Our Legacy to the Future

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.” During the annual Grand Lodge Convention in Miami that year, Malley's call to service inspired delegates to take action by voting to establish the Elks National Foundation with an initial $100,000 grant.

More than 90 years after Malley shared his vision with the Order, the Elks National Foundation continues to unite all Elks in service to their communities.

Our Mission

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 help youth develop lifelong skills, send students to college, meet the needs of today's veterans, support the charitable work of the state Elks associations, and fund projects that improve the quality of life in local Elks communities.

Our Impact

Since its inception, the Elks National Foundation has contributed more than $500 million toward Elks charitable projects nationwide. Our programs continue to grow each year, allowing Elks to do even more to build stronger communities. Click here for details on all Elks National Foundation programs.

This year, the Elks National Foundation allocated nearly $16 million to fund the Community Investments Program, investing in Elks communities through grants for Elks Lodges. Community Investments Program grants offer your Lodge an opportunity to serve your community in ways that will raise the Lodge’s profile, energize the membership, encourage former members to return to the fold, and gain the notice of people who want to be part of an organization that’s doing great things.

How the Elks National Foundation Works

The Elks National Foundation is able to help Elks build stronger communities thanks to contributions from our generous donors. Since our inception, we have received more than $288.7 million in contributions and bequests. Today, we have nearly 120,000 active donors and an endowment fund valued at $749.6 million.

A board of seven trustees, who are all past national presidents of the Order, governs the Elks National Foundation, which is located at the Elks national headquarters in the Elks Veterans Memorial in Chicago. The director, Jim O'Kelley, oversees the administration of the Elks National Foundation’s day-to-day operations. Click here to meet O’Kelley and his staff. The Elks National Foundation also has volunteers at the Lodge, district, and state levels who help coordinate our fundraising strategy and implement our programs.

Thanks to the ongoing support of our donors, the Elks National Foundation continues to expand on Malley’s vision, mobilizing Elks across the country into a force for positive change.