The mission of the Elks National Foundation is to build stronger communities by investing in communities where Elks live and work.

Our Impact

Since inception, the ENF has contributed more than $500 million toward Elks charitable projects nationwide. 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 allocated $14.6 million to fund the Community Investments Program, investing in Elks communities through grants for Elks Lodges. Community Investments Program grants—which this year include a special Anniversary Grant to mark the 150th anniversary of the Elks—offer Lodges an opportunity to serve their 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 $270 million in contributions and bequests. Today we boast more than 100,000 active donors and an endowment fund valued at $812.3 million.

2024 Final Report

The final numbers are in from the Elks National Foundation for the per capita and Chairman’s Challenge.  See the charts for the details but we had a great year in fundraising.  The members of our state donated $365,289.97 to ENF.  Which is $78,148 more than the previous year.  That gives us a per capita of $10.70 which is a $2.23 improvement.  This ranks us 22nd in the nation, up 15 positions from last year.  That means we are higher than both Indiana and Michigan!

Now let’s talk about the Community Improvement Grants.  This year Ohio received $500,500 in ENF grants. This is an increase of $38,000.  Another phenomenal year!  Unfortunately, we still left $129,500 on the table but fortunately we lowered this by $20,000.  The money is there, the lodges just needed to apply for it.

60 Lodges out of 75 Lodges received at least one grant.  52 Lodges, 69%, received all the grants they were eligible for, 4 more than last year, and 17 lodges received the limited Freedom Grant, up 6.  That was FANTASTIC!!  This is money that went back into our communities to help during this time of need.  It proves that Elks Care and Elks Share. 

This year continued the emphasis on the Fidelity Club giving program.  The Fidelity Club recognizes those members that set up an automatic, regularly scheduled monthly donation through their bank account or credit card.  The goal is to have 5% of our donors be members of the Fidelity Club.  Lodges that meet that goal makes them eligible for an extra $500 in their Gratitude Grant.  32 Lodges have met the Goal and will receive the extra money next year.  That is an increase of 10.  You can set this up for as little as $5 per month at this website enf.elks.org/recurring.  What a convenient way to donate to ENF.  Ohio has 157 new or returning Fidelity Club members.  This is an increase of 30 from the previous year.  Let’s keep up the good work and recruit more members. As a side note, at the Fall Reunion, there will be a reception with the New Grand Exalted Ruler for Fidelity Club members.  If you are not a member now, sign up before then. 

2024 DISTRICT TOTALS

2024 TOP 10 LODGES IN OHIO (PER CAPITA)

2024 TOP 10 LODGES IN OHIO IN THE CHAIRMEN’S CHALLENGE