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
10/22/2025 Gilbert, AZ Lodge No: 2848
Gilbert, Ariz., Lodge No. 2848 uses its Impact Grant to provide food to elementary school students and their families through pantries in the schools. The Lodge ensures that each school’s pantry is stocked, and every other week, members work in the pantry to distribute food to families and create a welcoming experience free of stigma. A huge success of last quarter was a partnership between the Lodge and the new social worker, who was very impressed with the support the Lodge provides. Shebegan to raise awareness of this resource by creating signs and spreading the word, which lead to an increase of families benefiting from the pantry. The Lodge plans to apply the same awareness campaign with the other participating schools.
10/22/2025 Grapevine, TX Lodge No: 2483
Grapevine, Texas, Lodge No. 2483 uses its Beacon Grant to provide wide-ranging support to a local elementary school. At the school, the Lodge is involved in many respects, starting with morning drop-off; with “Doors for Dads,” male Lodge members are present when children are dropped off at school, providing a positive male presence for students that may be without one. The Lodge also provides year-round support with weekend kits of food and hygiene supplies, along with larger kits for school breaks. Around Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Lodge opens its doors to families from the school to enjoy the holidays with a meal and a chance to meet Santa.
10/22/2025 Farmington, MI Lodge No: 1986
Farmington, Mich., Lodge No. 1986 uses its Gratitude Grant for a Warm Welcome to the Library project. Building on the success of the prior year’s Spotlight Grant, the Lodge expanded the project to serve an entire elementary school. The Lodge provides warm winter clothing for students and new books for the school’s library. The Lodge also provides much-needed school supplies for each classroom. Lodge members attend PTA meetings to hear from parents and teachers about the needs of the school community to maximize the project’s impact.
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.