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
9/9/2025 Dunedin-Clearwater, FL Lodge No: 1525
uses its Gratitude Grant to support a Title One school in Dunedin throughout the school year. First, the Lodge helps students plant and tend a garden. Food from the garden is provided to families in need in the community. The Lodge also makes monthly trips to the school to stock its food pantry and clothing closets, ensuring that students are fed, clothed, and able to focus on learning.
9/9/2025 Red Wing, MN Lodge No: 845
uses its Spotlight Grant to organize monthly Stand Down events with Every Third Saturday, an organization that hosts events for veterans experiencing homelessness on the third Saturday of every month. The fall events are crucial for preparing individuals without consistent access to shelter for the harsh Minnesota winters. At these events, the Elks provide new thermal clothing, long underwear, winter hats and gloves, sleeping bags, hygiene items and first aid supplies.
9/9/2025 St. Helens, OR Lodge No: 1999
uses its Beacon Grant to host five Warm Welcome to the Library events around its county. At each event, the Lodge coordinates with Head Start and the local library to provide literacy resources and warm coats in preparation for winter. In small rural communities, the local library serves as a hub of culture, education and social support.
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.