The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks

We realize each community has different needs. Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grants allow Lodges to directly address their local needs. Gratitude Grants offer an opportunity for Elks to think about how best to serve their community and make it stronger.

Gratitude Grants are the ENF’s way of saying thank you to every Lodge that meets the National President’s per-member goal for giving to the ENF. For 2011-12, this goal is $4.50 per member. Gratitude Grants, worth up to $2,000, can be used to address a local, charitable cause.

Examples of Grant Use
Requirements and Resources

How Matters: Examples of Grant Use

Last year, more than 75 percent of Lodges met the per-member goal for giving to the ENF, so start planning your grant today. The possibilities are endless! Lodges use Gratitude Grants to do things like buy supplies for a homeless shelter, partner with D.A.R.E. to hold drug awareness programs in schools, or hold recreational events for people with disabilities.

Here are two examples of successful Gratitude Grant projects.

	Sahuarita, Ariz., Elks Lodge No. 2851 used its Gratitude Grant to support a local food pantry in a unique way. When Elks learned that the pantry was often low on baby products, it held a “baby shower” for the pantry and invited the community to purchase food, supplies and clothes for the pantry’s youngest clients. The project was such a success that it is now an annual event.
	Soldotna, Alaska, Lodge No. 2706 partnered with veterans organizations in the region to take more than 100 wounded veterans on a two day fishing trip. Elks contributed to transportation, planned events, prepared food, loaded boats, and provided support for the veterans along the way.

For more examples of successful Gratitude Grant projects, please visit our Elks in Action page and see how Elks across the country are building stronger communities. For help planning your Lodge’s Gratitude Grant project, please read our Toolkit for Lodges.

Requirements and Resources

What every Lodge should know about Gratitude Grants:

1. The ENF will notify Lodges online through CLMS once they reach the National President’s per-capita goal. At that time, the Lodge Secretary will be able to access, complete and submit the online application. 2011-12 Gratitude Grants applications must be submitted online by May 31, 2012.
   For detailed instructions on the application process, click here.
   To find out your Lodge's 2011-12 per-capita standing, click here.
   (To be eligible for Gratitude Grants, Lodges must be in full compliance with the Grand Lodge per-capita assessment, Section 16.010.)
2. 2011-12 grants are available for use between July 1, 2011, and July 31, 2012. Lodges are able to use the grant between the date the Lodge reached the per-capita goal and July 31, 2012. Applications should be submitted and approved before the grant has been used.
3. Gratitude Grants must be used for local, charitable projects. They cannot be used to donate to a State Major Project or to fund events that Lodges are already expected to hold, such as the Hoop Shoot. They also may not be used to repair Lodge buildings or only to benefit Lodge members. Click here for ways to best serve your community.
   NEW! Beginning in the 2012-13 grant year, Lodges will not be able to use grants to fund scholarships, youth awards nights, hold fundraisers, or organize poster/essay contests.
4. Upon receipt and approval of a Lodge's online application, the ENF will mail the Lodge an approval letter, a grant check and a Final Report Form.
5. After the grant has been used, mail in the Final Report Form, along with all grant-related receipts, and photos. This is a required form. Lodges that do not complete this step will not be eligible for any ENF grants the following year.