ELKS NATIONAL FOUNDATION PROGRAMS – serving our local communities
The mission of the Elks National Foundation is to help Elks build stronger communities. We fulfill this pledge by investing in communities where Elks live and work. We provide tomorrow’s leaders, our youth, with lifelong skills; meet the needs of today’s veterans; help the state Elks associations accomplish their charitable objectives; and fund projects that improve the quality of life in local Elks communities. For more information about any of the programs as well as volunteer opportunities, please contact the Springfield Elks Lodge #158 office at 217-529-0158 or email springfieldelkslodge158@gmail.com for more information and volunteer opportunities.
Scholarships
Each year the Elks National Foundation provides more than $3.65 million in college scholarships to graduating seniors.
Americanism
The Grand Lodge Americanism Committee annually sponsors the Americanism Essay Contest for school children in grades 5-8. This very important Patriotic Contest gives school children the opportunity to express their views on America and what being a patriotic citizen means. .
Hoop Shoot
The yearly Elks Hoop Shoot Free Throw Program is open to all boys and girls ages 8 through 13. The contest starts at the lodge level and advances through district, state and regional contests before the national finals in the spring.
Drug Awareness
The Elks Drug Awareness Program distributes literature and organizes events to make kids and their parents aware of the dangers posed by alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs. Try the program’s Drug Awareness quiz and test your knowledge!
Youth Activities
Other youth-oriented activities sponsored by the Elks include the Soccer Shoot, the Antlers program, the yearly Americanism essay contest and more.
Garrison Flag
As part of the Americanism Program, the lodge carries the Garrison Flag each year in the Springfield St. Patrick’s Day, State Fair, Veteran’s Day and Christmas Parade. 30 volunteers are required to support this effort.
Veterans Programs
Since the early days of Elkdom, the Veterans Service Commission has patriotically served those Elks who have fought for our great nation. In addition to what the lodge does on its own, we partner with our local and state veterans organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA), the WWII Illinois Veterans Memorial through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Veterans Assistance Commission of Sangamon County, American Legion, Amvets, Sons and Daughters of WWII Veterans, and others. The partnership has allowed us to utilize our combined resources to help bring awareness to veterans’ issues, concerns & needs, as well as providing financial assistance through fundraising efforts and grants.
Community Investments Program
Through several grant components, the Elks National Foundation will invest up to $2.3 million to help Elks build stronger communities.