In 2025-26, the ENVSC will award $1,000 Freedom Grants to 1,000 Lodges for qualifying projects. We are excited that so many Lodges have access to grant funds specifically to serve our nation’s veterans and/or active-duty military members in need!

Freedom Grant projects must serve veterans and/or military members in need of support or services. Projects must focus on one of these five areas: employment, homelessness and housing, current military members and their families, health, and educational support. These are broad categories and are intended as a guide for identifying local needs.

Dates and Details:

Applications will be available online April 1. Applications will be reviewed and approved on a rolling basis. Please take the time to ensure your application is detailed, complete, and follows all guidelines. Applications will be reviewed and approved on a rolling basis. The application will remain open until all grants are awarded. We expect this to take months.

Upon approval of a Lodge's online application, an approval letter and grant check will be sent to the Lodge address.

Here are some great examples of what other Lodges have accomplished with $1,000 Freedom Grants.

  • Auburn Opelika, Ala., Lodge No. 1834 hosted a barbecue and bingo games for 90 residents of the Tuskegee VA. Each veteran also received a gift bag with books and supplies.
  • Kellogg, Idaho, Lodge No. 1841 purchased first aid kits, hygiene products, and daily necessities for 35 local veterans experiencing homelessness.
  • Easton, Md., Lodge No. 1622 chartered a boat to take veterans with disabilities on a day-long, wheelchair-accessible fishing trip. Elks provided assistance, snacks, and a post-trip meal.
  • Salem, Ill., Lodge No. 1678 worked closely with the Veterans food pantry at the Marion VA to purchase needed items like soups, canned meat and pasta. Elks served 100 veterans with the food, and were inspired to start an ongoing food drive at the Lodge.
  • Peekskill, N.Y., Lodge No. 744 purchased tools and assembled 60 complete tool kits for veterans exiting homelessness and moving into new homes.

Essential Guidelines:

  • Projects must serve at least 4 veterans in need, to maximize outcomes.
  • Think local! General donations to state and national organizations don’t qualify.
  • Monetary donations qualify if made to nonprofit organizations that specifically serve veterans in need.
  • Donations to member organizations like the VFW and the American Legion must be specifically designated for a project that serves veterans in need. Funds can’t go toward general operations.
  • Appreciation dinners open to all veterans, like a community Veterans Day dinner, do not qualify.
  • Memorial projects don't qualify. Grants should be focused on meeting veterans' urgent needs.

Resources

Project Planning Tips:

Research what veterans in your community need. Coordinate with the nearest VA facility. Recruit volunteers. Talk to Veterans Service Officers in your area. Read the guide to connecting with local veterans in need. Consider practical ways for your Lodge to help.

Questions? Email Vets@elks.org or call 773/755-4736.