This year’s winners were Taunton, Mass., Lodge No. 150; Ashland, Ore., Lodge No. 944; Boonton, N.J., Lodge No. 1405; Desert Hot Springs, Calif., Lodge No. 2639; and Lamar, Mo., Lodge No. 2800. To hear more details on the raffle and other highlights from the 2024 Convention, check out the latest episode of the Midday Minute.
For a couple of these Lodges, the bonus grant is an exciting opportunity to double the impact of their Spotlight Grant. It’s also a chance to recognize the good that every Lodge can do with their Spotlight Grant, no raffle luck necessary.
Spotlight Grants can be used to relieve one of three community issues: ending veteran homelessness, improving childhood literacy, or alleviating hunger and essential needs deficiencies. Lodges can choose a ready-made project plan for the two former options or they can develop their own project that addresses issues affecting the health, hygiene and well-being of their neighbors.
Many Lodges take the off-the-shelf project plans and adapt them to meet the specific needs of their communities.
Clovis, Calif., Lodge No. 2599 noticed that women veterans often have distinct needs. Noting that women make up 11 percent of veterans in California —the second highest percentage by state —the Lodge decided to use its Spotlight Grant to support a Stand Down for women veterans.
The Central Valley Veterans organization hosts this annual event. The group arranges seminars and focus groups to hear the perspectives of women veterans and address their unique concerns. Medical services are also provided, along with clothing and personal items. Veterans experiencing housing insecurity can connect with social service agencies that will work to improve their living situations.
“The overall goal of the event is to have the women veterans leave the Stand Down with a renewed sense of pride and resiliency,” says Grants Coordinator Marti Fredericks. “This event allows local women veterans to have a voice.”
The Clovis Lodge uses its grant funds to cover food costs, but its participation goes beyond combatting food insecurity. Lodge volunteers help set up the venue, transport and register attendees, and remain on hand during the event to be ready to help at a moment’s notice.
Park Ridge, N.J., Lodge No. 2234 uses its Spotlight Grant to complete a Warm Welcome to the Library project. The Lodge partnered with two schools that enroll a significant percentage of children from under-resourced families to provide books and warm winter clothing.
The Lodge noted that even though Park Ridge is often perceived as an affluent area, poverty still exists in its community. Members connected with officials from Title I schools, who shared details of the needs faced by students, along with the books on their reading lists.
Elks were involved in the project from start to finish, purchasing, organizing, and distributing the materials to students. They also shared the reasons behind the project to local suppliers, who then contributed additional coats and books beyond what was purchased.
St. Cloud, Minn., Lodge No. 2843 provided hunger relief and combatted isolation by organizing cooking classes for veterans through the Hunger and Essential Needs Assistance project plan.
The “Beyond the Mess Hall” project addressed both the pressing need of hunger among veterans experiencing homelessness, and the need for camaraderie and connection with peers. The Lodge centered the program around veterans who had recently moved into permanent housing, teaching the skills needed to settle into their new homes, including how to find affordable ingredients, healthy cooking techniques, and food storage methods.
“This program was meant to help some of our veterans become more proficient cooks and to supply a good meal,” says Grants Coordinator Glenn Ahrensfeld. “This initiative not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters a supportive community environment, promoting long-term well-being and resilience among veterans.”
The Lodge connected with veteran support groups to identify attendees and local businesses for donations of food supplies. The monthly cooking classes were held at the Veteran Resource and Enrichment Center, where 28 Elks helped 57 veterans develop their culinary skills and shared delicious meals.
Whether your Lodge was one of the raffle winners or not, all Lodges can complete a project like the ones described above. Every Lodge is eligible for a Spotlight Grant; head over to the CIP Grants Dashboard and apply to serve your community today!
Beacon, Spotlight, and Gratitude Grant applications are open through January 22, 2025. For more information, visit elks.org/cip, or contact the CIP office at 773/755-4730 or LodgeGrants@elks.org.