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Monday Morning Memo for October 12, 2026
Elks National Foundation
Hello North Carolina Elks,
Today’s guest Bugler is Jim Payne, Esteemed Leading Knight, and ENF Chair at the Elizabeth
City Lodge.
October is Elks National Foundation (ENF) Month, a time to celebrate how the Elks National
Foundation advances its mission to help Elks build stronger communities. How does the ENF do
this? By investing directly in the communities where Elks live and work. Our North Carolina
Charitable Trust, the Gerald Coates Endowment Fund, works in much the same way at the state
level.
In 1928, one man's dream became a reality for all Elks and the communities we serve. Then-National President John F. Malley envisioned a plan that would "unite the forces of the Order into a mighty army for the service of mankind." Thus established the Elks National Foundation with an initial $100,000 grant garnered during the National Convention.
In the 2026-27 fiscal year, the ENF is allocating $49.6 million to programs that improve the
quality of life in local Elks communities, help the state Elks associations accomplish their
charitable objectives, meet the needs of today's veterans, and provide our youth with lifelong skills.
The largest of these programs is the Community Investments Program. Established in 2005, the
CIP has grown from a modest budget of $350,000 to $18.8 million, allowing each Lodge to
receive up to $11,500 in grants, thanks to an increase in the Spotlight Grant to celebrate
America's 250th birthday. Spotlight Grants increased from $2,000 to $2,500 this year in honor of this milestone. CIP grants allow Elks to identify the unique needs of their communities, develop a plan, and address them through Elks-led, volunteer-based projects. Similarly, state Elks associations tackle needs through charitable programs. The ENF will contribute $11.7 million to State Grants this year, making it the second largest appropriation in the budget.
The Elks National Veterans Service Commission provides aid and comfort to America's veterans in need. To ensure that the sacrifices of these veterans are never forgotten, the ENF allocation to the ENVSC will increase by more than 14% this year to $7.3 million, enabling the Elks to provide even more Welcome Home Kits.
Additionally, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Elks National Memorial, the ENF is
providing the Memorial with an additional $10 million grant, over five years, on top of the
annual funding to the Elks National Memorial Building and Special Reserve Fund, nearly
tripling last year's disbursement to $3.1 million.
The Most Valuable Student scholarship offers a different opportunity. It ranges from $4,000 to
$30,000 over four years. This scholarship program awards scholarships to high school seniors
with no direct ties to Elks, other than the application. MVS scholars gain more than just financial
aid; they gain an appreciation for service, a network of like-minded peers, and an Elks Family for
life. Scholarships are not the only way the ENF provides for the next generation. Through the
Hoop Shoot, the ENF is unleashing gritty kids who understand the importance of hard work,
determination, and perseverance. This year, nearly $1.6 million will be allocated to the Hoop
Shoot. The ENF also allocated more than $1 million to the Drug Awareness Program, enabling
us to continue promoting constructive, collaborative solutions for our youth.
Through these programs, both the ENF and the Coates Endowment Fund, Elks will continue the
mission of helping Elks build stronger communities. These are just some of the ways Elks
continue to Share and Care. Your Lodge ENF Chair can provide more information on either of
these funds.
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