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
1/14/2025 Houma, LA Lodge No: 1193
uses its Gratitude Grant to support Happy Gowns for Joyful Hearts, an organization that sews bright and colorful gowns, warm hats, and blankets for children who are hospitalized. This annual project for the Lodge gets many members excited to participate hands-on. There is membership overlap between the two organizations, and Lodge members who are not Happy Gowns members still get involved, helping crochet hats and blankets.
1/14/2025 Greenfield, MA Lodge No: 1296
uses its Spotlight Grant to partner with a church to provide a weekly free meal for veterans facing food insecurity. The Lodge opens its doors to around 70 veterans once a week, and members volunteer as chefs and servers.
1/14/2025 Elizabethtown, KY Lodge No: 2891
uses its Beacon Grant to support children in foster care who are awaiting placement. The Lodge is refurbishing a room at the offices of Child Protective Services to house children while they await their new homes. The Lodge will paint and furnish the room, and provide backpacks, toiletries and clothing for foster children.
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.