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NOTE: In lieu of offering Promise Grants in FY2021, we are offering larger Beacon Grants, available to all Lodges.

Overview

In normal times, Promise Grants are $2,500 grants available to the first 300 Lodges that apply for an eligible charitable youth activity. Due to the pandemic, these are not normal times. In FY2021, Promise Grants will not be offered.

Promise Grants offer Lodges a chance to host an event that builds the character and competence of local youth.

Five Promises to Youth

When planning your Lodge's Promise Grant, please keep in mind the five promises the grant was founded on.

  • Providing youth with safe places
  • Promoting healthy living
  • Offering support from caring adults
  • Emphasizing the importance of education
  • Encouraging community service
The Lodge's application must meet the following standards for approval:

  • Active:
    • Lodges must be actively involved in the planning and execution of the project.
    • All funds must be used in direct support of the project and cannot be solely a donation of funds or supplies.
  • Meaningful Interaction:
    • Projects should give youth and Elks a chance to come together.
  • Target Youth in Need:
    • Focus on a specific population of youth in need, such as:
      • children of active duty military
      • children in foster care
      • children with disabilities
      • youth involved in the juvenile justice system or have an incarcerated parent
      • children in programs that cater to low-income families such as the YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, Head Start, Big Brothers Big Sisters and many more

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, and cannot be donations of funds or supplies to individuals.

Applying

2020-21: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Promise Grants will not be offered in 2020-21. Please consider applying for the larger Beacon Grant.

Questions? Email LodgeGrants@elks.org or call 773/755-4730.

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