Focus Grants

The VA has asked the Elks to focus their efforts in and around the following 12 cities, which they’ve identified as the areas of highest need. The following two additional programs are available only in these 12 areas.

The Elks National Veterans Service Commission is offering additional grants, known as Focus Grants, to Lodges in the 12 target cities identified above. These grants of up to $10,000 will be available specifically to assist veterans who are homeless, or at risk of being so. Applications become available online on April 1, 2024, and available until all grant funds are claimed.

Here are the requirements:

• Significant Elk involvement is required.

• Grant applications must focus on direct service to veterans experiencing or
  at risk of homelessness.

• Grants are competitive and will be awarded to Lodges with the intent to award
  a similar number of grants to Lodges in each area. Please work together with Lodges in your area to coordinate outreach.

• A complete application and budget must be submitted and approved before
  funds are mailed.

• A mid-year report is required.
• After the project is complete, Lodges must complete a Final Report, including documentation of all funds spent.

Resources

• Read about 2024 Focus Grant recipient Fremont, Calif, Lodge No. 2121, which has spent years building a strong relationship with the local veterans housing facility.

• Read about how five Lodges used their 2023 Focus Grants to serve veterans at risk of homelessness in different ways.

• Read the lessons learned by project managers for San Rafael, Calif., Lodge No. 1108 ‘s Focus Grant.

• Read advice from Lodges that have received Focus Grants in the past.