Each week, the ENF recognizes CIPerstars who have gone above and beyond in their service to the Elks National Foundation. These CIPerstars are recognized for their outstanding contributions to the ENF and the Elks community.
Senior Programs Associate
Programs Associate
Programs Coordinator
11/4/2025 Hackensack, NJ Lodge No: 658
Hackensack, N.J., Lodge No. 658 uses its Impact Grant for its project “HELLO – Hackensack Elks Little Library Operation”. The Lodge sets up, maintains, and restocks free little library boxes throughout its community to ensure access to quality reading materials. The boxes have been a massive hit, with families frequently visiting to pick out a book or drop off their own. Community members value the boxes so much that they have taken the initiative to make repairs on their own.
11/4/2025 Putnam, CT Lodge No: 574
Putnam, Conn., Lodge No. 574 uses its Spotlight Grant to provide items not covered by the SNAP program to those experiencing insecurity in its community. The Spotlight Grant funds cover a gap in service before the Lodge’s Impact Grant, which is funded for the same project, is renewed. Through its relationships with local nonprofits, the Lodge connects with and supports a number of populations, including seniors, people with disabilities and veterans. Usually, the Lodge purchases items such as hygiene materials, personal care items and school supplies; with the SNAP program’s recent cuts, the Putnam Elks will likely purchase more supplies with its grant funds, making it more essential to those it serves than ever.
11/4/2025 Madison, NJ Lodge No: 1465
Madison, N.J., Lodge No. 1465 uses its Gratitude Grant to support families in its community who do not speak English as a primary language. The Madison community has seen an increase in immigrants in recent years, and the Lodge welcomes them by hosting English as a Second Language classes in partnership with a local adult education program. The Lodge also supports its community food pantry with funding and volunteers. This and many other communities have been impacted by the cut in funding to SNAP benefits.
The Elks National Foundation allocated nearly $16 million this year to fund the Community Investments Program. Lodges meet local needs through grants that offer Elks opportunities 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. To learn more about the Community Investments Program, please visit elks.org/CIP. If you would like to speak to someone in the CIP office, we can be reached at 773-755-4730.