Cornerstone Grant Recipients
Cornerstone Grants are awarded to scholars who demonstrate an interest in starting or expanding a community service project with an Elks Lodge. To help scholars do more for their community, the Elks National Foundation offers a limited number of $500 grants each year. Read more about recent Cornerstone Grant Recipients below.
Elise Knebel
2021 Legacy Scholar
Sponsored by Santa Monica, Calif., Lodge No. 906
California summers are hot, and there is little relief for the 54 residents of building 209 of the West Los Angeles VA Soldiers Home who do not have air conditioning. The building is a part of the West Los Angeles VA’s initiatives to provide supportive housing for veterans experiencing homelessness. Therefore, Elise teamed up with the Santa Monica Elks Lodge to execute aptly named project, “I’m a fan of the Vets!”
Elise’s grant funded fans for each resident, and she also included handmade cards. Elks helped to deliver them.
”The Veteran’s fought for our freedom and they deserve to be comfortable in their homes” shares Elise. “I truly believe this project will help improve their lives.”
John Cahill
2022 Legacy Scholar
Sponsored by Haverstraw, N.Y., Lodge No. 877
Not only was John an Elks Legacy Scholar, but he also received a scholarship from the Stony Point Ambulance Corps. Despite their struggles with funding, they continue to give back to the community as volunteers first responders. Therefore, John wanted to give back to the organization that supported him by revamping their recreation room and kitchen.
John’s grant funded new furniture, a coffee pot, and supplies to make the space more comfortable for on-call volunteers.
John says, “It is so meaningful to tie our community partners together, as both the Elks and Ambulance Corps are special community members that do so much for others.”
Grace Roebuck
2016 MVS Scholar
Sponsored by South Kingstown, R.I., Lodge No. 1899
Former Scholar Fellow and 2016 MVS Scholar, Grace Roebuck, partnered with her hometown lodge to purchase supplies for the local Johnny Cake Food Pantry in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. The Johnny Cake Center aims to provide basic needs, resources, and hope to local community members who have fallen on hard times.
Grace’s grant contributed to the existing relationship between Johnny Cake Food Pantry and the South Kingstown Elks and was used to purchase non-perishable food items.
Elks scholars like these want to volunteer with the Elks! There are Elks scholars across the country. If you are interested in inviting Elks scholars to volunteer at your Lodge, please email scholarship@elks.org.