October is ENF Month—a time to celebrate and promote the Elks National Foundation and ENF program successes. Here are the top five ways to get involved with the Community Investments Program!

1. Spread the word about CIP grants. Applications for 2013-14 Beacon and Gratitude Grants are available online now. Beacon Grants give all Lodges the opportunity to start an ongoing, charitable, Elks-driven service project. Gratitude Grants are available to Lodges that have met the GER’s per-member goal for giving to the ENF. Use these $2,000 grants to build stronger communities this year!

2. Volunteer with your Lodge’s grant project. Let your community know it has the support of the Elks! Active Elks’ involvement in grant projects increases the Lodge’s visibility in the community and energizes membership. Contact your Lodge’s project manager to get involved.

3. Gear up for the announcement of our 2014 Impact Grant recipients. Before the big announcement on October 30, check out 25 Lodges in 25 Days to read about Lodges using 2013 Impact Grants to meet local needs. Follow the ENF on Twitter for live updates during the days leading up to the announcement.

4. Learn more about ENF staff members who help you serve the community with ENF Grants. Take a look behind the scenes at the people ensuring you have the resources you need to build stronger communities! Check out the ENF blog to read why Programs Associate Mary Morgan enjoys helping Elks actively use ENF Grants.

5. Donate. Support the CIP through a one-time or recurring gift to the ENF. Designating your donation to the Community Investments Program Fund ensures that your gift helps Elks serve community members in need this year.

Promote other ENF programs this ENF Month! Read our Top Five Ways to Celebrate ENF Scholarships and our Top Five Ways to Celebrate the Hoop Shoot.