Cornerstone Grants

2026 Summer Project applications are closed.

Do you volunteer with a nonprofit organization? Would you like additional funding to start or enhance a service project? Organize your own service project!

We know that as an Elks scholar, you already uphold the cornerstones of the Foundation: knowledge, integrity, charity and community. Now, we want to help you do more! The ENF is offering twenty $500 Cornerstone Grants to any Elks scholar interested in starting or expanding a community service project. We are also offering fifteen $250 bonuses for projects done in collaboration with an Elks Lodge.

Click on the photos to the left to read more about 2025 Cornerstone Grant recipients and their projects.

Eligibility

Any Elks scholar interested in serving their community in a meaningful way is eligible to apply. The funds must be used to initiate or expand a community service project.

The application for summer projects opened on May 5 and closed on June 1.

Any Elks scholar is eligible. You do not need to be a current undergrad to apply. However, current students and first-time applicants will be prioritized.

If you are applying for a Lodge collaboration bonus, you must have already made contact with the lodge.

Criteria

Elks scholars must connect their service project with at least one of the following core partners: other Elks scholar(s), a student organization, a nonprofit, or an Elks Lodge.

Elks scholars must demonstrate meaningful involvement in their community service initiative. This grant cannot be used as a donation to an organization.

Funds must be used and final report must be submitted by September 30 for summer projects and February 26 for school year projects.

Application Components

See a preview of the application here.
- Description of the project including a proposed title, explanation, timeline, and location.
- Description of partnerships.
- Proposed budget.
- If you are applying for the Lodge collaboration bonus, a Lodge and description of the collaboration will be required.

Looking for project ideas?

Consider a cause that you are passionate about and partner with an organization addressing that need.

Talk to your sponsoring Lodge about what sort of service project they’d like to see at the Lodge. Ask them about charitable projects they are currently involved with, and see if there are any projects they’d like to see enhanced. You can find contact information for a Lodge near you here.

Contact our office at scholarship@elks.org and we can help you generate ideas or connect you with your local Elks Lodge.