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
6/3/2025 Kittanning, PA Lodge No: 203
uses its Gratitude Grant to provide musical instruments to Fostering Music. This nonprofit supports children in foster care by providing them with instruments and free music lessons. This initiative addresses the pressing need for musical education among the over 2,000 foster children in Western Pennsylvania, many of whom face financial barriers. Research indicates that children who study music tend to achieve better academic outcomes, making this program essential for their development.
5/13/2025 Auburn Opelika, AL Lodge No: 1834
uses its Gratitude Grant to support Women’s Hope, a medical clinic that provides free and confidential pregnancy services. The Lodge runs a baby shower for clients of the clinic, who often come to the clinic with a sense of desperation. At the shower, the clients receive essential baby items and emotional support from the Lodge and the clinic staff. Additionally, the Lodge provides the clinic with the necessary equipment to support its clients.
5/13/2025 Marshall County, AL Lodge No: 2869
uses its Beacon Grant to promote fire safety and carbon monoxide awareness in its community. The Lodge partners with the local fire department to distribute smoke and CO detectors, items that many families in the community lack. Lodge members purchase the detectors and batteries and assist firefighters in distributing them. The Lodge writes that lives have been lost recently due to fires and CO poisoning, so these detectors will save lives.
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.