Whether time or donations, giving feels more important this year. Supporting the causes we care about brings us closer to them, especially when being close isn't always possible. It helps to make a difference—often a tangible one—in the lives of others.

That's the power of giving. And that’s why we’re celebrating Giving Tuesday this year.

Our donors are powerful. Thanks to your support, the Elks National Foundation allocated $13.9 million in grants to serve Elks communities at a time when our help is needed most. Since April 1, the Community Investments Program has approved 3,200 grants totaling more than $8 million.

Three Arizona Lodges—Page Lodge No. 2498, Holbrook Lodge No. 2450, and Sun City Lodge No. 2559—used CIP grants to support their neighbors in the Navajo Nation, who were especially affected by the pandemic. The three Lodges funded the creation and distribution of food baskets; a donation of water tanks to guarantee access to clean drinking water; and donations to First Step Workshop, which offers training and employment of adults with disabilities, and Catholic Charities, which has increased its effort to bring food, shelter and other support to Navajo County.

Other Lodges have provided relief with a public health lens. Decatur, Ala., Lodge No. 655, used its Beacon Grant to purchase the necessary equipment needed by the North Alabama Department of Public Health to establish community COVID testing sites.

Tulsa, Okla., Lodge No. 946 recognized another need in their community—support for domestic violence shelters. The Tulsa Lodge donated its Spotlight Grant to DaySpring Villa, a shelter for women and children that offers a safe environment, basic necessities, and wraparound services like counseling.

And Elks have pledged to never forget our nation’s veterans; that pledge is important year-round, but especially during times like these. Petaluma, Calif., Lodge No. 901 adapted its Spotlight Grant project, combining the Spotlight Grant with the Freedom Grant, to host a drive-through stand down.

In partnership with the Salvation Army and Petaluma People Services, the Lodge ensured different organizations that provide assistance and resources for veterans were well-represented. Lodges like these rely on Elks National Foundation grants to meet the needs of their communities. In turn, the ENF relies on people like you to power our philanthropy. This Giving Tuesday, we’re celebrating the power of giving.

As we navigate this pandemic, donations to the Community Investments Program are especially impactful. A gift to the CIP today will give Elks the power to continue providing relief in communities across the country. Click here to donate to the CIP in honor of Giving Tuesday.