An Impact Grant must:

• Address an unmet need in an Elks community.
• Have significant Elks involvement.
• Benefit as many people as possible.
• Involve participation and monitoring by at least one Elks Lodge.
• Not duplicate or fund Elks National Foundation or Grand Lodge programs.

An Impact Grant cannot be used to:

• Fund a one-time purchase, such as a flagpole or plaque, unless it is part of an on-going Elks project.
• Be a small part of a large community capital campaign fund, such as those used to fund new community centers, unless it can be shown that the Elks impact is unique.
• Purchase land or buildings for an Elks Lodge.
• Renovate or expand current Lodge buildings.
• Establish or increase an existing permanent foundation, trust or permanent interest-bearing account.
• Directly and financially benefit Elks members or Lodge employees, unless they are part of the community served as a whole.
• Pay salaries or other personnel costs, other than necessary, one-time-only contracted technical expertise, as outlined in the grant proposal and approved by the Elks National Foundation.
• Pay individual travel expenses of any kind, unless travel is essential and integral to the project's implementation, as outlined in the grant proposal and approved by the Elks National Foundation.
• Help any individual(s) to obtain an academic degree or professional advancement, or for any individual(s) to attend a seminar or conference.
• Support the operating/administrative expenses of any organization.
• Reimburse the Lodge for expenses associated with projects already undertaken and in progress, or for projects that are already completed. The Foundation will only provide funds to service projects that have been reviewed and approved prior to their start.

Other Guidelines:

• Grant funds can be renewed for two consecutive years for the same project. Renewal funds must be applied for and are not guaranteed. After three years, the project should be self-sustaining.
• Impact Grants only provide funds to service projects that have been reviewed and approved prior to their start.
• Grant payments will be made payable to a special account that is established by the Lodge for this project. Grants may not be paid to an individual, Elks Lodge, cooperating or benefiting organization.
• Lodges can partner for a project to address regional needs. In this case, one Lodge submits an application for the group.
• The Lodge is required to report to the Elks National Foundation on the funds spent and project progress.

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