George Quigley knows how to get what he wants. He asks for it. As the Junction City, Kan., Lodge Secretary and Elks National Foundation chair, Quigley knows that if he asks members to donate to the Foundation, they probably will. But, if he asks members to donate and explains how their gifts benefit the community, they can't resist.

"Most people just need to be asked," says Quigley, a Permanent Benefactor of the Foundation. "But the more members know about the ENF, the more likely they are to become donors. That's why the Foundation is my constant when I'm at the Lodge."

Quigley educates members through the Lodge bulletin. Every month, he writes a report on the Lodge's progress in ENF donations, lists donors who gave the previous month, and highlights how ENF programs impact the country and their community.

Giving Gratitude To engage members in the Foundation's efforts to support local projects, Quigley formed a committee to determine how the Lodge could benefit from the Foundation's newest program, the Community Investments Program. Reaching the GER's per-capita goal early in 2005-06, the Lodge applied for a $200 Gratitude Grant to sponsor a table at the Military and Veterans Appreciation Day event last November. More than 300 active military and veterans attended the event, where they ate brunch and received awards.

"Our community really supports veterans and active-duty military," says Quigley, who's retired from the Army. "The people who attended were able to enjoy a great meal while seeing the support of numerous community organizations, including the Elks."

Drilling it Home Quigley also applied for the Community Investment Program's $200 Promise Grant, which Lodges can use to support projects that build the character and competence of youth. The Lodge used the funds to buy trophies for the 23rd Annual Mid-America Invitational Drill Meet in spring 2006. At the meet, Quigley, three Lodge members and Exalted Ruler Wendell Wright watched 450 junior ROTC cadets from 10 area high schools compete. Afterward, Wright presented trophies at the award ceremony.

"Receiving the grants was a win for our Lodge, a win for the ENF, and a win for our community," says Quigley. "The program shows our contributions coming home to do good for our own community. It gives me another reason to share with members what the ENF does for our Lodge."

With the 2006-07 grant periods under way, Quigley has already begun the application process. He's excited that this year the Foundation increased the grant amounts to $300 each. He plans to use the Promise Grant for the same purpose but use the Gratitude Grant to support a local middle school's Renaissance Program. The program acknowledges and rewards educational achievements from students and outstanding contributions from school staff.

Fun, Functional Fundraising Beyond showing donors how their gifts to the ENF impact their community, Quigley has found other ways to inspire giving. To celebrate ENF Month this October, he will host a fundraising dinner in conjunction with the Lodge's 100th anniversary celebration. Once a month, the Lodge holds "jam sessions," where musicians showcase their tunes. Quigley plans to put together an ENF team to cook hamburgers and brats to sell during the shows.

Collecting donations with dues payments has been another successful fundraising opportunity for Quigley. He asks the 337 members of his Lodge to donate to the ENF with their dues. Through this approach last year, he acquired 40 new donors and more than doubled the Lodge's per capita from the previous year.

"So far, very few members have said 'no' to my ENF requests," says Quigley, who says his Lodge has already acquired more new donors this year than last. "As an ENF chair, it's important to have an Exalter Ruler and officers who support you and your ENF efforts. So far this year, all officers have donated."

When Quigley isn't at the Lodge touting the Foundation, he works full time and relaxes at home with his wife. They have four children, the youngest of whom is enrolled at the United States Military Academy at West Point, and six grandsons. With a penchant for hunting, fishing, stamp collecting and reading, Quigley claims to have too many hobbies. Fortunately for the Elks National Foundation, fundraising is one of them.

For more information on the Community Investments Program's Gratitude Grants or Promise Grants, please visit www.elks.org/enf/community or call 773/755-4954. To read more about other outstanding Elks National Foundation chairs, check out the ENF Volunteer of the Month section at www.elks.org/enf. To find out how your Lodge can celebrate ENF Month, contact enf@elks.org.