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
4/1/2026 Arlington, MA Lodge No: 1435
used its Beacon Grant to provide school supplies to students living in a low-income housing development, Menotomy Manor. The distribution event was almost not to be, but thanks to the dedication of volunteers from the Lodge, Menotomy, and an employee at the community center, it was saved. After having to delay, delay and delay, their determination finally paid off, and over 300 students from kindergarten through high school received the supplies they needed to make it through the rest of the school year.
4/1/2026 Ohio River Valley, OH Lodge No: 231
used its Beacon Grant for two projects supporting children facing food insecurity. The Lodge provided bags with a family meal and snack items every Friday for students who rely upon the meals they get at school. Also, in what Grants Coordinator Mary Carolyn Nichelson calls “a labor of love,” the Lodge hosted cooking classes every Wednesday after school, where students learned to cook balanced meals that were simple enough to prepare at home. The highlight of the year was the Thanksgiving meal that the students prepared with help from cafeteria staff and enjoyed with their families.
3/17/2026 Everett, WA Lodge No: 479
used its Spotlight Grant in combination with a full $5,000 Gratitude Grant to distribute food to four local schools and an after-school homework club. The food ensures that students have something to eat when they arrive at school or at homework club, so they can focus on learning. The boost from the Gratitude Grant enabled the Lodge to provide enough food for students to take some home over the weekends.
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.