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
3/11/2025 Brawley, CA Lodge No: 1420
used its Beacon Grant to provide bikes to children who otherwise would not be able to afford them. The Lodge worked with several groups in the county to ensure that the bikes would go to children who needed them the most. Elks worked with the kids to select the bike, get fitted for a helmet and adjust the bike seat. Elks also delivered bikes to the homes of children who were not able to attend the event.
2/25/2025 Middletown, CT Lodge No: 771
used its Beacon Grant for a 16-week program offering free kayaking sessions for veterans with disabilities, promoting camaraderie and support for those with PTSD. The program provided therapeutic benefits through a combination of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and recreational activity. Evidence shows that these methods significantly reduce PTSD symptoms among participants. Elks assisted instructors in safety and technical demonstrations and prepared meals for the sessions.
2/25/2025 Visalia, CA Lodge No: 1298
uses its Spotlight Grant to address hunger and essential needs insecurity for local veterans, focusing on providing warm meals and community support. The initiative expands the Lodge’s existing Veterans Breakfast program to reach veterans in recovery homes who face food insecurity. Lodge members prepare, package, and deliver meals to homebound veterans, fostering a sense of connection and support. Continued partnerships with recovery homes and veteran service groups ensure that the Lodge will be able to meet the specific needs of the veteran population now and in the future.
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.