Holiday giving and volunteering is a time-honored tradition for many Elks Lodges utilizing CIP grants. However, did you know that studies have shown that the focus on helping communities during the holiday season leads to a higher number of volunteers than the need for services? Because of this, we encourage Lodges to instead shift their focus to year-round projects, or projects focused on the “off-season.” This year especially, as communities across the country are facing greater challenges than ever before, we are encouraging Lodges to focus on year-round needs, or immediate COVID-related needs—your community needs heroes right now.

Giving time, energy and money beyond the holiday season is something that the Elks National Foundation has been promoting for years. Needs exist year-round and so can a Lodge’s response to meeting those needs. Sure, we are proud of the impact that Elks have during the holiday season, but we encourage Lodges to think about going beyond the holiday baskets to make a difference throughout the year. Holiday giving should be the beginning, not the end of a project!

Last year, we wrote about how Raton, N.M., Lodge No. 865 shifted from an annual holiday project to a year-round project serving young children facing food insecurity. We also illustrated the need for help outside of the holiday season, and how to address that need in your community in this impactful infographic.

The needs this year are far greater than the past. With the pandemic wreaking havoc across the country, it will likely be difficult to hold and host holiday-related events and parties safely. People are struggling right now—they need food, shelter, hygiene supplies and PPE, along with many other day-to-day necessities that grant funds can help provide. Bringing holiday cheer to people doesn’t need to be a winter-specific event; bring people cheer throughout the year by being the hero they need right now! You can provide supplies to homeless shelters or food pantries; make direct donations to organizations doing work in your community; or collaborate with an organization to put on a safe event, such as a drive through food pantry or socially distant Stand Down.

This year, we strongly encourage Lodges across the country to focus your efforts on a project that can have the greatest effect in your community. Our guidelines for safe active grant projects can be found here . As always, if you have questions, you can email us at LodgeGrants@elks.org, or call us at 773/755-4730.

The Elks National Foundation allocated $14.6 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.