Since its debut in 2019-20, Spotlight Grants have been a way for Lodges to shine a light on two key issues affecting American communities: youth literacy and veteran homelessness. By adapting a pre-approved project plan, Lodges can make an immediate impact without hours of brainstorming project ideas.

Lodges can use a Spotlight Grant to address veteran homelessness by buying Welcome Home Kit items for veterans transitioning into permanent housing; establishing a lasting relationship with a transitional living facility for veterans through Adopt-a-Haven; or, like Red Wing, Minn., Lodge No. 845, by contributing to a local Stand Down.

Stand Downs are events at which veterans experiencing housing insecurity can access essential items and resources. Stand Downs are often hosted by or done in partnership with the VA, and the most effective projects gather organizations that can provide an array of services in one convenient location.

For the past seven years, the Red Wing Lodge has used its Spotlight Grant to partner with Every Third Saturday, which distributes resources once a month to veterans at risk of homelessness. This year, the Lodge came on board for the November event, using its grant funds to purchase and assist in the distribution of winter gear, which is much needed in the area’s cold climate.

Childhood literacy remains a pressing issue eight years after the inception of the Spotlight Grant. Lodges can use the grant to turn a laundromat into a hub of reading and education through Suds and Stories; distribute winter clothing and introduce youth to the resources of the local library through a Warm Welcome to the Library project; or provide baby items and early childhood literacy resources at a Community Baby Shower.

Stuart-Jensen, Fla., Lodge No. 1870 uses a Spotlight Grant to host a Community Baby Shower. At the event, Elks distribute essential baby supplies, while early childhood health experts from the Florida State Elks Children’s Therapy program and a local author (and new Lodge member!) do readings and discuss the importance of introducing literature to children at an early age.

“The members who helped before, during, and after the event were so happy to have been part of this,” says Grants Coordinator Susan Simonelli. “This is why members keep renewing their memberships when they can be a part of such an amazing community project.”

A year after it launched, the Spotlight Grant was expanded to include projects that address hunger and essential need insecurity. This seventh project option allows Lodges to use Spotlight Grant funds to confront issues that prevent people from achieving basic health and well-being—including food support, medical needs, shelter and more. Lodges have used this flexible option to address a wide range of essential needs in their communities.

With food insecurity rising, many Lodges use the Hunger and Essential Needs Assistance project plan to provide hunger relief.

Dickinson, N.D., Lodge No. 1137 received a Spotlight Grant to fill more than a dozen Little Free Pantries around its community with groceries.

Neighbors in need of food support can access these pantries conveniently and discreetly. The project inspired Lodge members to continue stocking the pantries on their own, and even led to Lodge trustees committing to build a Little Free Pantry on Lodge property.

In 2025-26, 1,417 Lodges received a Spotlight Grant, including 568 that choose to merge their Spotlight and Beacon Grants. Merged grants maintain Beacon Grant guidelines, meaning that Lodges can put their Spotlight Grant funds toward the annual, Lodge-led projects that Beacon Grants fund.

Reno, Nev., Lodge No. 597 merged its Spotlight and Beacon Grants to focus on women recovering from addiction. The Lodge uses the grant to purchase furniture and home goods needed by Step2, an organization that provides living space and counseling to women who have experienced substance abuse and their children. The Lodge has completed this project for four years with a Beacon Grant, becoming a trusted community partner of the organization and the families it serves.

Whether the project is to reduce veteran homelessness, bolster early childhood literacy, or address basic needs for maintaining health and hygiene, your Lodge will soon do 25% more good with its Spotlight Grant! With the increase from $2,000 to $2,500, Spotlight Grants will shine brighter than ever in 2026-27.

For 2025-26, the Elks National Foundation allocated $18 million to the Community Investments Program. Lodges meet local needs through CIP grants that offer Elks opportunities to serve their community in ways that raise the Lodge's profile, energize 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. To speak to CIP office staff, call 773/755-4730.