An elite group of 105 Lodges received the maximum possible Gratitude Grant and are making use of the funds to serve diverse needs across the country. Here are a few examples!
Roseville, Calif., Lodge No. 2248 used its grant to purchase new books for every student at a local elementary school. At a five-day book fair organized by the Lodge, teachers and Elks helped students find a new read that was right for them.
The school the Lodge partners with is a Title I school, meaning many students come from families who struggle to make ends meet. The Roseville Lodge takes special pride in providing these important educational materials, especially if it is the first book the child can call their own.
Jackson, Wyo., Lodge No. 1713 received a Gratitude Grant for its annual Mother’s Day brunch at the local senior center. Putting $5,000 toward the purchase of food and flowers made the day special for all the mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers in attendance. By focusing the project on those served by the senior center, the Lodge provided a day of recognition and community for a population more at risk of loneliness and isolation.
Every year with its Gratitude Grant, Selbyville, Del., Lodge No. 2173 purchases school supplies for local elementary and middle school students. The Lodge distributed nearly 400 backpacks to students in the first two years of the program; with the increase in its 2026 Gratitude Grant, the Selbyville Elks were able to include classroom supplies requested by teachers. At the Lodge, members provided lunch and refreshments for the families and educators who dropped by to pick up supplies.
St. George 'Dixie', Utah, Lodge No. 1743 used its Gratitude Grant to support the “Flying Fish” program, which provides swim lessons to people with special needs. With Lodge assistance, those who participate in the program not only learn to swim but also attend and compete in Special Olympics events.
Elks participate in the program in meaningful ways throughout the year. From cooking meals and organizing awards banquets to providing instruction in the pool, the St. George ‘Dixie’ Elks ensure the participants have a beneficial and enjoyable experience in and out of the water.
Tri-Cities, Wash., Lodge No. 2755 used its $5,000 Gratitude Grant to purchase food and hygiene items for local students. The Lodge filled pantries with these essential items at two more schools than the prior year thanks to the grant increase and members’ keen eye for deals.
“When out shopping, we were asked many times why we were buying so much and when we explained we were thanked numerous times,” says Grants Coordinator Patty Shackelford. “The schools were very grateful and thankful for all the food we donated.”
These are just a few of the more than 1,200 Lodges that have received a Gratitude Grant so far this year. While Elks can make an impact with a Gratitude Grant of any amount, every extra dollar counts.
Lodges can qualify for the 2026-27 Gratitude Grant by meeting the GER’s per-member-giving goal of $5.15. And, it can receive an additional $500 for each bonus metric it meets:
Fundraising Increase Bonus: Lodges that increase their giving by 10% over the previous year.
Membership Support Bonus: Lodges in which more than 15% of members donated at least $10 to the ENF in the prior fiscal year.
Fidelity Club Bonus: Lodges in which 10% of the prior year’s donors were members of the Fidelity Club, the ENF’s sustaining giving program.
Chair Challenge Bonus: Lodges that attain a score of 550 points or higher in the prior fiscal year's Chair Challenge. This opportunity specifically recognizes Lodges that have strong, broad-based fundraising programs. Visit the Chair Challenge guidelines to learn more.
All the above metrics need to be met by March 31, 2026, to qualify for the 2026-27 Gratitude Grant and its bonuses. You can track your Lodge’s progress toward the per-member-giving goal and all the bonuses on the Gratitude Grant Bonus Dashboard.
Please keep in mind that it takes time to process all the donations that the Foundation receives at the end of the fiscal year. If you think your Lodge will be eligible for bonuses, wait until the year end numbers are finalized in mid-May to apply. Read more about the donation-processing timeline here.
CIP grant applications are open until January 21, 2026. For more information on the grants we offer, check out our Grant Toolkits. The CIP can be reached with any questions at 773/755-4730 or LodgeGrants@elks.org.