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
12/3/2024 Beaverton, OR Lodge No: 1989
uses its Gratitude Grant to "Fill the Bus," a project started by Beaverton school bus drivers that aims to support the Beaverton Resource Center. Participants collect essential items for local families facing challenges such as food insecurity, homelessness and healthcare needs. The Lodge provides clothing, food, and other necessities through various drives. Lodge members, including school district employees, organize and advertise the collection of new and gently used items.
12/3/2024 Fayetteville, NC Lodge No: 1081
uses its Spotlight Grant to partner with Veteran's Bridge Home to establish a food pantry for veterans. The Lodge selected this project to address food insecurity among veterans transitioning to civilian life. Lodge members organize food distributions, support deliveries for those unable to travel, and assist with event logistics.
12/3/2024 Milwaukie-Portland, OR Lodge No: 142
uses its Beacon Grant to support young people experiencing homelessness. Gentrification, increasing housing costs, and other economic pressures have displaced, marginalized, and isolated families who were already facing economic insecurity. The Lodge partners with New Avenues for Youth, an organization dedicated to ending youth homelessness, to allow young people the opportunity to shop for themselves during the holidays. Items that can be “bought” include clothing and survival items, such as sleeping bags, warm clothing, backpacks, hygiene items and toys for younger siblings.
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.