Dear Bob,
Big news from the ENF! Read on for the latest stories.

The ENF Was Hot in Phoenix!

We are back from Phoenix after another successful Elks Convention! When in town, we heard from programs recipients, held various seminars, awarded two $25,000 grants, and even enjoyed a Mexican Rodeo with our friends and supporters. Click here to read more and watch the videos we screened at the sessions.

Emergency Educational Grant Applications Available

Since their father passed away, sisters Allison and Carly Gansel have made it their mission to pay tribute to his memory by excelling in college. Thanks to their Emergency Educational Grants, sponsored by Alliance, Ohio, Lodge No. 467, Allison and Carly are doing just that. Emergency Educational Grants are available to college-age children of deceased or totally disabled Elks. Applications are available by request by calling 773/755-4732 or emailing scholarship@elks.org.

Because of You

The 2010-11 ENF Annual Report, “Because of You,” is now online! Take a look at what we accomplished thanks to your generous support. The report also details our 2010-11 financial highlights. Click here to read about the great things that happened in Elks communities in 2010-11.

Serve Your Community

Erie, Pa., Lodge No. 67 uses its Impact Grant to serve children with autism. Lodge members partner with Therapy Dogs United to pair therapy dogs with local kids, helping them with confidence, communication and focus.  
Can the Elks address a need in your community? Visit our Impact Grant webpage to learn more about Impact Grants and to fill out an application today! Applications are due August 31, so don’t delay.

Sincerely,

 
Jim O'Kelley, Director

Are You Ready for Some Hoop Shoot?

The National Hoop Shoot Finals are on April 30, 2011, in Springfield, Mass. Wish contestants good luck by sending an e-greetingby April 15. Don't worry if you can't make it to the contest. This year, you can follow all the action online through the Hoop Shoot Shot Tracker.

Join the Conversation
  
Want an inside peek into the ENF? Visit the new ENF blog to get the latest news from each ENF department, and check out the Elks Community Builder of the Week. Click here to subscribe to the ENF blog today!

Elks Scholars Serve

This April, Elks scholars across the country will come together to serve their communities in the name of the Elks during the Elks Scholar Month of Service. Visit our website often for service project updates, and to find an Elks scholar group near you! If you would like to get involved, email scholarship@elks.org.

  Last Call, on the Double 

You have until midnight on March 31 to make an online credit card donation for 2010-11! All mailed donations must be in our office on or before March 31. Click here to give online today. Consider a gift of $10 or more to finish this year strong. While you're at it, click here to see if your company will match your donation to double the support. Thanks for making 2010-11 a great year!

Big news from the ENF! Read on for the latest stories.

If I had a CIP Grant...

...I'd build stronger communities all over this land! The Community Investments Program helps Elks address local needs in their own communities, and it's about to get a big boost. The ENF Board of Trustees doubled funding for the Community Investments Program for the 2011-12 year, to $4.6 million from $2.3 million! Read all about it by visiting our website!

ENF Set to Distribute $21.7 Million

On February 9, at a meeting in Myrtle Beach, S.C., the ENF Board of Trustees approved appropriations and distributions for the 2011-12 fiscal year totaling a record $21.7 million. These funds will allow Lodges to strengthen their communities through the recently expanded Community Investments Program, help students attend college with ENF scholarships, teach good sportsmanship and the importance of healthy living to youth through the Hoop Shoot® and Drug Awareness Program, and support veterans across the U.S. For the complete list of appropriations, visit our website.

The End is Near
Make Your Donation Count! 

Thanks to an ENF Gratitude Grant, Wadena, Minn., Lodge No. 2386 organized a 120-mile motorcycle ride for 150 riders to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Minnesota. Your Lodge can make a difference too! All donations for the 2010-11 fiscal year must be received in the ENF office by March 31, 2011. Make that final donation count and help your Lodge reach the GER's per-capita goal to qualify for a Gratitude Grant.