Elks Lodges provide a space for connection and company. The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks’ social aspect is a draw for many members in a fragmented and digital modern society.

These community-building efforts within Lodges show members the benefits of camaraderie with one’s neighbors. The negative effects of solitude and loneliness are less obvious. Isolation’s effects on mental and physical health, especially among vulnerable populations, are often suffered in silence.

In 2023, the US Surgeon General issued a report titled "Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation.” In it, he presented the risks associated with social isolation, including increased chance of heart disease, diabetes, depression and self-harm, among many other unfavorable outcomes.

Lodges use CIP grants to address more than just the tangible needs of food, clothing and shelter. Ensuring that those experiencing isolation have opportunities to connect with each other and with Lodge members goes beyond doing a nice thing; it creates a healthier environment in every sense of the word.

Mount Adams (White Salmon), Wash., Lodge No. 1868 annually uses its Beacon Grant to host “Club E,” a series of social events for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Twice monthly, the Lodge hosts a meal, provides arts and crafts, and organizes bingo games, which, according to Grants Coordinator Carol DeLay, is one of the attendees’ favorite activities.

People with disabilities often face isolation due to lack of accessibility, communication challenges and prejudice. This can result in worsened emotional well-being, which impacts development and can cause other health problems. Conversely, a social network provides a sense of belonging and an opportunity to better their communication skills and practice empathy and understanding.

Club E brings its guests out into the community through field trips to the theater and by donating bus passes to attendees. The club is also a source of knowledge for families of people with disabilities, as it hosts resource fairs with other local support groups.

Portsmouth, N.H., Lodge No. 97 receives an Impact Grant to address social isolation among enlisted military personnel. “Liberty Investments Nurture Kinships (LINK)” was inspired by the Lodge’s desire to c decrease the risk of suicide at domestic military bases. With the Portsmouth Naval Base located nearby, the Lodge had a great opportunity to make docked sailors feel that they were a part of the local community.

In its second year of funding, the Lodge used its Impact Grant to host a welcome dinner for newly arriving sailors and began a monthly event with therapy dogs. Again this year, it also hosted a skiing and snowboarding outing and continues to refurbish and donate bicycles for use at the base.

Life in the military can be isolating due to frequent moves and long periods spent away from loved ones. Additionally, because military service is such a unique experience, personnel often feel alone and misunderstood even when surrounded by people, as few can fully understand their perspective. Beyond connecting with the people and resources that their new city has to offer, LINK facilitates connections with those who share their struggles: their fellow service people.

Mexico, Mo., Lodge No. 919 uses a Beacon Grant to ensure that senior members of the community have a chance to socialize. The Lodge hosts two social events where residents of local nursing homes are invited to visit, partake in a meal, and enjoy a live band.

Seniors are another population for whom it is important to prioritize socialization. As with other groups, socialization for seniors strengthens their sense of community and improves well-being. Seniors are at greater risk of isolation, especially those who reside in facilities and may not have family to visit, due to mobility limitations and health problems. Solitude can exacerbate these challenges, leading to an increased chance of strokes, dementia, anxiety and depression.

The Lodge’s Senior Nights counteract these risks, providing a space for community and connection not just with their fellow nursing home residents, but with Lodge members and their families.

Elks are some of the best-positioned community members to provide the connection needed by so Americans, as many join Lodges because of the same need. By using CIP grants to facilitate connections with neighbors that are more at risk of isolation and its detrimental health effects, Elks can share the spirit of fraternity and charity that are the core tenets of the Order, while helping improve the health and strength of their community.

CIP grant applications are open until January 21, 2026. For more information on the grants we offer, check out our Grant Toolkits. The CIP can be reached with any questions at 773/755-4730 or LodgeGrants@elks.org.