Overview

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

• 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.

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

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