Overview

In 2023-24, every Lodge is eligible to apply for a $4,000 Beacon Grant! Lodges do not need to meet the GER's per-member-giving goal to apply. Beacon Grant requirements are outlined below.

On April 1, $4,000 Beacon Grants will become available to every Lodge.

Typically, Beacon Grants must be used for active projects. However, the flexibility we built in for Lodges to meet pressing needs in their own backyards will continue again this grant year. Here’s how we've relaxed Beacon Grant guidelines due to the pandemic.

Keep on keepin’ on. If the Lodge can continue its regular Beacon Grant project, fantastic.

Nope, still not safe. If an active Elks-led project isn't feasible, donations will be considered to the partner organization the Lodge usually works with, or to an organization providing COVID relief.

Change it up. If a Lodge would like to continue to pause its regular Beacon Grant project for a COVID-19 relief project, we support that plan.

Split it up. From the beginning, the Beacon Grant has only been allowed for one annual project. Again this year, it can be split between up to two projects.

Merge it. With just the click of a button on the Grants Dashboard, the Lodge can opt to merge their Spotlight Grant with their Beacon Grant, making a total of $6,000 available for a Beacon Grant project.

Basic CIP Grant Guidelines

Click here for a succinct, printable version of our general CIP grant guidelines.

Charitable: CIP Grants should always be used for charitable purposes. Keep the following six broad categories (defined as charitable by the IRS) in mind when planning a grant project; relieve the poor, distressed or underprivileged; advance education or science, but not through scholarships; lessen the burdens of government; lessen neighborhood tensions; eliminate prejudice and discrimination; combat juvenile delinquency.

Restrictions: CIP Grant guidelines state that Lodges may not use grants to support State Major Projects, national Elks programs, fund scholarships, Hoop Shoot/Soccer Shoot events, youth awards nights, poster and/or essay contests, appreciations dinners, fundraisers or general community events. Grants may not be used for Lodge maintenance and/or repairs, or to only benefit Lodge members and their families. Grant funds must serve a population in need.

Resources

Applying

2023-24 Dates: Applications for 2023-24 Beacon Grants open on April 1 and will close on January 17, 2024. Funds must be spent by March 31, 2024.

How to apply: The Lodge Secretary or ENF Grants Coordinator is able to access, complete and submit the online application.

Process: Upon approval of a Lodge's online application, the ENF will mail an approval letter and a grant check to the Lodge address. A Lodge can use its $4,000 Beacon Grant in conjunction with a Gratitude Grant, Spotlight Grant or Freedom Grant.

Final Reporting: Final Reports are now online. After the grant has been used, complete the Final Report and upload all grant-related receipts and photos. Final Reports will be due 30 days after the anticipated grant completion date provided by your Lodge. The Lodge will be locked out of applying for grants 60 days from that date until the report is submitted.