As you pass through your kitchen, you notice a check you made out to the ENF sitting on your table. You remember that the Elks National Foundation’s 2012-13 fiscal year ends on March 31.

“I’ll send it in April,” you say to yourself. “It doesn’t matter when I donate.”

The resounding response from the ENF is, “Send the check now!”

Need more motivation? Here are five reasons why you should donate to the ENF before the end of the fiscal year:

1. The more you give this year, the more the ENF gives back! The return on your investment funds state Elks associations charitable projects, building stronger communities across your state.

2. If your Lodge meets the National President’s per-member-giving goal, your Lodge will be eligible to apply for a 2012-13 Gratitude Grant. $2,000 Gratitude Grants build stronger communities by helping Lodges meet local needs.
   
   
3. Contributing to your Lodge’s yearly per-member-giving total increases your Lodge’s per-capita rank in your district and state and in the nation.

4. Yearly commitment to the Foundation has its rewards. The Foundation Fellowship program recognizes individual donors for their annual giving total. Increase your support and receive recognition for your generosity this year.

5. Annual donations build your status toward or ensure your membership in the ENF Loyalty Club. The Loyalty Club recognizes individual donors who give annually for 10 or more consecutive fiscal years. Skipping a year means another decade before you’re eligible again.

Just remember that:

Mailed 2012-13 fiscal-year donations must be in the ENF office on or before Thursday, March 28, 2013 at 4:30 p.m. Central Time to count toward 2012-13 giving totals.

Online 2012-13 fiscal-year donations to the ENF must be received by Sunday, March 31, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time to count toward 2012-13 giving totals. Donate online at enf.elks.org/donate.

After donating, visit www.elks.org/enf/pgh.cfm to stay updated on your personal giving history throughout the year.