Elks National Foundation

What is the ELKS National Foundation (ENF)?

In 1928, one man's dream became a reality for all Elks and the communities we serve. Then National Elks 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 Elks 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.

Nearly 90 years after Malley shared his vision with the Order, the ENF continues to unite all Elks in service to their communities.

The 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 help youth develop lifelong skills, send students to college, meet the needs of today's veterans, support the charitable work of the state Elks associations, (Tall Elks) and fund projects that improve the quality of life in local Elks communities.

Since inception, the ENF has contributed $500 million toward Elks charitable projects nationwide. Our programs continue to grow each year, allowing Elks to do even more to build stronger communities.

This year, 2022, the ENF allocated $16 million to fund the Community Investments Program, investing in Elks communities through grants for Elks Lodges. Community Investments Program 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.

The Bremerton Elks Lodge has utilized these ENF funds to support community programs like: the Lords Diner, the Bremerton Back Pack Program, Winter Jackets for Kids in the Bremerton School District, Girl Scout Disaster Preparedness, Kitsap Head Start Readiness and Reading programs, Veterans, and provide food to hundreds of people in the community.

The ENF is able to help Elks build stronger communities thanks to contributions from our generous donors. Since inception, we have received more than $259 million in contributions and bequests. Today we boast more than 100,000 active donors and an endowment fund valued at $674.6 million.  Bremerton Elks has continually contributed significantly to the ENF—thank you for your continued support.

To learn more about ENF and how our Lodge is working to make a difference, contact Bremerton Lodge #1181 ENF Chairperson Bill Curley at wjc4554@gmail.com

To donate and support the ENF grant and scholarship programs click here.