Winthrop Lodge #1078 Elks National Foundation Committee
The Elks National Foundation
The Elks National Foundation
The single greatest attribute that distinguishes the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) from being just another social organization is the charitable works to which our order is dedicated. The fundamental principle and cornerstone of our Order has always been charity. Of all the charitable activities we individually and collectively support, none is more impressive than the work we do through the Elks National Foundation. The Elks National Foundation often called the "Great Heart of Elkdom" is built on the belief that today’s charitable gifts should address the needs of tomorrow as well as for years into the future. The Elks have long-standing tradition of working toward a better future.
The Foundation annually awards more than 3.3 million dollars through its four primary programs:
Most Valuable Student
Emergency Education Grants – to children of deceased or totally disabled Elks
Scholarships for Eagle Scouts/Girl Scouts
Elks National Foundation Legacy Awards – for children and grandchildren of Elks.
The mission of the Elks National Foundation is three-fold:
To build a better future by providing tomorrow’s leaders, our youth, with a healthy beginning;
To honor the Elk’s pledge that so long as there are veterans in our hospitals, the Elks will never forget them;
To help State Elk Associations accomplish their charitable objectives.
On a yearly basis, the Grand Lodge establishes a per capita goal for the Lodge membership. The per capita goal for the Lodge year 2016-2017 is $4.65 per member. Donations to the Elks National Foundation can be made online www.elks.org or drop your check made payable to Elks National Foundation in the Secretary's mail box for the Lodge ENF Chairperson. All Lodge members need to contribute if the Winthrop Lodge is to make the per capita goal and be eligible for Gratitude Grants for the Lodge year 2016 – 2017
The Elks National Foundation's Community Investments Program invests directly in Lodge communities, and is designed to have a lasting impact where Elks live and work. The Community Investments program will invest up to $1.37 million this year in local communities through Gratitude Grants, Promise Grants and Impact Grants.
A Gratitude Grant is:
- A reimbursement grant of up to $2,000.
- Available to all Lodges that meet the GER's per-capita goal.
- The ENF's way of saying thank you for your Lodge's generosity.
- Intended to support a local charitable cause.
A Promise Grant is:
- A reimbursement grant of up to $500.
- Available starting July 1, 2016, to the first 250 Lodges that pledge to host an event.
- Intended to encourage and support Lodges working to build the character and competence of local youth.
Impact Grants are larger, competitive grants intended to address unmet needs in communities where Elks live and work. Impact Grants give your Lodge the opportunity to conceptualize, develop and implement a new project or to strengthen an existing one.
2016-2017 MA State Elks Association - Area 3 - Annual Walk Around The Lake supporting the Elks National Foundation will be held in Wakefield on Sunday, September 18, 2016. Members of Winthrop Lodge have participated in this MA Elks Association sponsored event for the last several years. All monies collected by Winthrop members/ walkers will go toward the Winthrop Lodge capita. The Wakefield Lodge will again host this event and provide lunch for all participants. Please see your ENF Chairperson for more information and pledge papers.
Fran Minichello
Lodge ENF Chairperson