healthy beginning; honor the Elks’ pledge to never forget our veterans; help the state Elks associations accomplish their charitable objectives and fund projects that improve the quality of life in local Elks communities.
The Elks National Foundation annually awards more than $3.4 million in scholarships to a total of 508 students, and an additional $500,000 in emergency educational grants for children of deceased or disabled Elks.
This year, the ENF allocated $9.77 million to fund the Community Investments Program, investing in Elks communities through grants for Elks Lodges. Community Investments Program grants—which include Beacon, Gratitude, Promise and Impact grants—offer your Lodge an opportunity to serve your 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 things.
The ENF is able to help Elks build stronger communities thanks to contributions from our generous donors. Since inception, we have received more than $243.3 million in contributions and bequests. Today we boast more than 100,000 active donors and an endowment fund valued at $600.1 million.
The Mojave Lodge is proud to support our ENF program as we raise funds through various events including our dinners and weekly drawings!