(Reprinted from the Elks Magazine)
Our Legacy to the Future
In 1928, one man's dream became a reality for all Elks and the communities we serve. Then-National President John F. Malley envisioned a plan that would "unite the forces of the Order into a mighty army for the service of mankind." During the annual Grand Lodge Convention in Miami that year, Malley's call to service inspired delegates to take action by voting to establish the Elks National Foundation with an initial $100,000 grant.
More than 80 years after Malley shared his vision with the Order, the ENF continues to unite all Elks in service to their communities.
Our MissionThe mission of the ENF is to help Elks build stronger communities. We fulfill this pledge by investing in communities where Elks live and work. We provide tomorrow's leaders, our youth, with a healthy beginning; honor the Elks' pledge to never forget our veterans; help the state Elks associations accomplish their charitable objectives; and fund projects that improve the quality of life in local Elks communities.
Our ImpactSince inception, the ENF has contributed more than $324.6 million toward Elks' charitable projects nationwide. These funds enable programs that support youth, honor veterans, and meet needs in areas where Elks live and work. Our programs continue to grow each year, allowing Elks to do even more to build stronger communities. Click here for details on all ENF programs.
This year, the ENF will invest a record $6.5 million in Elks communities through Community Investments Program grants for Elks Lodges. This includes the addition of Beacon Grants, $1,000 grants available to every Lodge for an ongoing, Elks-driven, charitable project.
Community Investments Program grants--which also include Gratitude, Promise and Impact grants--offer your Lodge an opportunity to serve your community in ways that will raise the Lodge's profile, energize the membership, encourage former members to return to the fold, and gain the notice of people who want to be part of an organization that's doing great things.
How the ENF Works
The ENF is able to help Elks build stronger communities thanks to contributions from our generous donors. Since inception, we have received more than $207.2 million in contributions and bequests. Today we boast more than 100,000 active donors and an endowment fund valued at $508.8 million.
A board of seven trustees, who are all past national presidents of the Order, governs the ENF, which is located at the Elks national headquarters in the Elks Veterans Memorial in Chicago. The director, Jim O'Kelley, oversees the administration of the ENF's day-to-day operations. C The ENF also has volunteers at the Lodge, district and state levels who help coordinate fundraising strategy and implementing programs.
Thanks to the ongoing support of our donors...the ENF is able to help Elks build stronger communities and since inception has received more than $207.2 million in contributions and bequests and today the ENF boast more than 100,000 active donors and the ENF fund is valued at $508.8 million.
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