The Elks National Foundation is pleased to announce that all Promise Grants have been awarded for the 2017-18 year. The Community Investments Program experienced another record-breaking Promise Grant year, having reached the 500 approved grants milestone on August 25--earlier than ever before! We look forward to the creative projects taking place throughout Elks communities, and welcome you to check out some of the exciting upcoming projects for this year:

Statesville, N.C., Lodge No. 1823. Partnering with the 5th Street Homeless Shelter, the Lodge will sponsor monthly literacy parties for youth residing at the shelter. During each visit, members will provide tutoring support, distribute school supplies, and lead storytime. At the end of the event, each child will receive three books of their choosing to continue to build their reading skills.

Trenton, N.J., Lodge No. 105. The Lodge will host two youth art shows in partnership with the Ewing Arts Commission to support and connect people with arts and culture in the community. Entering its fourth year, the event has seen much success, with more than 500 children and parents attending last year’s events. This year, the Lodge will expand its art showcase to include children with disabilities.

Yucaipa, Calif., Lodge No. 2389. The Lodge will partner with the local school district to start the Safe Project, a resource for students experiencing homelessness. The Safe Project, which is located on campus at Yucaipa High School, will provide free clothing, food, and toiletries to students. In conjunction with the school’s community service club, members will shop for items and transport them to the high school. Additionally, members schedule one-on-one appointments with students to obtain needed supplies.

Did you miss out on the Promise Grant this year? Consider using an Anniversary Grant, a one-time grant opportunity to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Elks through service! All Lodges will be eligible for this $1,500 grant, regardless of meeting the ENF per-member-giving goal.For more information, visit www.elks.org/enf/Anniversary Grant.

Elks are committed to America’s future. To build the character and competence of local youth, the Elks National Foundation awards $2,500 Promise Grants to the first 500 Lodges that pledge to host an eligible youth event. To find out more about Promise Grants and the Community Investments Program, visit www.elks.org/enf/PromiseGrant.