Rifle, Colo., Lodge applied for a Promise Grant to fund a drug awareness poster contest and party. Shown here are local elementary students with Elroy the Elk.

Part II: Promise Grants

The Elks National Foundation's Community Investments Program was established to invest directly in communities where Elks live and work. These grants give all of Elkdom the chance to make a difference in Elks communities. Part one of the three-part Community Investments Program series focused on the Gratitude Grants program. In this article, we will focus on the Promise Grants program. Read on to find out how your Lodge can encourage, support, and build character and competence in local youth with a Promise Grant!

Elks don't believe in empty promises. With almost 14.3 million kindergarteners through 12th graders taking care of themselves after school, the Elks National Foundation strives to fulfill its promise to provide these children with a healthy beginning. That's why this year the Foundation expanded its Promise Grants program to go beyond drug awareness events. As the five promises to youth indicate, today's youth not only need to learn about the dangers of drug use, but also need access to caring adults, safe places, a healthy start, marketable skills and opportunities to serve.

The Promise Grant program has provided Lodges with an opportunity to shape the lives of local youth since 1999. In 2005, the Foundation launched the Community Investments Program, which broadened the scope of the Promise Grants program to fund events that build the character and competence of youth. The first 250 Lodges that pledged to host an event were eligible for a $200 reimbursement grant.

Here are some examples of how Lodges throughout the country have supported youth in their communities through Promise Grants.

Brimfield, Ohio, Elks used the grant to host a three-day educational camp called "Nature's Outdoor Classroom." The overnight camp taught young people what they could learn outside the classroom and in their own backyards. Campers attended nature classes and practiced working in teams and developing leadership skills. Elks teamed up with local law enforcement officers to present the positive outcomes of a drug-free lifestyle. "We work to develop good decision making skills in youth," says Sergeant Bill Reese. The camp gave young people the opportunity to interact with caring role models, build confidence, and have a wonderful time working and learning with friends.

Rifle, Colo., Lodge is proud to supply a local school's anti-drug program with drug awareness literature. Last year, with the extra help of a Promise Grant, the Lodge was able to host their 2nd annual drug awareness poster contest and party. "The Trustees were so impressed with participation that instead of just awarding first-prize, second-prize and third-prize winners, they gave each grade prizes," says Mary Romero, Youth Activities Chair. Planning ahead for next year's event, the Rifle Elks applied for a 2006 Promise Grant.

Beaver Falls, Pa., Elks hosted a roller skating event that proved very popular with the youth in their community. Families from around the area set up a drug awareness trailer and distributed anti-drug materials at the roller skating rink. The participants had a good time and formed friendships that are sure to keep them rolling on the right track.

Lake Taneycomo, Mo., Elks were one of the first Lodges to use their grant this year. The Lodge organized a fishing tournament for children from two area schools. Contestants were "reeling" with excitement as they competed to catch the biggest fish. "The kids who participated would rather fish than do drugs," says Leading Knight Denny Bissell. "The kids' smiles made it more than worthwhile."

With help from the Promise Grants program, Lodges can empower local youth through events that promote confidence, teamwork, good times and great friendships. These events show children that no matter which challenges they face in life, they won't be alone. Elks promise to be there.

It's not to early to start brainstorming on ways in which your Lodge can get involved with local youth. The 2007 Promise Grants pledge period will be August 1, 2006, through October 31, 2006. For more information on the Promise Grants program, please visit www.elks.org/enf/community or contact the Programs Department at ENFPrograms@elks.org or 775/773-4954.