he Great Heart of Elkdom” is how many refer to the Elks National Foundation, which last year beat to the tune of $11.8 million in support of the Order’s philanthropic works. That figure includes more than $2 million in college scholarships, plus aid for people with disabilities, support of youth athletic and drug-education programs, and veterans service.

The Foundation was set up in 1928 with a $100,000 grant from the Grand Lodge. The principal fund has since grown to more than $200 million. Last year, the Order set a record in donations to the Foundation at $3.29 per capita. Contributions to the principal fund are never spent; only interest and earnings are used.

Each year, the Foundation awards $2.056 million in college scholarships to a total of 500 students through the “Most Valuable Student” contest. “Most Valuable Students” are selected on the basis of academic achievement, leadership and financial need. The national competition is open to all high school seniors. In addition, the Foundation awards a total of $48,000 in scholarships to eight Eagle Scouts, and it reserves $500,000 a year for emergency educational grants for the children of incapacitated or deceased Elks.

Last year, the Foundation allotted $3.5 million to help fund the benevolent programs of the Elks state associations. These programs include children’s hospitals, eye clinics, cancer and transplantation research, summer camps for disadvantaged children and children with disabilities, aid to people with cerebral palsy, and providing safe, temporary havens for abused families.

The Foundation is administered by a Board of Trustees, comprised of Past Grand Exalted Rulers of the Order. The executive director of the Foundation is Jim O'Kelley. Foundation offices are located in the Elks Memorial Building, 2750 Lakeview Avenue, in Chicago, Illinois 60614-1889.