Each week, the ENF recognizes CIPerstars who have gone above and beyond in their service to the Elks National Foundation. These CIPerstars are recognized for their outstanding contributions to the ENF and the Elks community.
Senior Programs Associate
Programs Associate
Programs Coordinator
12/2/2025 Burien, WA Lodge No: 2143
Burien, Wash., Lodge No. 2143 uses its Beacon Grant to support immigrant families as they get settled and build new lives in the Puget Sound region. Many recent arrivals are women with children who are experiencing housing insecurity. The Lodge works with local partners to identify the most pressing needs that can be addressed with grant funds. The Lodge then fills those needs by providing food support, diapers, hygiene items, school supplies, and phone cards to help obtain work and stay connected with family.
12/2/2025 Englewood, CO Lodge No: 2122
Englewood, Colo., Lodge No. 2122 uses its Beacon Grant in partnership with a local nonprofit to help people experiencing homelessness gain valuable job skills and exit homelessness. During the partner organization’s job-training program, participants do a lot of work outside; during Rocky Mountain winters, that means coats, boots, scarves, gloves and warm hats are needed along with tools. The Lodge provides all these items and more for the program, including birthday and holiday celebrations, to create a sense of community and to celebrate the participants and their hard work.
12/2/2025 Jackson, TN Lodge No: 192
Jackson, Tenn., Lodge No. 192 uses its Gratitude Grant to support people who are experiencing homelessness in its community. Estimates say that more than 500 people are living outdoors in the community, and most are clustered in encampments. Utilizing the food trucks of two members, the Lodge provides warm meals at these places along with essential cold weather items and hygiene supplies.
The Elks National Foundation allocated nearly $16 million this year to fund the Community Investments Program. Lodges meet local needs through grants that offer Elks opportunities to serve their community in ways that will raise the Lodge's profile, energize the membership, encourage former members to return to the fold, and gain the notice of people who want to be part of an organization that's doing great things. To learn more about the Community Investments Program, please visit elks.org/CIP. If you would like to speak to someone in the CIP office, we can be reached at 773-755-4730.