In 2026-27, Elks Lodges are using Spotlight Grants to address family literacy, veteran homelessness, and essential needs insecurity in more visible and impactful ways than ever. In celebration of America 250, Spotlight Grants increased to $2,500 from $2,000 this year. To date, $130,000 in additional funding has already been awarded through the Spotlight Grant since the start of the grant year on April 1.

When Spotlight Grants were introduced in 2019, they could be used for one of six ready-made projects addressing early childhood literacy (Community Baby Shower, Warm Welcome to the Library and Suds & Stories) or veteran homelessness (Welcome Home, Stand Down and Adopt-a-Haven). During the Covid-19 pandemic, a seventh project option was introduced to support people struggling to afford food and other essential needs.

Lodges also have the option to merge the Spotlight Grant with a Beacon Grant, to increase the funding for the active, annual project completed under the Beacon Grant.

This year, Lodges have taken advantage of the increase in Spotlight Grant funding to expand the reach of annual projects and to initiate programs that bring care to new populations and causes.

Lakeland, Fla., Lodge No. 1291 continues its annual Welcome Home project under the Spotlight Grant, putting together kits of appliances, cookware, furniture, and smaller items for veterans transitioning into permanent housing. Last year, 20 veterans and their families received support, and the nearly 50 Elks who participated in the project found it moving.

“Our Lodge takes great pride in helping some of the most vulnerable veterans in our community,” says Grants Coordinator Charlene Fisher. “Those that help distribute the kits say how heartwarming an experience it is.”

De Soto, Mo., Lodge No. 689 received a Spotlight Grant for a Community Baby Shower and book fair. While families pick up the supplies they need (such as diapers, medication and other childcare items), children enjoy a literacy corner of books and games. The project targets a wide range of families in need of support, including foster care parents and those without housing options, besides their vehicle.

Children from under-resourced families are more likely to enter kindergarten with fewer literacy-readiness skills than children living above the poverty threshold. Community Baby Shower projects—along with Warm Welcome to the Library and Suds & Stories—aim to help close that gap and ensure that all children learn to love reading.

Under the Hunger and Essential Needs Assistance project plan, Lodges can actively address food insecurity and other community issues that affect health, hygiene and well-being.

Portland, Maine, Lodge No. 188 partnered with a group that serves the area’s unhoused population. To meet their needs, the Lodge received a Spotlight Grant to assemble kits of food and outdoor supplies to be distributed at eight monthly meals.

To expand the project, the Lodge is including a “Tarp Mall,” where donated clothing items are laid out on a tarp for those attending the meal to peruse. Lodge members are encouraged to donate clothing, which creates an opportunity for every Elk to participate in the project.

Temecula, Calif., Lodge No. 2801’s Spotlight Grant use shows that essential needs do not just refer to items needed to survive. The Lodge is using its grant to prepare “Chemo Kits” for people undergoing chemotherapy.

“Cancer patients, especially those in advanced stages, often experience physical discomfort, emotional distress, and financial strain as they navigate ongoing treatment,” says Grants Coordinator Vicki Puterbaugh. “While this population is not always visible, the need is significant.”

The Lodge purchases oral care items, lotion, soft socks, lip balm, and other supplies that soothe and comfort those going through this difficult treatment.

So far in 2026-27, more than 100 Lodges have opted to merge their Beacon and Spotlight Grants. Lamar, Mo., Lodge No. 2800 is one of those Lodges—it received a merged Beacon Grant for its “Celebrating Birthdays” project, in which the Elks throw monthly birthday parties for kids in foster care or protective services. The project’s visibility has helped attract new members to the Lodge, which has completed it with a Beacon Grant for the last nine years. The additional $500 from this year’s Spotlight Grant will help the Lodge purchase drug testing kits, which are required, out-of-pocket expenses for families working toward reunification through the court system.

With more funds available, Lodges are taking the Spotlight Grant to new heights in 2026-27. From the off-the-shelf project plans to the flexibility of Hunger and Essential Needs Assistance projects, every Lodge can shine a brighter spotlight on critical needs in their communities.

For 2026-27, 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.