Elks National Foundation Doubles Its Investment in Local Communities

CHICAGO, Feb. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- At its February 2011 budget meeting, the Elks National Foundation Board of Trustees doubled the funding for the Community Investments Program to $4.6 million from $2.3 million. The increase will benefit more than 2,000 Lodge communities across the United States.

"The ENF Trustees want every Lodge to be a pillar of its community," says Jim O'Kelley, the Foundation's director. "This program gives Lodges the resources to identify and meet need. Doubling funding for the CIP will allow Lodges to do so much more to strengthen and support their communities."

The Community Investments Program offers three grants to Elks Lodges, allowing the Lodges to support charitable causes that are important to their communities.

"Thanks to the Community Investments Program grants, our Lodge is able to reach out to a greater number of families in need," says Jeanne Fagnant, who manages Woonsocket, R.I., Lodge's community project. The Woonsocket Lodge provides local children in need with warm coats and winter clothing with the help of its Elks National Foundation Promise and Gratitude Grants.

Starting April 1, both Gratitude Grants and Promise Grants will double in amount, totaling $2,000 each. The Board also increased the number of available Promise Grants to 500 from 300, helping more Lodges host events that build character and competence in local youth. Impact Grants will continue to range up to $10,000, giving Lodges the means to significantly strengthen their communities.  

"This increase in funding is wonderful news," says Bill George, ENF Chair of the Fairfield, Conn., Lodge. "It will give us the opportunity to expand our Lodge's charitable and youth programs, making them so much more meaningful to our community."

To learn more about the Community Investments Program and how the Elks are helping your community, visit www.elks.org/enf/community.  

SOURCE Elks National Foundation