activities · 29
what they do
direct service · 26
- Community Meal ProgramsOperates a weekday soup kitchen at the Lodge, serving 30 individuals per day, many of whom are veterans, and hosts weekly meals for local youth, including homework assistance and guest speakers.
- Community Support ProgramsSponsors and operates various community programs through state associations and local lodges to assist individuals in need, including a weekday soup kitchen serving 30 individuals daily and weekly meals for local youth with homework assistance.
- Delivers meals and social services at local lodgesOperates a weekday soup kitchen serving 30 individuals daily, many of whom are veterans, and hosts weekly meals for local youth that include homework assistance and community guest speakers.
- Disaster Relief Efforts Disaster Recovery Construction and Debris RemovalOperates disaster relief efforts through the Elks Disaster Relief Fund, Inc. to provide assistance during emergencies.
- Disaster Relief Efforts Disaster Recovery Construction and Debris RemovalOperates disaster relief efforts through the Elks Disaster Relief Fund, Inc. to assist those in need.
- Drug Awareness Education Youth Drug Awareness Contests & MediaOperates the largest volunteer drug awareness program in the United States, which includes hosting essay, poster, and video contests for children and teens, and producing online comics to educate youth about drug awareness.
- Drug Awareness Education Youth Drug Awareness Contests & MediaOperates the largest volunteer drug awareness program in the United States, which includes hosting essay, poster, and video contests for children and teens, and producing and distributing online comics to educate youth about drug awareness.
- Financial and Equipment Aid for Special Needs Children Adaptive Social and Recreational ProgramsAwards over $425,000 in Special Grants for Special Children to Texas children with various special physical needs and provides special needs children across Texas with equipment such as hearing aids, wheelchairs, computers with Braille capabilities, and special braces.
- Hosts youth sports and leadership development programsOperates the Elks Hoop Shoot, a free throw program for youth aged 8–13, which has been active for over 50 years, and honors outstanding JROTC cadets through the JROTC Award program.
- JROTC Award ProgramHonors outstanding JROTC cadets through the JROTC Award program.
- Junior Membership Program Youth Membership ProgramsOffers junior membership through the Antlers program.
- Offers youth membership and development through Antlers program Youth Membership ProgramsProvides junior membership opportunities for youth through the Antlers program, fostering leadership and community engagement.
- Operates national drug awareness program for youth Youth Drug Awareness Contests & MediaRuns the largest volunteer drug awareness program in the United States, including essay, poster, and video contests for children and teens, as well as producing and distributing online comics to educate youth about drug prevention.
- Provides disaster relief through dedicated fund Disaster Recovery Construction and Debris RemovalOperates disaster relief efforts via the Elks Disaster Relief Fund, Inc., providing support in response to national and local emergencies.
- Provides summer camp and equipment support for children with disabilities Adaptive Social and Recreational ProgramsHosts an annual weeklong summer camp for individuals with disabilities, including the Texas Elks Camp that serves nearly 350 special needs children aged 7–15 each summer, and provides equipment such as hearing aids, wheelchairs, Braille computers, and special braces through Special Grants for Special Children.
- Publication of The Elks Magazine Member Newsletter & Magazine DistributionPublishes "The Elks Magazine" ten times a year for its members, available in print and online.
- Publishes member magazine Member Newsletter & Magazine DistributionProduces and distributes "The Elks Magazine" ten times per year in print and online for members.
- Sponsors community programs through state associations Co-Located Community Support ServicesSupports community-based initiatives through state associations to assist those in need, enabling localized service delivery.
- Summer Camp for Individuals with Disabilities Adaptive Social and Recreational ProgramsProvides an annual weeklong summer camp designed for individuals with disabilities.
- Support for Children with Special Needs (Texas Elks Camp & Services) Adaptive Social and Recreational ProgramsSupports nearly 350 special needs children aged 7-15 from Texas every summer through the Texas Elks Camp, awards over $425,000 in Special Grants for Special Children, and provides equipment such as hearing aids, wheelchairs, and special braces to children across Texas. This program has been active since 1987, evolving from the Texas Elks Crippled Children’s Hospital opened in 1946.
- Support for Individuals with Disabilities Adaptive Social and Recreational ProgramsProvides an annual weeklong summer camp designed for individuals with disabilities and supports nearly 350 special needs children aged 7-15 from Texas every summer through the Texas Elks Camp, which has been operating since 1987.
- Support for Veterans Veteran Emergency and Reintegration SupportProvides direct services to veterans in over 330 facilities monthly, connects with veterans and military members in their communities through grants to Elks Lodges, supports rehabilitation through adaptive sports and therapy kits, and engages veterans experiencing homelessness through the Welcome Home initiative.
- Supports veterans through direct services and rehabilitation programs Veteran Emergency and Reintegration SupportProvides direct service to veterans in over 330 facilities monthly, supports veteran rehabilitation through adaptive sports programs and therapy kits, and engages veterans experiencing homelessness via the Welcome Home initiative, with localized services delivered through grants to Elks Lodges.
- Veteran Support Services Veteran Emergency and Reintegration SupportProvides direct service to veterans in over 330 facilities monthly, connects with veterans and military members in their communities through grants to Elks Lodges, supports veteran rehabilitation and well-being through adaptive sports programs and therapy kits, and engages veterans experiencing homelessness through the Welcome Home initiative.
- Youth Sports Program (Elks Hoop Shoot) Youth Basketball Skills and Access ProgramsOperates the Elks Hoop Shoot, a free throw program for youth aged 8-13, which has been running for over 50 years.
- Youth Sports Programs Youth Basketball Skills and Access ProgramsOperates the Elks Hoop Shoot, a free throw program for youth aged 8-13, which has been running for over 50 years.
capacity building · 3
- Historical Collection Maintenance Oral History & Archival DocumentationMaintains a historical collection contributed by Mike Jones of Salisbury Elks Lodge #699.
- Maintains historical archives and memorial sitePreserves a historical collection contributed by Mike Jones of Salisbury Elks Lodge #699 and maintains the Elks National Memorial, constructed in 1926 to honor Americans who sacrificed for the nation, including hosting commemorative events and bussing services during national conventions.
- Member Publication Member Newsletter & Magazine DistributionPublishes "The Elks Magazine" ten times a year for its members, available in print and online.
strategies · 33
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Arts-based education for creative expression arts-based educationEmphasizes creativity and self-expression through fine arts activities, fostering artistic development and personal growth.
- Arts-based education for creativity and expression arts-based educationThe organization emphasizes creativity and expression for children through fine arts activities at camp, including making tie-dyed shirts, hand-painted ceramics, friendship bracelets, and necklaces.
- Broad definition of "prosthetic" for grant accessibilityThe organization defines "prosthetic" broadly for grant purposes to include any equipment or technology that helps a child live a more full and complete life, ensuring wider access to supportive resources.
- Broad definition of prosthetic for enhanced lifeUtilizes a broad definition of "prosthetic" for grant purposes to include any equipment or technology that helps a child live a more full and complete life, ensuring comprehensive support.
- Centralized digital archiving centralized_digital_archivingOrganizes historical materials through centralized digital archives, including photo albums, timelines, and document repositories, to ensure accessibility and preservation.
- Civic memorialization for promoting values civic_memorializationThe organization uses a national memorial space to promote reflection on service, sacrifice, and the core values of the Order, reinforcing its civic identity and principles.
- Civic memorialization for reflection on service civic_memorializationUtilizes a national memorial space to encourage reflection on service, sacrifice, and the core values of the Order.
- Community investment for holistic well-being community_investment_modelThe organization invests in community programs that focus on youth health and prevention, veteran support, and overall quality-of-life improvement, aiming for comprehensive community betterment.
- Community investment for quality of life community_investment_modelThe organization invests in community programs focused on youth health and prevention, veteran support, and overall quality-of-life improvement.
- Community investment for quality of life community_investment_modelInvests in community programs that enhance youth health and prevention, support veterans, and improve overall quality of life within communities.
- Community-based veteran service delivery community-based service deliveryDelivers services to veterans directly within their local communities through a lodge-based grant model.
- Community-driven disaster relief Elks Care - Elks ShareThe organization employs a community-driven approach to disaster relief, fostering mutual support and shared responsibility among members and affected communities to facilitate recovery.
- Community-driven disaster relief Elks Care - Elks ShareEmploys a community-driven approach to disaster relief, fostering mutual support and shared responsibility among members and affected communities.
- Community-driven support through state associations state_association_networkThe organization leverages state associations to deliver community support, including scholarships, medical research, and recreational programs, and uses a community-driven approach for disaster relief, emphasizing mutual support.
- Drug prevention through youth and family education drug-prevention_through_youth_educationThe organization prevents drug use by promoting drug-free environments for children and engaging them in drug awareness through family-friendly educational activities.
- Experiential learning for children with special needs experiential learningProvides children with special needs with valuable life skills through engaging and challenging activities, promoting development through hands-on experience.
- Experiential learning for children with special needs experiential_learningThe organization provides children with special needs valuable life skills through challenging and entertaining activities, including arts, sports, and other recreational programs.
- Experiential learning for special needs children experiential learningThe organization provides special needs children with valuable life skills through challenging and entertaining activities such as art, bowling, music, indoor rock climbing, sports, and swimming, fostering development through hands-on experience.
- Family-engaged drug awareness education family-engaged_drug_educationEngages children in drug awareness through family-friendly educational activities, fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Fostering community identity among scholarship recipients community_identityThe organization engages scholarship recipients as part of a broader community identity to foster connection and belonging.
- Member engagement through digital publication member engagement through publicationProvides an online edition of its magazine with additional benefits such as earlier availability, an archive of back issues, and bonus content like puzzles and multimedia links to enhance member engagement.
- Member engagement through heritage and digital publication member_engagement_through_heritageThe organization reinforces organizational unity, heritage, and member engagement through national conventions, milestone commemorations, and an online magazine edition offering earlier availability, archives, and bonus content.
- Member engagement through heritage and unity member_engagement_through_heritageReinforces organizational unity, heritage, and member engagement through national conventions and milestone commemorations.
- Needs-based and community-based veteran support needs-based_service_modelThe organization focuses on serving veterans and military members in need, delivering services within their local communities through a lodge-based grant model.
- Needs-based and community-delivered veteran support needs-based service modelThe organization focuses on serving veterans and military members who are in need, particularly vulnerable populations, by delivering services within their local communities through a lodge-based grant model.
- Needs-based veteran support needs-based service modelFocuses on providing support to veterans and military members who are in need, prioritizing assistance for vulnerable populations.
- Participatory history preservation participatory_history_preservationEngages members in preserving and experiencing organizational history through participatory digital resources, fostering a sense of connection and continuity.
- Preservation of organizational history through participatory digital archives participatory_history_preservationThe organization engages members in preserving and experiencing its history through participatory digital resources, including centralized digital archives with photo albums, timelines, and document repositories, to maintain and share its heritage.
- Preserving and engaging with organizational history participatory_history_preservationThe organization engages members in preserving and experiencing its history through participatory digital resources and centralized digital archives, reinforcing unity and heritage.
- State association network for community support state_association_networkThe organization utilizes state associations to deliver community support through scholarships, medical research, and recreational programs, leveraging a decentralized network for local impact.
- State association network for community support state_association_networkLeverages state associations to deliver community support through various programs such as scholarships, medical research, and recreational activities.
- Youth drug prevention through education drug-prevention_through_youth_educationPrevents drug use by promoting drug-free environments and educating children, laying a foundation for national well-being.
- Youth drug prevention through education and drug-free environments drug-prevention_through_youth_educationThe organization aims to prevent drug use by promoting drug-free environments for children and engaging them in drug awareness through family-friendly educational activities, establishing a foundation for national well-being.
named programs · 3
what they call their work
Elks National Drug Awareness Program
The largest volunteer drug awareness program in the U.S., aimed at educating children and communities about drug prevention.
Texas Elks Camp
Provides a summer camp experience for special needs children, focusing on fun and life skills development.
Texas Elks Grants for Special Children
Offers financial assistance for equipment and technology to help special needs children lead fuller lives.
relationships · 7
who they work with
- Choose Chicago Partner — Partner organization providing visitor and meeting information for the Elks National Convention in Chicago.
- Elk State Associations Network — State-level affiliates that sponsor local community programs
- Elks National Veterans Service Commission Network — Subsidiary commission responsible for guiding and expanding veteran service efforts across Elks Lodges.
- ElksKidZone.Org Partner — Online platform providing family-friendly drug awareness activities for children.
- Elksteenzone.org Partner — Online resource hub focused on drug awareness and issues facing teens.
- Salisbury Elks Lodge #699 Partner — Lodge whose member contributed an extensive historical collection to the Elks History Project.
- Texas Elks Children’s Services Board of Directors Partner — Finalized the grant guidelines for the "Texas Elks Grants for Special Children" program.