This increase in distributions means the ENF will do more to help Elks build stronger communities. Here are two breaking updates to 2013-14 ENF programs.
Lodges have become beacons of hope for their communities by using the new Community Investments Program Beacon Grants to start ongoing, Elks-led, community projects. To help Lodges lead their communities in service, the ENF is doubling the 2013-14 Beacon Grant amount to $2,000. Starting July 1, 2013, with twice as many funds, Lodges will be able to do twice as much to meet local needs.
“Lodges that pair a Beacon Grant with the Gratitude Grant will have access to $4,000 that they can use to address a community need that they identify,” adds ENF Director Jim O’Kelley. “That’s exciting. We believe that Lodges can help themselves in addition to the community by engaging their membership and other people in meaningful service.”
In addition, in 2014, the ENF will increase funding for the Most Valuable Student scholarship program for the first time in six years. The contest will now feature 20 top awards—10 for males, 10 for females—of at least $20,000.
The 20 top finalists will participate in a Leadership Weekend in Chicago during which they’ll interview with the national judges. These finalists will be vying for two first-place awards of $50,000; two second-place awards of $40,000; and two third-place awards of $30,000. The remaining 480 runners-up will receive fifth-place scholarships of $4,000.
“By doing more for our scholars today, we are better preparing them to give back tomorrow,” says ENF Assistant Director Debbie Doles. “Today’s Elks scholars are tomorrow’s Elks. The more they get out of their scholarships—personally and monetarily—the more likely they will be to join the Elks after they turn 21.”
With these new initiatives in place, there are even more opportunities to build stronger communities in the upcoming fiscal year. Click here for the complete list of 2013-14 grants and appropriations.